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

This detailed study is a comprehensive guide to saddle fitting and implications for the horse's back. Back health is integral to equines' performance and happiness, and the author explains how to care for your horse's back, the process of determining saddle fit, recognising and remedying problems.

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Is your horse's back free from pain? how can you tell? Is he moving in a relaxed manner, happily complying with the aids? Or is he stiff, moving crookedly, or resistant and disagreeable about work? If he falls into this latter category, chances are his back hurts. Astoundingly, Joyce Harman, reveals that 75 per cent of horses showing poor movement and exhibiting a bad attitude do so because of pain caused by an ill-fitting saddle. In this most thorough, comprehensive book, Dr Harman, vet 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, pommel, seat panels and gullet, placement of stirrup bars and girth billets; and the rider's conformation. Dr Harman emphasizes that good fit is not determined by brand, cost or style of a saddle - an expensive model can cause just as much harm as its cheaper cousin. Good fit is determined by a saddle that allows the horse's back to function correctly, while, at the same time, keeping the rider in a well-balanced position.