Section 1.1: Introduction
Welcome to our online User Guide!
This is a constantly evolving body of work which we are updating and improving at every opportunity with new information and helpful hints to help you get the best out of your Solution treeless saddle and your horse.
Please keep coming back to it as a reference manual and to check for updates.
If you have any queries that are not covered here, please let us know and we will incorporate it into the guide.
Some of the old “rules” that were traditionally adhered to for using conventional treed saddles simply do not apply to The Solution treeless saddle’s innovative flexible design.
The Solution system, whilst being a different concept, is easy for even the novice rider or horse owner to understand and utilise without the need for continued specialist help. Most people find that once they are familiar with the concept, they can use simple techniques to fit to different back shapes, or adjust the balance for a horse that is changing shape.
However, in the same way that you would schedule routine checks from a saddler for a treed saddle, we recommend that you have regular reviews. |
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Our Home Consultancy Service is available for routine checks or if you would like help with fitting to different horses or riders.
If you are experiencing any problems in fitting or using your Solution treeless saddle, there is always help and advice on hand.
Please do not hesitate to contact your Advisor as they have seen you and your horse, conducted an assessment and fitting and are in the best position to provide you with any ongoing support.
After a simple demonstration, it should be possible for anyone to use the system with confidence.
This guide sets out to explain the simple logic of how the system works and why.
Please click on a title below to view that section or 'View PDF' to download: |
User Guide Contents:
Section 1- Introduction
1.1: Introduction
1.2: Assessing and reviewing saddle fit - View PDF
Section 3 - Fitting guidelines
3.1: Positioning the saddle - View PDF
Section 4 - Sizing
4.0
Sizing - View PDF
Section 5 - Girthing
5.1: Girthing and sizing - View PDF
5.2: Girthing technique - View PDF
Section 6 - Checking the fit
6.0: Checking the Fit - View PDF
Section 7 - Fitting the rider
7.1:
The Solution concept - View PDF
7.2: Factors to consider
7.3: Asymmetry
Section 8 - Care of the saddle
8.1: Storage - View PDF
8.2: Cleaning
Section 9 - Crossover breastgirth
9.1: Safety considerations - View PDF
9.2: About the Scapula - View PDF
9.3: Fitting the crossover breastgirth - View PDF
9.4: Breastgirth Sizing - View PDF
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Section 10 - Fitting blocks
10.0: Solution saddle blocks
10.1: Knee blocks - View PDF
10.2: Thigh blocks - View PDF
10.3: Shoulder columns - View PDF
Section 11 - Saddle cloths
11.1: Solution saddle cloths - View PDF
11.2: Lining options
11.3: Styles
11.4: Sizes
11.5: Care
Section 12 - Balance pads
12.1: Dorsal Supplement pads - View PDF
12.2: Shoulder Shims - View PDF
Section 13 - Stirrups and leathers
13.1: Stirrups - View PDF
13.2: Stirrup leathers
13.3:
Fitting dressage webbers - View PDF
13.4: Adjusting dressage webbers - View PDF
13.5: Fitting Stirrups - View PDF
13.6: Fitting Jumping leathers - View PDF
Section 14 - Mounting technique
14.0:
Mounting technique View PDF
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1.2 Assessing and reviewing the saddle fit
The principles of fitting the Solution treeless saddles are very straightforward and enable the user to make adjustments quickly and easily without constantly resorting to professional assistance.
Initial fitting advice from a Solution Saddles trained fitting agent should enable any rider to use the saddle comfortably with confidence.
We recommend that when a horse is first introduced to The Solution saddle, you take things slowly, particularly with a horse that has had a fundamental or dramatic change in the way of going. The horse may be using different muscles in a different way and will require conditioning with short repetitions, building up, to avoid fatigue or strain.
If the saddle has been fitted to an unbacked horse or one that is off work and cannot be ridden for any reason, we recommend that a further fitting visit is booked when the ridden fit can be assessed.
The Solution system is designed to be used with balance pads where the horse’s back shape or conformation requires. The saddle does not permanently mould to the horse’s back, but flexes into the back shape with the horse’s movement.
