Tack Fitting

Checking his back and topline for symmetry

 Kim did some tack fitting this weekend at Happy Dog Ranch in Littleton, CO as part of the Holistic Horse Care Cooperative.  This gelding is "Earl", who is used for pleasure riding western and trail riding. 

Assessing saddle symmetry from the front

Checking saddle symmetry from the back

Letting Earl check out the saddle before we put it on

Press on the horn, the saddle should remain stationary

Checking the gullet

press on the lowest point of the saddle, it should stay stationary

the owner checking the balance of the saddle

Checking the bridle and bit, and looking for dental issues.  I did recommend adding a throatlatch or changing the headstall since a horse can rub this right off with only one ear loop.

Adjusting stirrup length

Riding with the impression pad and the saddle padded correctly

Impresion pad post-ride - the rider has some balance issues from an old injury, and the pressure point shown by the displaced dough fits with the rider leaning to the R causing the saddle to shift R, resulting in pressure on the L side of the withers. 

Handsome Earl