EQUIMapping Saddle Fittting Evaluation and Correction
EQUIMapping is a thorough examination of several elements that when combined, give us the information we need: the animal (a wide variety of points of interest), the rider, the discipline, the saddle and all of its parts, the saddle pad, the terrain and climate, the goals of the rider/equine combination. When all these categories have been satisfied, we now have the information we need. It is a combination of all these that then moves into what needs correction and/or change.
Although we have studied for many years with the aid of our hospital grade pressure mapping system and thermography combined, we now have a thorough level of knowledge of what we have tagged "3-D vision". The system is able to show us the cause and effect of many things such as: rider imbalance, asymmetry, hoof trim, shear of the pad/saddle, the pad itself, the fit of the tree, footfall, landing concussion, multiple levels of psi plus voids where the tree is making no contact, and much more. Since our systems are very sensitive hospital equipment used to diagnose high pressure areas to avoid bed sores (the same as a saddle sore), we now have other diagnostic tools to give us the same knowledge. Not just watching the rider ride, sweat marks, dry marks, but the actual relationship of the tree against the moving ridden animal.
What does a saddle fitting appointment look like?
1.) Saddle fitting and EQUIMapping will take approximately and hour and a half, and will require in hand and ridden time if possible. Please bring your saddle, and any saddle pads/blankets that you can choose from, and equipment to ride in safely.
2.) We do require presenting a recent Coggins, and prefer riders wear a helmet when on our location. We also provide customers with paperwork to fill out ahead of time, and you must sign a release of liability for us before we will begin the work of saddle fitting and EquiMapping. Please leave your dogs at home.
3.) During your saddle fitting/EQUIMapping appointment, we do not provide paddocks for animals. They must be tied to your trailer or in our cross ties.
4.) Saddle fitting/EQUIMapping appointments are made by filling out the EQUIMapping Client Form. It is imperative to confirm the day prior . Payment for appointments is required prior to your appointment by mailed check or Pay Pal. No-shows will be charged the full amount for their missed appointment.
5.) Cancellations for saddle fitting are accepted within a week from your date, and will be rescheduled. Weather related cancellations can be rescheduled.
6.) Off site saddle fittings: we charge the current Dept. of Transportation fees per mile both directions. This includes time loading/unloading our equipment. It is preferred that customers trailer in to our location but we understand that is not always possible. If you have a group, we can fit in approximately five appointments. Please call to discuss 336-267-0276. We do offer clinics prior to a group fitting session.
Fees vary according to the following:
- New client, on site
- Recheck of previous saddle fitting (within two months) on site
- Check fit on a new Double Diamond Saddle (first fit check is free) on site
- Saddle fitting done out of town
- Group fittings out of town
- Fittings when we are at a live appearance. Requires contact with the event manager as well.
Saddle Types
What type of saddles will we work on: flex tree (Circle Y or example), flex panel (Orthoflex, Timberline etc.) treeless, endurance, any saddles with a fit system (Specialized, Boz, Reactor Panel, some treeless etc.), English flocked, endurance, western trail and western ranch models, aussi etc.
Note About Correction of Fit
Not all saddles can be corrected. Although we have a high success rate, that depends on the actual size of the animal vs. the actual tree that is within the saddle. Large animal and small narrow tree, for example, is not correctable. Short back, long saddle, not correctable. High wither and low pommel, not correctable. Other factors might be the rigging, the length, position of the leathers or fender, wither clearance and many more factors.