Some well muscled horses or those with rounded backs may not require any balancers, but those with a prominent spine or muscle wastage generally will.
Horses change shape constantly throughout their lives due to maturity, muscle development, fitness levels and weight fluctuations. For example, in just a week, a fluctuation of 3-6 kilos in weight is perfectly normal. The horse carries most of his stored fat deposits over his top line, so variations in weight can affect saddle fit.
With all horses, it is a good idea to regularly review and keep health records to enable you to monitor and manage their weight and fitness effectively.
As part of this good practice, their shape and saddle fit should be regularly reviewed.
These measurements are particularly interesting in rehabilitation cases, where some remarkable improvements are often seen.
The Users’ Guide contains some simple methods of useful measurements that can be easily recorded.
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Section 3 - Fitting Guidelines
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3.1. Positioning the saddle
It is unnecessary to place the saddle as far back as many treed saddles require to be placed, as the flexible Solution will not restrict the lift and swing of the horse’s shoulder, but lift and move with it. This is particularly the case with the more forward cut models (GP and Jumper), where the flap can lie comfortably on the shoulder.
 
Maisie the Mule’s upright shoulder was impossible to fit with any jumping saddle
other than a Solution.
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The tree points of a traditional saddle would restrict and bruise the scapula if the girth was positioned correctly. For this reason, treed saddles have to be placed further back. |
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Start with the saddle well forward – it will flex snugly into position as you tighten the girth. |
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Before fastening the girth, check that the centre seams of the saddle cloth and the DSP if used, are lined up straight.
Put your thumb under the front of the saddle cloth and pull it up firmly into the underside of the saddle, slightly lifting the front of the saddle as you do so to ensure that the cloth will not be pulled down onto the wither |
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Pass the billets through the saddle cloth girth loops.
Correctly positioned, the girth billets straps will hang vertically and straight just behind the elbow with the horse standing squarely and the forelimb also vertical. |
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The girth should lie across the broadest area of the pectoral muscles and the sternum and should not be further back onto the xiphoid cartilage process. |
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General guidelines
The Solution Saddle is fitted to the rider size, not horse size or shape. Correctly fitted and balanced, the rider should be able to comfortably ride in one saddle on any horse.
The table below is for general guidance only as there are several factors which will affect the choice of saddle size:
- Rider weight
- Hip size
- Hip to knee length
- Riding style and preferred stirrup length
- Saddle model
- Rider personal preference
We recommend that a test ride with a trained advisor is carried out before ordering a saddle. This opportunity to feel the different sizes and models and receive advice on optimum balance and fit for horse and rider comfort will guide you towards the best saddle choice.
As a general rule, if it is appropriate for the rider to sit on the horse, their saddle size will also be appropriate.
Short backed and small horses can be comfortably ridden in larger saddle sizes because the flexible seat and cantle will move with the back action, avoiding pressure and bridging at the rear; this would not be possible in a treed saddle, which should be positioned in front of the last rib.
 
The same adult rider rides both Sean the pony and Mac the cob in the same Solution saddle
Height and weight of the rider are the factors that have most influence on the saddle size required.
There are no hard and fast rules as much of the decision will be from the rider’s personal preference – some prefer to be seated snugly, others prefer more room to move.
It is advisable to try more than one size where there is any doubt.
Hip to knee length: if longer than average, may require a longer seat to give the rider more room from the cantle to the front of the kneeflap. This is particularly important where a short stirrup length is adopted e.g. in the jumping models.
Longer legs can be accommodated by slimmer or contoured kneeblocks, while a smaller rider may prefer the support of larger blocks.
It is possible to make a larger saddle seat size feel more snug for smaller riders by using front and rear shims. This brings the cantle upwards and forwards to meet the rider’s seat and drops the middle of the seat, making it feel deeper.
