Bookshelf > Tack, Feed & Stable Mgmt > The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book

The Horse’s Pain-Free Back
and Saddle-Fit Book:
Ensure Soundness and Comfort with Back Analysis and Correct Use of Saddles and Pads
By Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS
Originally published in German and previously
published in English as the Anatomy of Riding.

Paperback: 232 pages (March 2005)
Full color photos and line drawings.
Language: English
Trafalgar Square Publishing ISBN: 1570762929

Have you ever read an article on basic saddle fit and thought, ‘Isn't there more to it than this?’ This book is a thorough answer to that question. The title gives a good indication of the author's aims – a pain-free back for the horse is the first priority, and saddles must be made to conform, not the other way around.

We took some of the principles that Harman talked about and went down to the local used-tack shop, where we evaluated some of the saddles. Harman's principles proved to be easy to follow and apply. In addition to many uneven panels, we were surprised to find twisted trees, broken treees, and a non-spring-tree saddle (which Harman describes as not a bad thing as long as the tree fits, and incidentally one of the few saddles on which the tree was dead-straight).

Looking at our own horses, Harman's tips helped solve a saddle fitting problem on a horse with very high withers, allowing him to move in comfort again. We were especially dismayed to find out that many of our horses had saddle-fit issues which we were unaware of and had the power to change.

Not to be forgotten as the second half of the saddle fit equation, principles for fitting riders to saddles are equally valuable.

Because the book is so thorough, it can be repetitive at times. But, the thoroughness makes sure all of the bases are covered. This book represents a basic education in saddle-fit which all riders should have.

Return to Bookshelf > Tack, Feed & Stable Mgmt

In This Book...

• Evaluating Saddle Problems
• Facets of Saddle Construction
• Correct Fit and Position on the Horse
• Stabilizing Rider Balance and Seat
• Sensible Use of Pads and Shims
• Measuring the Horse's Back
• Accommodating Multiple Horses
• Fitting Challenging Conformation Types
• Finding a Saddle
• Caring for the Horse's Back

From the Publisher

When a horse suddenly develops a performance problem or a bad attitude, and neither seem to be remedied by training techniques or medical care, the owner often faces months – even years – of frustration and career limitation. Dr. Joyce Harman, veterinarian and respected saddle-fitting expert, claims that 75 percent of horses iwth such problems are simply reacting to the pain caused by ill-fitting saddles. And, as she explains in this thorough, highly illustrated book, poor saddle fit can be corrected with patience and know-how. Here, she teaches the rider: how to determine if a saddle is sound and properly accommodates both horse and rider; how to individualize saddle fit or find a new saddle appropriate in size and style; and how to treat pre-existing back pain and precent its future occurence. Dr. Harman (DVM, MRCVS) owns and operates Harmany Equine Clinic, a holistic, primarily equine veterinary practice in Washington, Virginia.

Return to Bookshelf > Tack, Feed & Stable Mgmt