Is it me, or is my saddle out of balance?
The saddle puts us in the driving seat when we go out for a jump or a hack and ensures comfort for our horses. Yet, for such a key part of our kit many know relatively little about them, besides the importance of keeping them in mint condition.
Now’s the time to learn more!
We were proud to produce a video in partnership with the FEI, Han Equestrian and Amanda Ross to help you to understand exactly how your saddle should feel.
Click on any of the images or this link to be taken to the video on the FEI website.
Why is this important?
The saddle acts as a connection between you and your horse. If your saddle is not balanced correctly, it can have an enormous impact on your riding position and influence the performance of you and your horse. Watch the video to understand a little bit about how to assess the balance of your saddle and what you could do to easily improve your saddle balance.
How should your saddle feel?
Amanda put this perfectly "For me, the biggest thing about a balanced saddle is that you actually don't feel it. They are so comfortable and don't get in your way so you're free to do the job of riding."
"It's working with you, not against you", commented Han.
Going further, Amanda explains that "in jumping, I have to get into two point position. I want to be able to stand and stay here super, super balanced. If the saddle isn't aligned properly then I can't do it, and I feel like I'm spending more energy on trying to stay in that position and gripping, rather than just sitting."
About Amanda Ross
Amanda is an international eventer who has seen it all and is passionate about sharing her knowledge.
Based on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, Amanda has been riding since her humble Pony Club days to the Olympic Games and has always found her passion and purpose in living a lifestyle with horses.
In addition to a life of eventing, Amanda dabbled in showing as a kid, did a few seasons of FEI dressage, and then more recently, has turned her focus to show jumping, placing in her first World Cup!
Love the products in this video?
Find out more about each here:
- Bates Artiste dressage saddle (alignment clip)
- Bates Victrix jump saddle (main saddle shown)
- Bates Saddle Pad (shown with dressage saddle)
- Bates Webbers in Luxe Leather (shown on dressage saddle)
- Bates Stirrup Leathers with Coloured Highlights (shown on jump saddle)