Rider Height |
Ladies |
Gentlemen |
Solution saddle |
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dress size |
waist size |
Saddle size |
Up to 5’2” |
below 6 |
below 28 |
3 |
Up to 5’4” |
6 to 8 |
28 to 30 |
3-4 |
Up to 5’6” |
10 to 12 |
32 to 34 |
4 |
Up to 5’8” |
14 to 16 |
36 to 38 |
5 |
Up to 5’10” |
18 to 20 |
40 to 42 |
6 |
Over 5’11” |
22 to 24 |
44 to 46 |
7* |
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* Special order |
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5.1. Girths and sizing:
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Wintec Chafeless:
Ideal for use with the Solution saddle.
The soft grip of the synthetic non-absorbent material holds the horse’s skin and moves with it, preventing friction and rubs.
Curved shape, which reduces the width of material behind the horse's elbows helping to prevent pinching of the horse's skin.
The short, very strong elastic insert in the centre ensures an even give throughout the length of the girth and contributes to the even flexion around the entire barrel of the horse. This ensures that whatever the direction of bend through the barrel or reach through the shoulder, the movement is not compromised. The strength of the elastic means that there is only a small amount of give, preventing over-tightening of the girth.
Sizes available: from 22” in 4” increments to 56” |
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Professional Choice SMx Comfort-Fit shearling lined girth:
This wooled lambskin girth is ideal for particularly sensitive horses. It is designed with the overall well being of the horse in mind.
The girth puts soft, non-chaffing shearling next to the skin. The wicking properties of shearling provide added comfort, while elastic straps allow the horse to breath naturally.
Premium materials such as stainless steel buckles and heavy weight webbing, along with double stitching, ensure the long life of the girth. Shearling lining is removable and washable for easy cleaning.
Available in black only
Size 22", 28", 32" |
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Sizing:
Short (dressage style) girths should lie as close to the bottom of the saddle flap as possible. This increases comfort for the horse, as the buckle does not lie behind the elbow or close to the costochondral (rib) joints; rider comfort is improved by removing the buckle from under the leg, allowing improved contact. Ensuring that the girth is long enough also makes it easier for the rider to reach the buckle for adjustment whilst mounted. |
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5.2. Girthing technique:
The unique features of the Wintec girth allow the user to employ a non-irritant method of girthing the horse, particularly in retraining a horse who has suffered discomfort in the past from tack or insensitive saddling methods.
Try this graduated method:
Buckle the girth loosely so that it is just touching the skin, and pull it into position over the sternum and behind the elbow. Make sure that the horse is standing squarely and not tucking his foreleg under his body.
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Hold a girth strap and, standing squarely balanced yourself, lean backwards and allow your bodyweight to gradually pull the girth towards you. The horse will naturally brace himself against this pull, and the elastic in the girth will start to engage. |
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Whilst holding the strap taught with one hand, slide the roller buckle up into the next hole and gradually release the strap. Because this method does not pinch, the horse will not notice the tightening. Repeat alternately with each strap until the girth is tight enough to mount. |
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Check and if necessary, tighten the girth again from the mounting block before mounting. |
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As soon as the rider is mounted, the girth should be tightened again; this is not because you need the girth tighter with a Solution saddle, but because the saddle will open and drop around the barrel, having the effect of loosening the girth. |
It is a good idea to loosen the girth before dismounting as when the weight of the rider is removed from the saddle it will spring up, having the effect of tightening the girth and making it more difficult to loosen from the ground.
We recommend the Wintec girth as this has some give in it which prevents overtightening.
We also recommend that the only accurate way to check your girth is to take a pull on the girth straps – if it goes up a hole, it was too loose - do not lean down and put your hand under the girth to check it as this twists the flexible saddle and may make the girth feel quite tight. Some horses are sensitive to this and will tighten their rib cage against it.
It is possible that with a narrow horse the girth may seem tighter than normal. It is quite common for narrow horses to be ridden with a fairly loose girth on a conventional treed saddle because the clothes peg effect of the tree points can grip against the wither and hold the saddle firmly in place, even when mounting from the ground. This can cause injury to the dorsal spinal processes and the soft tissue support structures of the back. The Solution saddle’s soft layering system will not damage the back.
