Articles
/ Posted on Dec 28, 2016, 9:33 PM
Rod and Denise Nikkel have compiled their saddle fit blog posts and webpages in this section to make it easier to learn about western saddle fit. In 2016, Rod retired from building saddle trees, but now he is sharing his knowledge of western saddle fit via a video that you can purchase here.
/ Posted on Feb 25, 2017, 10:21 PM
To gain a good foundation for understanding western saddle fit, start by reading the links in this page. Bell curves and cutlery, comparisons to English saddle fit rules, information about pressure and new saddles all give a good grounding for the links in the following pages.
/ Posted on Feb 25, 2017, 10:26 PM
The #1 saddle fit problem is putting the saddle too far forward on the shoulder blades. Here's links on where to put it, how to find that spot, as well as why you should put it there, with pressure mat data to confirm what we are saying.
/ Posted on Feb 25, 2017, 10:26 PM
Rather than trying on every saddle in the store, reading through these links will teach you the different factors that make a tree and saddle fit - or not. This helps you decide specifically what needs to change - or not - to make a saddle work on your horse. Changing width and angle doesn't help if rock is the problem!
/ Posted on Feb 25, 2017, 10:25 PM
Horses vary in shape. Riders vary in many ways. This section has links that help you evaluate your horse for possible fit problems and yourself to find the saddle that fits you. It also helps you understand how you affect the horse you're riding, even when you are unaware of it.
/ Posted on Feb 25, 2017, 10:27 PM
"Saddle fit" abounds in half truths, myths, misunderstandings and incomplete information as well as the good stuff. Here's some links that try to cut through the junk and find some truth based on facts.