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L.M saddle fitting services, Liphook (2026)

31/05/2026

A lovely visit to see two fantastic horseball horses, Bentley and Brownie, for their saddle fitting appointments! 🐴

I've saddle fitted Bentley before, so it was great to catch up with him again, and it was my first time meeting Brownie. Both horses are ridden in Cavalletti Jump saddles and are actively playing horseball.

Brownie's saddle fit perfectly, requiring no adjustments, while Bentley's saddle only needed a simple gullet bar adjustment to ensure he remains comfortable and performing at his best.

Bentley is heading off to France soon for competition, and we'd like to wish both him and his rider, Finn, the very best of luck. We're excited to follow their progress and can't wait to see how they get on. We look forward to seeing them both again soon!

Good luck, Bentley and Finn – we're all rooting for you! 🇫🇷🏇
Het Wildman

20/05/2026

🐎 Why Gait Analysis (Without a Saddle) Is Important During a Saddle Fitting🐎

Before a saddle is even placed on your horse, observing them moving without a saddle is an essential part of a thorough fitting.
This allows us to see your horse’s natural way of going — free from any influence of tack or rider.
Here’s why that matters:

🏇 1. Establishes a Natural Baseline
Watching your horse walk and trot in hand shows:
* Natural stride length
* Rhythm and regularity
* Straightness
* Back swing and freedom
This gives a clear picture of how your horse moves without restriction — so we can later compare movement once the saddle is on.

🦴 2. Identifies Existing Asymmetry or Weakness
Without a saddle, we can spot:
* Uneven hind limb tracking
* Shoulder stiffness
* One-sided muscle development
* Crookedness
This helps determine whether movement issues are pre-existing rather than saddle-related.

🐎3. Detects Signs of Discomfort Early
Subtle signs such as:
* Shortened stride
* Toe dragging
* Reluctance to step under
* Tightness through the back
may indicate discomfort that needs addressing before saddle fitting proceeds.

💪 4. Assesses Back Function Naturally
A healthy back should:
* Swing softly in walk
* Show elasticity in trot
* Allow fluid transitions
If the back is already tight or restricted without a saddle, fitting must not take place.

🔍 5. Ensures Fair Assessment of the Saddle
By observing movement both:
* Without a saddle
* With the saddle (static and dynamic)
we can accurately determine whether any change in movement is caused by the saddle — rather than underlying training, conformation, or physical issues.

🐴 In Simple Terms…
Gait analysis without a saddle:
✔ Shows your horse’s true natural movement�✔ Identifies asymmetry or weakness�✔ Creates a baseline for comparison�✔ Helps avoid misdiagnosing saddle issues�✔ Supports a fair, thorough fitting process
You can’t assess how a saddle affects movement unless you first understand how your horse moves naturally.

📲07579 025738
📍Hampshire,Surrey, West Sussex
[email protected]

05/05/2026

The Lovely Katie and her gorgeous Diesel from a couple of days ago! The improvement in Diesel’s weight, condition and muscle is incredible! He is only 4yo and in light work, Walking and trotting hacks.
Katie deserves all of the credit for this young boy, she has backed and started his education herself. I saw Diesel 4 months ago and he had never had a saddle on before and look at him now! confident, comfortable and building the correct muscles! 💪 ❤️

29/04/2026

🐎 Why Templating Is Important During a Saddle Fitting🐎

Templating is one of the most precise and informative steps in a professional saddle fitting. It involves taking accurate shape measurements of your horse’s withers and back using a flexible curve or template tool.
This creates a physical reference of your horse’s unique shape — ensuring the saddle truly matches what’s underneath it.

📏 1. Provides an Accurate Shape Profile
Every horse’s back is different. Some are:
* High-withered
* Broad and flat
* Dipped behind the shoulder
* Narrow through the ribcage
* Asymmetrical
Templating captures the exact contour of the wither and back, allowing the fitter to compare it directly to the saddle tree and panel shape.

🎯 2. Ensures Correct Tree Width & Shape
Tree width alone isn’t enough — the shape matters just as much.
Templating helps determine:
* Whether the tree matches the ribcage angle
* If the head of the tree accommodates the withers
* Whether the panel angle mirrors the back
This reduces the risk of pinching, bridging, or excessive pressure.

⚖ 3. Identifies Asymmetry
Many horses are naturally uneven.
Templates can reveal:
* One shoulder more developed than the other
* Uneven muscle bulk
* Slight spinal deviations
This allows flocking adjustments to be made more accurately.