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Section 6 - Checking the Fit
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6.0 Checking the fit
The fitting check is done with the rider mounted and the girth tightened.
The saddle should be as close to the withers as possible without causing uneven pressure.
There is no need for clearance (or the old rules for treed saddles: three fingers gap under the pommel and daylight through the channel etc), as we are no longer trying to protect the horse’s back from a steel frame.
Instead, we are just aiming for close, even contact around the back, with no pressure points.
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At halt, you should just be able to push one finger knuckle (without a glove on!) under the front binding of the pommel, between the saddle and the saddle cloth or pads. |
“The walking finger test” is used to gauge optimum fit.
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It may feel a little tight at halt, but as the horse walks forwards, he will lift the base panels of the saddle with his shoulders and back muscles and the whole saddle will ride a little higher. |
You should feel this lightening of the pressure on your finger, giving the sensation that your knuckle is held snugly in place without being tightly squeezed.
If you cannot feel this lightening of pressure and your knuckle is uncomfortable, then the fit is too tight.
If you have the saddle fitted too high or loose on the back, there may be a loss of stability as the saddle will not be engaging correctly with the back and flexing with the movement.
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Section 7 - Fitting to the rider
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7.1 The Solution Concept:
Once the saddle has been fitted to the horse’s back, it can then be adjusted to give optimum balance for the rider.
It is extremely important to make any necessary adjustments, as the rider will not feel comfortable if they are not completely in balance.
If the rider is not comfortable, they will not ride effectively.
It is very quick and easy to fit to the horse, but takes a little more time to check that the set-up of the equipment is optimised for the rider.
The unique concept of the Solution system allows it to be minutely adjusted to accommodate any horse or rider to give the best performance, so in the beginning, it is time well spent to experiment with different fittings. Once you have established your preferences, these are unlikely to change much, if at all, when you change the saddle between horses.
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7.2 Factors to consider:
- Saddle model
- Saddle size
- Rider vertical balance
- Rider lateral balance
- Knee support
- Thigh support
- Personal preference
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7.2 Asymmetry:
Asymmetry can be found either in the horse or in the rider and for our saddle-fitting terms, generally means unevenness in muscular development. This can, but does not always lead to an unevenness, or crookedness in the posture of the rider or the gait of the horse.
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Section 8 - Care of The Solution saddles
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8.1. Storage
To prevent marking or other damage, avoid saddle brackets that support the saddle on the soft underside panels.
The Energist should be supported on a smooth round surface e.g. a cylindrical container such as a large waste bin fastened to the wall.
Gulleted models are best supported through the gullet only, on a narrow rounded pole fixed to the wall.
If you have existing racks in your tack room, cover any bars with a soft material to prevent denting in the base. Old riser pads, numnahs etc can be used successfully for this purpose.
Avoid placing items (particularly damp, hard, heavy or abrasive objects) on top of the saddle.
Remove saddle cloths and pads from the saddle and allow to air after each use, particularly if they have become sweaty. The pad covers can be removed for washing if necessary, but avoid washing the foam inserts.
Do not store the pads under the saddle as they may compress.
Store all equipment in a dry place away from damp and extreme temperatures.
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8.2. Cleaning
It is important to maintain leather in good condition in order to optimise performance and increase its longevity.
When new, using The Solution Bee Natural Conditioner regularly will soften the leather, helping it to “wear in” and become quickly soft, supple and comfortable to use. Continued routine use will maintain suppleness and appearance.
On the seat and base panels where soft hide is used, apply conditioner sparingly, and only sufficient to remove any dirt before buffing to a shine.
On the harder leather of the body and flaps, apply generously, allowing to soak in between applications.
If your saddle gets wet, apply conditioner straight away, then allow to dry in a well aired, warm dry room. Once completely dry, reapply conditioner until the leather returns to a supple texture and buff the sheen back to the surface with a soft brush..
The Solution Bee Natural Leather Conditioner
All-in-One cleaner and conditioner for use on smooth leather.
