Psychic Saddle Fitting

[Robert Ferrand <sadddle@best.com>]

PSYCHIC SADDLE FITTING
	
"I think it fits, therefore It fits." The most common test for saddle
fit is "Experience." Experience is based on the subjective observation
of how the horse "feels" when ridden or how the horse "goes". While
subjective judgements can often be correct, they can also be the source
of misinterpretation. 

The problem with using subjective "experience" is there is no way to
verify that what someone thinks is happening is actually happening or
that it is happening for the reasons they believe that it is happening. 
That is why the "Scientific method" was developed.  

By using independently measured observation, at another time and place
we should observe the same results.  When we use "subjective"
observations to determine saddle fit, we often slant the truth, so that
we do not need to change our understanding of what we know through
"experience" to be true? 

For centuries it was obvious to everyone who knew anything that the
earth was flat and that the planets revolve around the earth.  However,
once instruments were invented that permitted OBJECTIVE observation a
new understanding of life evolved. That continues even today with the
Hubbell telescope. New instruments do provide new insight.  Measurement
is the key to understanding. While psychic saddle fitting is the most
common method of saddle fitting used today, its reliability should be
questioned.

The reason that saddle fitting causes so much confusion is that no unit
of measurement has been established. So subtle variations cannot even be
detected. There is a significant problem with all of the traditional
saddle-fitting techniques, they all lack a "unit" of measurement.  While
saddlers do refer to baling wire, flexible rules, plaster casts and
pegboards as measurement, they are not a method of measurement. 
Measurement by definition requires a "unit" of measurement.  Once a unit
of measurement is established then relationships between different
measurements can be made, as well as formulas developed to correct for
variables. This is why the difference between the shape of the unmounted
horse's back and the shape of the mounted horse's back shape has not
been determined. Which is why so may saddles bridge. Hello

However, there is a solution......measurment. Even better, by using two
different types of measurment one system can be used to calibrate the
other system. With calibration, formulas can be developed to compensate
for the effect of the weight of the rider relative to the weight of the
horse and provide scientific data to support the formula.

As an example dressage riders claim that the horse "rounds" his back
into the saddle. With measurement this can be proven or disproven. On
the other hand peruvian paso riders beleive their horse hollow their
backs because they gait with head held high.  Western pleasure rider
have their horses heads held low. With measurment appropriate formulas
can be developed to accomodate all disciples.

The Saddle industry is the only remaining industry that does not have
any form of measurment. Equestrians have no reason to purchase saddles
that do not fit their horses. The reason so many saddles are sold that
do not fit is that the equestrian is given the impression that the
saddle fits their horse or they would not buy the saddle. The problems
arise because the equestrian has no way to determine for themselves that
the saddle does or does not fit. Since the horse cannot speak, not only
is the customer buying a product that does not perform as claimed, but
the horse can be injured.

There is a solution go to SADDLETECH.COM and a variety of computer and
mechanical saddle measurement instruments both are available as well as
veterinarians, chiropracters and saddlers who do use a "unit" of
measurment and can fit new or used saddles. FIT HAPPENS WITH
MEASUREMENT.