The Western Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book: Soundness and Comfort with Back Analysis and Correct Use of Saddles and Pads (Paperback)

by Joyce Harman DVM MRCVS (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The next best thing to having an expert on saddle fit standing right next to you. A Western rider's bible of the back."  —Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar

"A wealth of saddle information for the Western—or any—rider."  —The Natural Horse

"Absolutely fascinating . . . The information on evaluating saddles, their fit and design is worth the price of the whole book."  —American Quarter Horse Journal

Product Description

Written specifically for Western-style riding and horses, this guide offers helpful advice on subjects such as horse and rider conformation and saddle construction. Horse owners will benefit from clear explanations of the variables that must be considered in order to keep a horse comfortable. Because many aspects change according to various exercise and training programs, a section on the use of pads and shims for temporary problem solving, as well as invaluable information on caring for the horse back—both in the short and long term—is included. Emphasizing that a good fit is not determined by the brand, cost, or style of a saddle—an expensive model can cause just as much harm as a cheaper one—this guidebook discusses how fit is determined by a saddle that allows the horse's back to function correctly, while keeping the rider in a well-balanced position.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570763895
• ISBN-13: 978-1570763892
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #347,757 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great, hard to find resource for western saddle fit, June 30, 2008

By	Susan Montgomery (Mpls, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After months of wait for the release, my copy finally came. I am very happy with the book. It is an excellent reference for western saddle fit issues for both horse and rider. Covers a wide variety of saddle styles, pros and cons, etc. How to evaluate the soundness of saddle trees on used saddles. Common conformational issues and how they impact fit. Even pads and fittings are covered. Just a wonderful, all-around go-to source. Will be next to the author's English saddle book in my permanent library.