4 ways to care:
Preserves by waterproofing and replenishing tanning oils
Strengthens by coating each leather fibre with a blend of the finest leather oils and waxes
Beautifies the finish by coating it with waxes which also aid in resisting dirt
Cleans fine leathers because it contains leather soaps that float out dirt and grime.
It leaves no residue.
Directions:
Shake the bottle well to blend the oils. Apply with a clean sponge and allow to penetrate.
Buff with a soft brush or cloth.
Do not use on suede.
Available in 236ml bottles or 944ml trigger spray.
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Section 9 - Crossover Breastgirth
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9.1. Safety considerations.
A breastgirth is always advisable as a safety precaution when jumping – whatever the type of saddle used and whatever shape of the horse.
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The horse’s trunk narrows and elongates in the jumping phase and can allow the girth to slide backwards. |
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A racing breastgirth stops the saddle slipping dangerously, but it cannot hold the girth forward. |
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Particularly when the limbs stretch at speed, the rib cage is pulled apart like a coiled spring being stretched. |
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Conformation that narrows behind the sternum will often require a breastgirth to prevent slippage |
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A horse with a good bascule will pull the sternum upwards and forwards and can literally jump out of the girth |
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9.2 About the Scapula
It is important that the design of any breastgirth does not hamper the movement of the scapula, but in order to be of any benefit, it must be fitted so that there is some tension on the saddle and the girth.
For this reason, it is essential that the straps are fully elasticated.
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A tight leather breastgirth clearly shows the restriction to the shoulder and neck movement |
The function of the horse’s forelimb is to suspend the weight of the thorax. There is no joint or bony attachment of the forelimb to the rest of the skeleton. Instead, the chest cavity is held in a sling of muscles and ligaments rather like the two pillars of a suspension bridge. This allows greater freedom of movement. Unlike us, the horse has no collar bone. Concussion, which would otherwise be absorbed by the spine, is absorbed by soft tissue.
The scapula is a large triangular flat bone which lies at an angle, partly covering the last cervical vertebrae, the first seven thoracic vertebrae and the heads of the first six or seven ribs.
The inner (medial) side of the bone is smooth and slightly concave, enabling it to fit smoothly over the
first few ribs, and to provide traction for the many muscles and ligaments which attach to it and comprise the sling which suspends the weight of the thorax.
The spine of the scapula is a long, prominent ridge which runs longitudinally down the centre of the outer (lateral) side of the bone, the function of which again, is to provide an area for muscle attachment. This can be felt on all horses.
The top part of the scapula is cartilage and is larger and harder than many people realise. When riding, it is this cartilaginous extension, not bone, which can be seen on either side of the withers as the horse moves.
Although technically flexible, the cartilage feels as rigid as bone.
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Connective tissue allows the scapula to slide over the ribs as the horse moves, thus facilitating a greater movement. As the forelimb moves forward, into the protraction phase of the stride, the muscles (especially the thoracic part of the trapezius muscle) actually pull the top part of the scapula back. When the forelimb retracts, the muscles (especially the cervical part of the trapezius muscle) pull the top of the scapula forward. |
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The movement of the scapula is opposite to the movement of the forelimb. This is what is meant by the rotation of the scapula. When riding rising trot, it is the rotation of the scapula that riders sometimes check to ensure they are on the correct diagonal. Rotation of the scapula is exaggerated in extended trot and when jumping. |
A greater anatomical angle to the scapula allows enhanced rotation, resulting in a greater range of movement in the shoulder joint. This is considered to be a conformational asset. A horse with a good sloping shoulder (about 45 degrees) will have a greater range of movement compared to a horse with a more upright shoulder (approximately 50-55 degrees).
There are a number of factors affecting this angle (or degree of obliquity). A longer scapula must necessarily be inclined back, while a short one will be more upright. As the scapula at the upper end is attached to the spinous processes by muscles and ligaments, the longer they are, the further back the point of attachment will be, thus the more obliquely the scapula will lie. Restriction of the scapula, or any attempt to mould or influence it, will affect the horse’s movement patterns.
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9.3. Fitting The Solution Crossover breastgirth:
The unique design is recommended for all jumping activities, providing ultimate security whilst giving complete freedom of movement to the horse.
