Saddler's Diary by Geoff Dean

NOW is the time of year to get your saddles checked. There will be a huge rush for repairs and reflocking. Also bridles should be checked over in case alterations are needed, and stitching also needs checking. Thedre is nothing worse than getting to a show and finding something needed to be repaired.

The key to a happy and healthy horse is a well-fitted saddle and bridle.

Tubby little ponies are saddlers a nightmare. Keeping a saddle still on these ponies can sometimes be a problem, but there are remedies that can be tried such as point or back straps, breastplates, cruppers.

And at the end of the day there is always the Gel-eze sticky numnah. Sometimes the only thing is trial and error. What seems a perfect fit can be an absolute swine to keep in position.

Over the years I have become a fan of the close contact saddle but these have to fit perfectly as there is little scope for adjustment .

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette May 16