📊 4. Creates a Baseline for Future Fittings
Horses change shape due to:
* Training
* Age
* Seasonal weight changes
* Rehabilitation
* Muscle development
Keeping templates on record allows comparison at future appointments, ensuring the saddle evolves as your horse does.

🧠 5. Supports Evidence-Based Adjustments
Rather than relying purely on visual judgement, templating provides measurable information.
It helps guide decisions about:
* Tree selection
* Panel modifications
* Flocking balance
* Suitability of existing saddle

13/04/2026

🐎 Why Chalk Markings Are Important During Saddle Fitting🐎

Chalk markings might look simple, but they are one of the most valuable tools in professional saddle fitting. They give a clear, visual guide to what’s happening under the saddle — both statically and in motion.
Here’s why they matter:

🎯 1. Identifies Correct Saddle Placement
Chalk helps mark:
* The back edge of the scapula (shoulder blade)
* The natural saddle support area
* The last rib (to avoid placing the saddle too far back)
This ensures the saddle sits in the correct anatomical position — not too far forward restricting movement, and not too far back on unsupported lumbar area.

🦴 2. Highlights Shoulder Movement
The scapula rotates backward significantly when the horse moves.
By marking the shoulder, we can:
* See if the saddle tree points interfere
* Check if panels restrict movement
* Ensure adequate clearance during motion
Without chalk, this can be easy to misjudge.

📏 3. Assesses Pressure Distribution
After static and dynamic assessment, chalk can show:
* Uneven contact areas
* Bridging (gap in the middle of the saddle)
* Rocking
* Pressure points
It provides a visible reference for panel contact and balance.

🧩 4. Supports Accurate Templating & Adjustments
Chalk works alongside:
* Back templating
* Static assessment
* Dynamic (ridden) evaluation
It helps confirm whether adjustments are needed to flocking, tree width, or saddle balance.

👀 5. Creates Clear Communication With Owners
Chalk markings allow you to see exactly what the fitter is assessing.
It’s transparent, educational, and helps owners understand:
* Why changes are recommended
* How saddle position affects performance
* What correct placement should look like

🐴 In Simple Terms…
Chalk markings turn saddle fitting from guesswork into a clear, visual, anatomical process.
They help ensure:�✔ Correct saddle placement�✔ Freedom of shoulder movement�✔ Even pressure distribution�✔ Greater comfort for your horse
Small detail — big impact.

DM me for more information on our saddle fittings!
📍Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey

16/03/2026

Saddle fit problems often show up in your horse’s body, behavior, and performance before you ever notice something obvious under the saddle.
Here are the key signs to watch for 👇

🔴 1️⃣ Behavioral Changes
Your horse may:
* Pin ears when you saddle
* Bite or threaten when girthing
* Swish tail excessively
* Hollow their back
* Buck or crow-hop
* Refuse jumps or transitions
* Feel “cold-backed” when first mounted
👉 These behaviors often signal discomfort before visible injury appears.

🟠 2️⃣ Changes in Performance
You might notice:
* Difficulty picking up one canter lead
* Loss of impulsion
* Resistance to bending one direction
* Shortened stride
* Frequent stumbling
* Reluctance to move forward
A saddle that restricts the shoulders or bridges across the back will directly affect movement quality.

🟡 3️⃣ Physical Signs on the Back
Look for:
* White hairs (chronic pressure damage)
* Dry spots after sweating (uneven pressure)
* Heat or swelling
* Flinching when touched
* Muscle atrophy behind the shoulder
* Uneven muscling left vs right
⚠️ White hairs mean damage has already occurred — don’t ignore them.

🟢 4️⃣ Saddle Movement Issues
While riding, the saddle may:
* Slide to one side
* Tip forward or backward
* Rock front to back
* Lift in the cantle
* Shift when mounting
Movement = instability = pressure points.

🔵 5️⃣ Visible Fit Problems (Static Check)
Before riding, check:
* Is there 2–3 fingers of wither clearance?
* Is the saddle level (not downhill)?
* Is the channel wide enough to clear the spine?
* Are the panels making even contact?
* Does it pinch at the front?
If you see:
* Bridging (gap in the middle)
* Rocking
* Gapping at the front
* Pressing on the loins
…it likely needs adjustment.