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The Solution breastgirth is the only design that is fitted with straps that move and stretch independently, so eliminating pressure points and allowing complete freedom of movement |
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An eventer showing good technique in The Solution Crossover breastgirth. |
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1. Clip the breast girth bottom strap to the top D rings on the saddle |
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2. Fit the girth strap loop through the girth. |
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3. The breast girth top strap can be clipped to optional lower D rings on the saddle knee flaps or with the clips removed, can be attached to the girth billets. |
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The breastgirth should fit snugly when the horse is standing, as it will be looser when the neck is raised in movement. |
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9.4. The Solution Crossover breastgirth size chart:
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Breastgirth size chart |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
Elastic width |
1.5 |
2 |
2 |
Top strap - elastic |
12 |
14 |
16 |
Top strap - leather |
20 |
20 |
20 |
Bottom strap - elastic |
16 |
20 |
22 |
Bottom strap - leather |
16 |
16 |
16 |
Girth strap (loop 4" min) |
24 |
28 |
32 |
All measurements in inches |
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The Crossover Breastgirth has been specifically designed to be adjusted to as wide a range of horses as possible in each size group.
The leather straps are all generously cut to allow the maximum adjustment.
There are a minimum number of holes pre – punched, but extra ones can easily be added at home with the use of a standard hole punch.
If the individual straps are too long for a horse that is at the smaller end of the scale in any size group, these can be easily shortened for you in our workshop.
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Section 10 - Fitting Blocks
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10.0: Solution saddle blocks
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The Solution design incorporates large Velcro panels for fitting and adjusting blocks. |
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Lightweight, soft and flexible, the blocks are easily fastened and held in place. |
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Personal preference allows the choice of block style and position. |
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Blocks can be angled according to the stirrup length and leg shape of individual riders, making it possible to customise the fit to more than one rider. |
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10.1. Knee Blocks:
Available in Dressage or GP / Jumper styles
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The standard knee block is fairly long and slim to suit most leg lengths and shapes. |
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The XL is same shape as standard but much thicker to give added support to the shorter thigh length or where a deeper flap feel is preferred. |
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The contour is thicker at the top for more thigh support, but tapered to a thin point under the knee to allow the longer thigh length more room in the kneeflap. |
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The contour knee block shows here that it provides little support for a shorter thigh length, obliging the rider to tighten the knee into the flap. |
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The XL supports the knee and allows the rider to open the hip. |
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The slimline is a discreet pencilled close contact block for jumping |
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10.2. Rear thigh blocks:
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The short thigh block is triangular shape and firm.
Usually preferred for a short jumping stirrup length. |
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The standard thigh block is fairly long, flat and soft.
Often suits a longer dressage stirrup length. |
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Positioned with Velcro on the underside of the saddle next to the horse, shoulder columns provide continuity of the base panel support padding |
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Shoulder columns can also help bring the flap out to meet the rider’s leg on a narrow shouldered horse and will boost the feel of the knee block |
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Shoulder columns can be removed for a closer leg contact, or if the horse is bulky through the tricep muscles behind the shoulder |
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Positioning a knee block above the attached shoulder column |
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Section 11 – Saddle cloths
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11.1 Solution saddle cloths
The thin cotton quilt will not interfere with or alter the fit and balance of the saddle.
Low profile seams reduce risk of rubbing and eliminate bulk in the gullet space.
High wither cut ensures that it will not pull down onto the wither, even on a flat backed horse.
Available in black, brown, grey and white.
Top quality, made in Britain exclusively by Nuumed, with The Solution embroidered logo.
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11.2 Lining options
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Half wool – useful for sensitive skin or very long rides |
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Chamois – provides extra grip if needed. |
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11.3 Styles:
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Jumper |
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General Purpose |
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Dressage
Shown with leather shoulder shim in place |
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D tabs with Velcro fastening firmly secure saddle cloth to front ring of saddle.
