Re: Proposal: study saddle fit scientifically

["Cora" <bandc@teknett.com>]

If this could happen  it would mean a great deal!!...Cora
----- Original Message -----
From: <Reactorpanel@aol.com>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 4:55 PM
Subject: RC: Proposal: study saddle fit scientifically


> Okay ridecampers...I'm ready to go public with the rudiments of an idea
that
> has been on my mind for quite some time.
>
> It is clear that many riders (and every saddle manufacturer) have a strong
> opinion about which saddles work.   As I try to make sense of these
opinions,
> it seems that only a few of these conclusions are data-based; most
opinions
> are either emotional or the result of trial and error, and a lot of what
> saddle manufacturers sell has a mumbo-jumbo flavor.
>
> I would be keenly interested in getting saddle manufacturers together to
fund
> some sort of study, probably through a university, that would measure the
> impact of the widest possible variety of saddles on the horse.  My
> off-the-cuff thoughts would be to look at pressures under the saddle and
> weight distribution, shoulder and back freedom and the impact on length of
> stride; and the saddle's restrictiveness or lack and its impact on
> cardio-vascular performance.
>
> If it would be possible to capture enough data to make the study
> statistically significant, it would be a great tool for consumers (that
is,
> those who buy saddles) and would also enable we saddle manufacturers to
use
> the data in our design and re-design activities.  Of course, there's a
> marketing angle to the whole thing as well, but that's another discussion.
> What if we could finally begin to understand, in absolute terms, how our
tack
> choices impact the ability of the horse to offer peak performance?
>
> Since I am a trainer (and now a saddle dealer) and not a scientist, I
don't
> know if the scope of such a project is realistic.  Any comments,
> improvements, criticisms or offers of assistance are welcome.
>
> Carmi Weininger
> The ReactorPanel Saddle Co.
> 303-530-0531
>
>
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