http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz en-us Mon, 04 May 2026 09:29:35 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162392/what-happens-at-a-saddle-fit/ To what to expect at a saddle fit (when looking for a new or second hand saddle) I will summarise what the process is (in the not too distant past a client would have sourced a number of saddles then asked the saddle fitter to come and access .The process now days is that the saddle fitter will have a number of brands they work with and potentially a number of good quality second hand saddles. ·       We always start by getting details of horse and rider inclu... Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:23:26 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162392 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162056/top-tips-for-autumn/ Why Consistent Weight and Topline Matters for Saddle FitYour saddle fitter will often encourage you to keep your horse at a consistent weight and topline because even small changes in condition can alter how a saddle fits. As horses gain or lose weight, or their muscle changes through the back and shoulders, the saddle may begin to sit differently, creating pressure points or restricting movement. Seasonal shifts in pasture, workload, and coat growth through autumn can all influence body shape. ... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:55:05 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162056 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162055/nsc-saddle-explainer-1/ Ever noticed the stitching line across the back of your saddle panel? That’s the rear gusset. Its depth determines how much flocking can be added at the back of the panel and how much support the saddle can offer behind the rider.The type and depth of rear gusset plays a crucial role in how your saddle fits your horse and its individual back shape Deep rear gussets on a flatter backed or low withered horse can make the saddle feel perched and unstable. Not enough depth in the rear gussets on a... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:29:45 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162055 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162054/nsc-saddle-explainer-2-the-gullet/ When we refer to the gullet in this context, we are talking about the metal head plate within the saddle tree. This is the structural component that determines the width and shape at the very front of the saddle The gullet influences how the saddle sits around your horse’s withers and the top of the shoulder. It sets the initial framework for balance. If the gullet is too narrow, the saddle can pinch through the wither area and sit high at the front. This often leads to pressure and restricted... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:26:37 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162054 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162053/nsc-saddle-explainer-3-the-gullet-channel/ When we refer to the gullet channel, we are talking about the space that runs down the centre of the saddle between the panels This channel sits directly over your horse’s spine. Its purpose is to ensure there is no pressure placed on the spinal processes or the supporting ligaments. The width and consistency of this channel matter. If the channel is too narrow, the panels can press inward, creating unwanted pressure along the spine. If it becomes uneven or collapses through the middle, it can... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:23:04 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162053 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162052/nsc-saddle-explainer-4-the-front-gusset/ Front gussets are the stitched sections at the front of the saddle panels, just below the tree points They create extra space at the front of the panel that allows for additional flocking to be used to create extra depth in this area. Their purpose is to influence how the front of the panel sits against the horse. On some horses, additional depth through the front gusset provides improved support and more consistent contact, particularly where there is natural hollowing behind the shoulder or a ... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:19:23 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162052 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162051/nsc-saddle-explainer-5-the-tree/ The tree is the internal framework of the saddle. It determines the overall shape, width and structural integrity of the saddle. Every other component, from the panels to the gussets, is built around it. A key role of the tree is weight distribution. It provides a stable structure that allows the panels to spread the rider’s weight over a broader surface area, rather than concentrating pressure in small points. The tree also helps protect your horse’s back by maintaining clearance through th... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:16:32 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162051 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162050/nsc-saddle-explainer-6-tree-points/ The tree points (often called simply 'points') are the forward extensions of the saddle tree that sit on either side of your horse’s withers. Depending on the saddle construction, you may or may not be able to see the tree points easily from the outside of the saddle. The length of the tree points makes a significant difference to how the saddle performs. Longer tree points extend further down the front of the panel. This can help provide additional stability at the front of the saddle. On hor... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:12:32 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162050 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162048/nsc-saddle-explainer-7-the-panel/ SADDLE EXPLAINER #7 PANELSThe panels are the padded sections underneath the saddle that sit directly against your horse’s back. They are attached to the tree and are responsible for distributing the rider’s weight evenly across the horse’s musclesWhile the tree provides structure, the panels provide contact.Panels are typically filled with wool flocking or foam. Their shape, depth and consistency influence how pressure is spread and how the saddle feels in motion.If the panels are uneven, ... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:01:09 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162048 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/post/162047/nsc-saddle-explainer-8-the-flocking/ Flocking is the material inside the saddle panels that allows the saddle to make correct contact with your horse’s back. In most traditionally constructed saddles, this is wool flocking. Wool is used because it can be adjusted, redistributed and refined over time Flocking does more than provide cushioning works in partnership with the tree to distribute the rider’s weight across the long back muscles on either side of the spine. The tree provides the structure. The flocking allows that ... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:56:51 +1300 http://www.equinesaddlefit.co.nz/blog/#post162047