We recommend using the fastening straps and also the girth loops to keep the saddle cloth securely in the correct position. You may not have had to do this in the past with a treed saddle, but that may have been because the clothes peg effect of the tree points previously kept a tight grip on the saddle cloth. |
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11.4 Sizes:
Saddle size |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
Dressage |
M |
L |
L |
L |
GP |
S |
M |
M |
M/L |
Jumper |
M |
L |
L |
L |
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11.5 Care:
Sponge sweat marks off or rinse under a hose if very wet, remove dry hair and grease with a dandy brush.
Avoid hot or frequent machine washing as this can decrease the life of the cloth and linings.
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Section 12 - Balance pad system
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12.1. Dorsal supplement pads (DSP)
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The Dorsal Supplement (shown here fitted, in red) is a gulleted pad which supports the under panels of the saddle, designed to give support where the back is lacking dorsal muscle.
It is used to ensure that the spine is evenly bridged and pressure avoided. |
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The pad can be layered on top of the saddle cloth before putting the saddle on the horse.
Can be used in conjunction with either front or rear shims as required.
The Velcro opening along the back seam allows the cover to be opened and shims inserted if required. |
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Make sure the DSP is fitted with the central gullet sitting straight along the horse’s spine and the saddle is supported by the pad, and not overlapping onto the saddlecloth. |
The Standard Dorsal Supplement Pad Gives a level lift along the length of the saddle with a single thickness. Useful where the saddle balance is good for the rider, but the fit is a little low on the horse’s back because of a prominent spine.
The Front Wedge Dorsal Supplement pad (FWDSP) is designed to give more lift at the front for a high withered horse or where the rider needs to be positioned further back.
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12.2. Shoulder shims:
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Shims provide extra support for a prominent wither and fill the “tree point hollows” either side of it. |
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Shims support the front of the saddle to give lift over the wither and can also be used to help balance the rider by raising the front of the saddle and placing weight back over seatbones. |
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Shims can also be used in conjunction with a DSP to give extra support, when they should be fitted on the underside of the DSP, next to the horse.
They can also be placed inside the DSP cover by opening the Velcro back seam. |
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To fit shims:
Tack up your horse as you would normally with a saddle cloth and saddle, then before girthing up, ease up the front of the saddle in order to slide the shim into place between the saddle and the saddle cloth. |
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Shims can be velcroed directly onto the saddlecloth which will help ensure correct placement
Although the material is tough and long lasting, if the shims are being moved frequently, the soft leather covered option will protect and make the foam more durable. |
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Section 13 - Stirrups and Leathers
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13.1. Stirrups
The unique flexible design of the Royal Rider Flex provides the advantages of shock absorption for joint relief throughout the rider’s back and legs.
The wider foot base reduces ankle and leg fatigue.
Ultra lightweight stirrups are a good choice when the saddle themselves are so lightweight.
Constructed from highest grade polymer composite which is extremely tough and hardwearing.
Interchangeable black rubber or stainless steel "cheese grater" foot pads.
Angled tread encourages stirrup to stay with the rider’s foot through changing positions and forces, giving unequalled security.
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Available in black, one size.
Weigh only 10 oz., (280 grams)
Have a tensile load weight well in excess of 500 kg/sq.cm |
Care: wipe clean with a damp cloth or rinse in water. Tread can be unscrewed and removed periodically for thorough cleaning.
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13.2. Stirrup leathers
All Solution saddles incorporate a unique swivel stirrup bar which can be raised to allow the stirrup leather to be slipped easily on and off the stirrup bar. As with traditional saddles, the bar is open-ended to allow the stirrup leather to be pulled off in the event of a rider fall.
Bates Webbers - Dressage Straps:
Revolutionary stirrup straps, made without buckles to reduce the lump under the rider's thigh and provide closer contact to the horse. The single thickness under the rider’s leg removes excess bulk and interference. Webbing core ensures that leathers do not stretch and cause unevenness, and that holes do not split and tear. Exceptionally strong with a soft hide covering to give a luxury finish. The side covered in soft hide can be placed next to the saddle flap helping to avoid scuffing.
