AN INTERVIEW WITH AMANDA ANDERSON

HQ: ⁠How did you become involved in saddle fitting? What led you to this work? Amanda: When I was in my early 20s, between undergrad and grad school, I was still a bit unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I took a couple of massage and saddle-fitting courses from Don Doran of…

BylizzieApril 26, 20260Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: JUMP REFUSALS

Q: My horse has started refusing jumps he used to pop over easily. What could be going on? A: A sudden change in jumping confidence or willingness is often a red flag. First, rule out physical causes: discomfort from sore feet, back pain, ill-fitting tack, ulcers, or even subtle lameness can make jumping uncomfortable. A…

BylizzieAugust 25, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: NOT BALANCED IN THE SADDLE

Q: I’m worried that I’m not balanced in the saddle and that this is affecting my horse’s way of going, but how do I know if this is the case? A: The best place to start when addressing any concerns about your riding is with a good coach, who can help you from the ground…

BylizzieJuly 30, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: ASYMMETRICAL REIN RESISTANCE

Q: My horse is always more resistant on one rein. Is this normal, or is something wrong? A: Most horses are naturally one-sided, meaning they’re more supple or ‘willing’ on one rein than the other. This asymmetry can be due to conformation, habitual patterns, or even the rider’s own crookedness. While a degree of ‘sidedness’…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Know How

ASKHQ: FLOCKING

Q: What are the different kinds of flocking in saddles? A: There are several types of flocking that are commonly used in saddles. Below are the main types: White wool has long fibre and is softer and settles more quickly than other kinds of wool. However, because it settles quickly it needs more regular checks and…

BylizzieFebruary 23, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: SADDLE FIT

Q: Can a badly fitting saddle cause behavioural problems in my horse? Answered by Farryn Day A: Absolutely! Along with correct trimming of the feet and regular dental work, the fit of the saddle is one of the biggest contributing factors to a horse’s overall behaviour and soundness. The following is a list of behaviours which can…

BylizzieNovember 29, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: TOPLINE

Q: What is topline? A: To put it simply, a horse’s topline are the muscles that support the spine from the neck all the way to the hindquarters. The topline of a horse stretches along the spinal column from the end of the neck at the wither area, down the back and loin. Three main muscle…

BylizzieOctober 29, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training

HALF-PADS

Nothing can compete with a balanced and well-fitting saddle that provides comfort and freedom of movement for your horse. However, it can be tricky to find a perfectly fitting saddle on a budget or for a horse with an unconventional back. A half pad can correct fit or provide for a suitable compromise, and there are…

BylizzieAugust 23, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: CONFORMATIONAL FACTORS

Q: Which conformational factors are considered important to look for in a riding horse? A: When looking at the conformation of the horse to assess his rideability, the following factors should be considered: The back and ribs A relatively short back is generally strongest for taking weight, as it has shorter, stronger coupling than a longer back.…

BylizzieFebruary 19, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: TREELESS QUANDRY

Q: Should I go treeless? A: The tree of a saddle is generally considered pretty fundamental in that it helps to balance the rider and distribute the pressure and forces generated over the horse's back to where they are supported by the ribcage. It follows therefore that the risks of a treeless saddle are that it…

BylizzieJanuary 19, 20200Comments

HQ Newsletter