ASKHQ: ADJUSTABLE TREES

Q: How does an adjustable tree work? A: The tree of the saddle is essentially its framework, and its purpose is to distribute the weight of the rider evenly over the horse’s back. Saddle trees were developed more than 2000 years ago, and whilst their role remains the same today, there have (thankfully) been many developments…

BylizzieAugust 30, 20250Comments

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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

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ASKHQ: SADDLER VS SADDLE FITTER

Q: What is the difference between a saddler and a saddle fitter? A: Quite often, people say they need the saddler when they actually need a saddle fitter. The two are entirely different. The saddler is the person who physically makes the saddle. They are craftspeople skilled in cutting, stretching, and creating the saddle. The saddle fitter…

BylizzieMay 11, 20250Comments

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

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

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ASKHQ: BUCKING BRONCO

Q: My horse has recently started to buck and buck. We've just checked his saddle and the saddle fitter can't find anything wrong with the fit and says that she doesn't believe his back is sore. What do you recommend as the next step? A: We agree absolutely with your decision to get your saddle…

BylizzieMay 14, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: I SLIDE AROUND IN MY SADDLE AND THEREFORE I DON’T FEEL SAFE. IS THIS THE FAULT OF THE SADDLE OR DO I NEED TO SIT DEEPER?

Without having an experienced saddle fitter seeing you on the horse, it is quite difficult to say for certain what is happening. In all likelihood, however, the issue is either that the saddle is too big for you, the seat has too-forward a cut, the seat is too flat or the saddle is out of…

BylizzieMarch 12, 20190Comments

ASKHQ: ADJUSTABLE TREES

ASKHQ: ASYMMETRICAL REIN RESISTANCE

ASKHQ: SADDLER VS SADDLE FITTER

ASKHQ: SADDLE FIT

HALF-PADS

ASKHQ: BUCKING BRONCO

ASKHQ: I SLIDE AROUND IN MY SADDLE AND THEREFORE I DON’T FEEL SAFE. IS THIS THE FAULT OF THE SADDLE OR DO I NEED TO SIT DEEPER?

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