Chris Evans Saddle Fitting

Something discussed at fittings is the way a rider feels in the saddle, I often see riders move saddles to one side when they are perfectly centre and think they are then straight when they are not. It's a really interesting topic and just hits home the importance of rider fitness, discussing physical reasons why a rider can't sit straight and the importance of bodywork for riders and not just the horses😊

ARE YOU STANDING EVENLY?

This was a force plate output from a clinic last week. The rider was asked to stand evenly, and when they confirmed they were standing evenly we recorded data.

We always see differences between left and right (sidedness) when standing, seated and rotating, but what is interesting here is the position of the right foot (rotation), relative to the left. This was what felt “equal” to the rider when standing on a solid platform.

Whilst we can’t explicitly determine a relationship, on the horse, the rider shifted their seat to the left (no saddle slip left or right), and rotated to the right. Their right foot was rotated outwards, and right knee drawing up with the right thigh gripping. The upper body had a concavity of the right trunk (collapse) and rotation to the right.

An interesting example of what can be seen off-horse, and how it “may” influence riding position. Reinforcing the importance of “off horse assessment” and exercise to improve riding biomechanics, and to understand the complex interactions between the rider-horse-saddle.

How many people see one foot/knee externally rotating when riding (coupled with the other foot / heel being pushed down or braced)?

Next up, Kent & Masters Competition dressage saddle, adjustable gullet and girthing options. Part of the dressage saddle range I now have available.