This is the latest addition to my line of saddle brands. This is the Tempo Freeform Dressage Saddle.   Freeform saddles are made in Italy and designed by Paulita Neff of Saddle up.  For many years now, I have turned to treeless saddles in order to fit the super wide equines of the world.  Now Paulita … More Happy Back Riding now has Freeform Saddles

  The amazing bua!  This was my first saddle fit analysis test with the new bua saddle.  The results are fantastic.  This horse is one of the widest I have seen.  I thought the impression would show a pressure line all the way along the bottom of the “rails”.  But the tree is conforming to … More Port Lewis Pad IV

Here is a saddle fitting success story.  This is a Port Lewis impression made by a well fitting Wow saddle.  This horse is difficult to fit because he has a forward girth groove.  Many saddles are pulled up on his shoulders.  The impressions of those saddles always showed pressure point in front and bridging; no … More Port Lewis Pad III

I am often asked, “How do I know if my saddle allows my horse to move his shoulders freely?”  Here is a quick and accurate way to check the fit around the shoulders of your horse.  As you are sitting in your saddle, slide your hand under the front edge of the panel.  If your … More A quick and easy saddle fit test

The perfect saddle would distribute the weight of the rider evenly over the maximum area possible.  It would flex moment by moment to conform to the changing shape of the horse as the horse moves.  It would not flex in response to the movement and weight of the rider. A design with all three of … More Innovative tree design from BUA

  The design of the saddle, the fit of the saddle, and the skill of the rider interact in ways that are extremely complicated.  If you add in the asymmetries of the rider and the asymmetries of the horse, you are talking about a group of interactions that are even more complicated.    It is no … More Which saddle tree design is best? Part 1:

What is your horse telling you about your saddle fit?  Did you know that refusing to stand still at the mounting block and fussing when you tighten the girth are sure behavior signs that your saddle fit could be better for your horse?  I have seen these behaviors change time and time again when the … More Do You Listen To Your Horse?

Happy Back Riding is proud to be a new distributor of Lovatt and Ricketts.  These fine saddles can be made to order using the precision of the FTE Equiform.  A template of your horse’s back will be made and shipped to Walsall England, where your saddle will be hand crafted using materials and methods that … More More great saddle brands, more great choices

Experts say that a saddle is a huge commitment towards your horse as well as your bank balance. The welfare and willingness of your horse, your riding comfort as well as overall performance can be a concern when looking to purchase a new saddle. How do you know you have the right one, before investing … More Saddle Fitting Ontario and Direct Sales