14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Only a starter guide, not 'superior', September 3, 2005
This review is from: Superior Saddle Fitting: A Step-by-Step Guide: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-238 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-274) (Paperback)
I like Jessica Jahiel, her riding and horsemanship books and articles are always worthwhile but this little guide only goes into some of the areas of saddle fitting and should be taken as 'the bare essentials' rather than 'superior'.
It is just 32 pages and has only line drawings - NO PHOTOS, which leaves it considerably underwhelming since saddle-fitting is all about being able to visually see whether the saddle fits or not.
Unlike many guides it does attempt to cover both western and english style saddles and tries to cover a vast subject area from saddle construction right through to leather care with saddle fit being the main lesson.
What the book doesn't cover
- Determining the horse's maximum saddle area. It does discuss the scapula and withers (at the front) but there is no mention of the shelf of the ribs, the 18th rib or determining the width of the spine to ensure that the panels of your saddle are neither too large\long nor too narrow for your horse.
- There is also no discussion of bridging or how to determine the correct 'shape' of the tree for your horse's back (from front to back not just side to side). Should you look for a banana or a flattish tree? How will you recognise these ?
- There is no discussion of assessing the angle of the saddle in relation to the slope of the horse's back - neither the angle from the spine as it flows toward the ribs nor the angle of the back from the base of the withers to the loins and whether this is matched correctly by the angle of the panels as they end under the cantle.
All in all - it's a start but by no means comprehensive - for a few dollars its a a beginners guide.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comfort for horse and rider, September 28, 2005
This review is from: Superior Saddle Fitting: A Step-by-Step Guide: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-238 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-274) (Paperback)
Jessica Jahiel reveals the three principles of superior saddle-fitting and guides you step by step through the selection and fitting process. She also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of new and used saddles and offers important saddle maintenance tips. A good saddle, carefully selected and well cared for, can last a lifetime. With Jahiel's expert advice, you can make the best selection possible for you and your horse.
More detailed books on the subject would be
Saddle Fitting Essentials or
The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book or
The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book.
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