🚨 Important
Sometimes the signs are subtle:
* Your horse just feels “off”
* They become harder to train
* They feel stiff one direction only
* You feel constantly out of balance
Saddle fit problems can look like training issues, but they’re often pain-related.

If your horse is Showing any of these signs feel free to PM me or Contact me! 💬whatsapp on 07579025738 or
📧Email at [email protected]

📍Hampshire, Parts of Surrey and West sussex.

15/03/2026

Happy Mother’s day to my lovely Clients! Whether that’s a Mother to another person or a Mother to a Fur baby! I hope you all have a great day😁

12/03/2026

‼️NEW PRICE LIST‼️
As of the 1st of April my Price of an 8 part saddle fitting WILL increase to £50 And Travel Fees WILL be introduced if Over 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes.
Thank you!

12/03/2026

🐴 Saddle Reflocking: Why It Matters.

Your saddle isn’t just a piece of leather — it’s a carefully balanced system that supports both horse and rider. Over time, the wool or foam panels inside the saddle compress or shift, which can cause uneven pressure on your horse’s back. That’s where reflocking comes in!
🔹 What is Reflocking?
Reflocking is the process of adding, adjusting, or replacing the wool (or other stuffing) inside a saddle’s panels. It restores the saddle’s shape and ensures the weight is evenly distributed along your horse’s back.
🔹 Signs Your Saddle Might Need Reflocking
* Saddle “bridges” or rocks
* Uneven sweat marks after riding
* White hairs developing along the back
* The saddle feels unbalanced under you
* Your horse seems resistant, hollow, or sore
🔹 Benefits of Reflocking
* Even pressure distribution – protects muscles and spine
* Improved horse comfort – prevents soreness and tension
* Better saddle stability – stays level and balanced
* Extends saddle life – keeps your investment performing well
🔹 How Often Should You Reflock?
* Depends on horse’s activity, weight, and saddle usage
* Typically every 1–3 years or when fit issues arise
* Always check by a qualified saddle fitter
A reflocked saddle isn’t just a quick fix — it’s about long-term comfort and performance for your horse. Your horse will move more freely, your position will improve, and you’ll both enjoy every ride! 🐎✨

27/02/2026

🐎 Why Saddle Fitting Is So Important for Your Horse🐎

A well-fitted saddle is not a luxury — it’s essential for your horse’s comfort, performance, and long-term health. Even a slightly ill-fitting saddle can cause discomfort that affects behaviour, movement, and muscle development.
Here’s why correct saddle fitting matters:

🧠 1. Protects Your Horse’s Back Health
Your horse carries both you and the saddle on a relatively small weight-bearing area. Poor saddle fit can cause:
* Pressure points
* Muscle soreness
* White hairs (pressure damage)
* Long-term tissue damage
Over time, this can lead to chronic pain and lead to potential complications.

🏇 2. Improves Movement & Performance
A saddle that pinches the shoulders or bridges, restricts your horse’s natural movement.
Correct fit allows:
* Freedom through the shoulder
* Engagement of the hindquarters
* Lift through the back
* Better balance and rhythm
Whether you hack, jump, or compete in dressage, freedom of movement starts with the saddle.

😟 3. Prevents Behavioural Issues
Many behaviour problems are pain-related. Signs of saddle discomfort can include:
* Napping or refusing to go forward
* Bucking or rearing
* Tail swishing
* Ear pinning during tacking up
* Girthiness
Often what looks like “naughtiness” is your horse trying to tell you something is uncomfortable.

💪 4. Supports Muscle Development
An ill-fitting saddle can cause muscle wastage behind the scapula (shoulder) or along the topline.
A correctly fitted saddle:
* Encourages even muscle development
* Prevents asymmetry
* Allows your horse to build strength correctly
As your horse changes shape with work, age, or seasons, saddle fit should be reassessed.

⚖ 5. Improves Rider Balance & Security
A saddle that tips you forward or backward affects:
* Your position
* Your effectiveness
* Your horse’s balance
When you are balanced, your horse can move more freely and confidently.

📅 Regular Checks Matter
Horses change shape due to:
* Fitness levels
* Weight gain/loss
* Age
* Workload adjustments
Regular saddle fitting checks help prevent small issues from becoming big problems.

🐴 In Short…
A correctly fitted saddle means:�✔ A happier horse�✔ Better performance�✔ Reduced injury risk�✔ Improved partnership
Your saddle should work with your horse — not against them.

- L.M Saddle Fitting Services

L.M saddle fitting services

31/05/2026

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