PLN
I often hear people say that equipment and its fit are of marginal importance in the early stages of learning to ride. Many people don't want to invest in things their child will soon outgrow. But have you ever considered the impact an ill-fitting saddle has on the developing musculoskeletal system, and the negative health consequences of a saddle that isn't adapted to the anatomical conditions of our pupils?
Be sure to check out our post about how the saddle is built - click here !
Consequences of an ill-fitting saddle
An incorrectly fitted saddle will often cause a chain reaction, starting with the child's pelvic position being incorrect. A saddle that's too large will often require significantly shortened stirrup leathers so the child can rest their feet firmly on the stirrups. This position will involuntarily shift the child's overall center of gravity toward the pommel. Viewed from the side, this creates a forced, armchair-like seat, which not only undermines proper riding but can also contribute to strain on the musculoskeletal system. This can be particularly dangerous during the phase of rapid growth and development of a child's bones and joints.
Involuntarily pushing the child onto the pommel due to an incorrectly fitted saddle will also cause the pelvis to tilt excessively backward, which in turn will prevent proper seating in the saddle and adopting a seat that ensures balance with the horse. The child will not be able to achieve proper support on the seat with the ischial tuberosities and pubic symphysis. An imbalance in pelvic position will impact the entire spine and all its curves, and consequently, the ability of the spinal column to absorb shock.
This situation poses a direct threat to the cervical spine and the head, which is always the last point of vibration perception. The child may complain not only of pain located in the hips, pelvis, and spine resulting from shearing forces and therefore from overload, but also of neck and headache pain resulting from excessive shock transfer.
An improperly fitted saddle can also lead to an increased risk of falls due to impaired balance in the saddle, which in turn increases the risk of potential musculoskeletal injuries. A saddle should be like a well-fitting car seat – tailored to the user's size and comfortable, because only then will it meet safety and function requirements.
Fitting Prestige Italia saddles at Equishop
The best saddle is primarily one that is tailored to the child's height, weight, and anatomy. A good saddlefitter should ensure not only that the saddle fits your horse's back correctly but also that its parameters are adjusted to the child's size. The highly qualified saddlefitters at Equishop ensure that the saddle's parameters are properly matched to the child's build. Recommended models that are perfect for the youngest equestrians include Prestige Skyward, Prestige Inspire. These saddles are designed for the youngest equestrians.
Of particular note is the slightly narrowed seat in these models to adapt to the child's anatomy and avoid excessive hip abduction. Equally important is the soft material, which allows the saddles to absorb shocks while riding, preventing excessive spinal strain resulting from the transfer of vibrations generated during both learning and competitive riding.
Summary
Proper saddle fitting should therefore encompass not only the horse's comfort but also adapt its size to the requirements of a maturing child's body. The most important criteria when choosing a saddle should therefore be a narrowed and soft seat that prevents excessive hip abduction and absorbs shock, as well as optimal knee pad positioning to avoid a seated position. An additional advantage is a design that allows for a comfortable, easy-to-grip position and a lightweight design that allows the child to saddle up independently.
Let us remember that the further sports development of our children and those under our care depends largely on the decisions that we, as adults, make at the initial stages of learning, which will help protect them from injuries or overload resulting from riding in inadequately fitted equipment.
Author of the article:
Julia Walalatek
Physiotherapist
Instructor of the Polish Equestrian Association
A competitor in the disciplines of dressage and show jumping.
Looking for a professional saddle fitter? Book a saddle fitting service at our salon! Visit our saddle fitting section - click here !
Horse Shop: +48 784 039 784
Saddle Department: +48 606 914 300
Email: kontakt@equishop.com
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