Saddle Fit Assistance & Education, Free Online Saddle Fitting Guide

Because of many new materials and technologies, the world of saddles and saddle fit is constantly changing. This is a great thing as it offers horses and their riders far more choice. But it also presents new challenges. Fitting a saddle well is a complex art that takes a lot of experience, a good eye and a certain amount of sensitivity. This holds true whether the saddle you are fitting is a traditional treed model or one of the newer alternative (treeless, half tree, flexible panels, reinforced flexible base) styles.

My aim here is to help you and your horse navigate this complex process in whatever way I can. This may mean exploring all of your options in either a treed or alternative treeless saddle, or it may take the form of working with your existing saddle and researching padding alternatives. Over the past 8 years I have spent over $40,000 trying out wide range of treed and treeless saddles in an effort to fit some very difficult to fit horses. This 'study' ranged from beautiful custom saddles ($3600 each) all the way to bareback pads I made up myself (out of desperation because nothing seem to fit at the time). In an effort to understand why the saddles I purchased were not working I spent as much time as possible observing and asking questions of the fitters who flocked my saddles. When possible I travelled with them to learn more. I also imported many saddle fit experts and sponsored clinics. And when all else failed I spent many afternoons with the local saddlemaker lamenting about my travails and brainstorming for answers.

I also have an extensive 20+ year experience in various fields of human biomechanics, including Feldenkrais, Pilates and Yoga. Furthermore my parents were well known physical therapists who worked with a number of professional jockeys and I used to do personal training with people recovering from injuries and who had special needs. And finally I have practiced traditional Asian healing arts for the past 23 years. Currently I specialize in Jin Shin Jyutsu and I teach self help acupressure for both animals and their human companions.

This wide range of experience and education has shown me that no two people, horses or situations are exactly like. Everyone is unique and therefore a little different. While of course noting the general categories of breed, back shape, riding style and rider build will get you in the ballpark, there are still many other significant determiners (sometimes subtle) in the saddle fit equation. This is where I can possibly be of value to you. By making use of my experience and knowledge you can get some feedback that will help you make an informed choice. I also will not hesitate to refer you professionals in your area who can best serve and assist you. Please contact me if you would like to have a consultation.

Telephone Consultations

If you would like an in depth suitability study or assessment of either treed or treeless saddles with padding and accessory choices appropriate for your situation, I offer a one hour phone consultation for $40 which is payable by credit card through Paypal.

Prior to your appointment, I will need you to email me all the pictures and information as follows:

Photos - First I need to see a picture of the side view topline of your horse(s) without saddle or rider; please make sure the horse is standing still, on level ground with head up and all four feet showing against a good contrasting background. Second, I need to see an overhead picture from the rear that clearly shows the side to side contour of the back. And third, I need a side view picture of the rider in the current saddle that is being used on the horse standing still (please specify make, model and seat size of the current saddle).

Information - I would also like list of all the saddles and padding you have tried so far and the reasons why they did not work out.

Payment Information

We accept personal checks, cashier's checks, money orders and credit cards through Paypal. If you do not already have a Paypal account you can easily open one in a few minutes. Go to http://www.paypal.com and follow the instructions.

Contact Information

email: info@kaarenjordan.com

mail: Kaaren Jordan - PO Box 1098, Solvang, CA 93464

telephone: (805) 245-9908 - 11 AM and 6 PM, 7 days a week, California Time

Kaaren's Holistic

Horse Care Corner

• Since I am a holistic health care educator and practitioner for both animals and humans, I have extensively searched over the years for effective and economical products that will enhance my natural horse keeping. Here are some of my 'keepers' that I always have on hand.

• And jewelry that harmonizes you with your horse

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treeless saddle fitting

Some Other Things I Do

Nutrition