Western Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book

Soundness and Comfort with Back Analysis and Correct Use of Saddles and Pads

Joyce Harman

• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
• eBook ISBN:
  9781570767562
• Year: 2015

Dr. Joyce Harman's best-selling book and videos on saddle-fit have received rave reviews and helped improve the lives of performance and pleasure horses all over the world. Now, due to popular demand, she's written the complete reference on saddle-fit and back health for Western disciplines.In this most thorough, comprehensive book Dr. Harman, veterinarian and respected saddle-fitting expert, educates the reader about the horse's conformation—particularly the shape of the back, withers, ribs, and shoulders; saddle construction—the tree, bars, seat, skirts, fleece, gullet, and stirrups; and the rider's conformation. She explains how all these variables must be considered in order to keep the horse comfortable. In addition, read about correct use of saddle pads; fitting saddles for different sports such as reining, cutting, pleasure, and trail; and how to care for your horse's back, both over the short and long term.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Table of Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Preface
• 1 Why Saddle Fit Matters
• 2 Recognizing Saddle Problems
• 3 Saddle Construction
• 4 Saddle Evaluation
• 5 Saddle Fit on the Horse
• 6 Saddle Fit for Horse and Rider: Ridden Exam
• 7 Synergy: Rider Balance and Saddle Fit
• 8 Confounding Variables:Fitting Saddles to Every Horse
• 9 Sensible Use of Saddle Pads
• 10 Measuring Your Horse’s Back
• 11 Saddles for Various Sports
• 12 Fitting Multiple Horses: Professionals, Riding Schools, and Camps
• 13 A Practical Approach to Finding Your Saddle
• 14 Caring for Your Horse’s Back
• Resources
• Index