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Bates Jumping Leathers:
Elegant, high quality leathers, covered in luxurious soft hide. The revolutionary design: Reduces the thickness of the leather under the rider's leg with a low profile buckle. |
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Rivetted stainless steel attachment is safer than stitched buckle |
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The webbing core ensures that the leathers will not stretch and cause unevenness.
Because both these designs are virtually unbreakable, care should be taken to ensure that the stirrup is never allowed to catch on anything otherwise the saddle could be damaged. Always run the stirrups up, cross them over the saddle or use a saddle cover when not in use. When riding, be vigilant and careful going through gateways to avoid trapping the stirrup on latches, posts or other obtrusions. |
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Section 13.3 Fitting dressage Webbers
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To attach dressage webbers to an Energist model, undo the skirt lace and fold the skirt flap back to expose the stirrup bar. |
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Swivel the stirrup bar up slightly to allow the loop end of the Webber to be slipped easily onto the open end of the bar. |
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Push the Webber loop firmly onto the stirrup bar and pull it down firmly to swivel the bar back into position.
NB – the Webber is shown here with the soft hide uppermost, but placing the hide next to the flap leather will reduce any scuffing. |
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Thread the lace back through the skirt flap to close. |
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Pull the lace down firmly to secure the skirt firmly into place. |
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13.4 Adjusting dressage Webbers
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To adjust the Webber length, twist the T bar hook through 45 degrees and unhook from slot.
Rehook into selected slot and twist until perpendicular.
Pull down firmly on the T bar to secure it place in the slot. |
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Pull the keeper down firmly over the hook.
NB – older (pre 2008) versions of the Bates Webber do not have the leather keeper. |
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The stirrup should be attached with the rolled edge of the tread outwards to face backwards when positioned onto the foot.
The Webber is shown here with the soft hide side facing outwards, but flap scuffing is reduced if the hide is against the flap leather. |
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To fasten the Webbers when not in use, hook the T bar into the slot near the top loop of the Webber. |
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The stirrup can then be run up and the strap tucked through in the conventional way.
It is important to fasten the stirrups up when the rider is not mounted to avoid them catching on any obtrusions. |
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We only recommend the Royal Rider lightweight polymer stirrups for use with the Solution.
The stirrup should be fitted with the rolled edge of the tread facing outwards to be positioned facing backwards on the rider’s foot. |
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The stirrup incorrectly fitted with the rolled edge facing inwards. |
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If the stirrups are crossed over the saddle, the rolled edge of the treads should always face outwards to avoid scratching the flap leather. |
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The stirrups incorrectly crossed over with the rolled edge of the tread against the flap. |
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13.6 Fitting jumping leathers
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The open-ended stirrup bar is semi-recessed behind the pommel, but we recommend using the low profile buckle of Bates leathers to avoid bulk under the leg. |
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The stirrup bar can be swivelled upwards to allow the leather to be easily slipped over the open end. |
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Push the stirrup leather fully home along the bar – it is angled to help prevent the stirrup leather coming off accidentally.
Pull down firmly on the bottom leather until the buckle is firmly held up against the bar. |
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Push the end strap through the keeper to keep the buckle securely flat against the bar. |
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Section 14 - Mounting technique
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14.0: Mounting technique
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Wherever possible, in order to mount in a way that is most comfortable for the horse, use a mounting block or a leg-up. If this is not possible, use an assistant to counterbalance the saddle by holding the stirrup on the other side.
Where necessary, mounting from the ground can be easily achieved if the correct technique is used.
The stirrup should be long enough so that it can be easily reached and the toe is not pushed into the horse’s barrel.
Ensure that the girth is securely tightened. |
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Springing from the right foot vigorously will ensure that the arms are not overused to pull the rider’s weight up.
The right hand should be used to push down on the right side of the saddle, either on the skirt or kneeflap.
Maintain balance on the left stirrup while the right knee is raised and swung upwards and forwards. |
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The upper body is used to counterbalance the saddle and keep it straight on the horse’s back.
The right leg is carefully swung forward to align the hips before sitting gently into the seat. |
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