Superior Saddle-Fitting: A Step by Step Guide (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-274) (Paperback)

~ Jessica Jahiel (Author) "The first factor to consider in choosing a saddle is the type of riding you will do..." (more)
Key Phrases: synthetic saddle, bareback pads, dressage saddles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.

About the Author

An internationally renowned lecturer, clinician, and award-winning author, Jessica Jahiel answers horse- and riding-related questions in her online newsletter, Horse-Sense, and for such magazines as Horse and Rider, Equus, and Dressage Today She lives in Sidney, Illinois.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Storey Books (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580174124
• ISBN-13: 978-1580174121
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #235,925 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Only a starter guide, not 'superior', September 3, 2005

By	Vivien Dostine "Viv" (Auckland New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comfort for horse and rider, September 28, 2005

By	Cooper 'n me (USA) - See all my reviews

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.