Schleese, Jochen Articles

Saddle Fit for the Child Rider

Updated:

June 17, 2021

Girls Outnumber Boys horse riding, Jochen Schleese, horse riding, McClellan Saddle, horse riding erectile issues, George B. McClellan, dysfunction, Dr. James Warson

When we think about children and riding, we usually picture little girls and their ponies. Popular equestrian magazines with the target market of younger riders are usually focused on girls – it’s really rare to see photos in these magazines featuring boys.

How Can I Tell if my Saddle Fits Correctly?

Updated:

October 2, 2020

horse saddle fit, properly fitting saddle, how to tell if my saddle fits, does my saddle fit correctly? schleese, saddlefit4life

Q: I ride a Thoroughbred with a moderately roached (convex or round) back. How should I determine if my saddle fits correctly? A: The nine main points of saddle fit are absolutely common to all saddles and all horses – if you want to determine whether and how well your saddle fits, these points should be considered, and each of these points has video instruction on our website at www.saddlesforwomen.com.

When Horses Behave Badly

Updated:

April 17, 2020

horse misbehaving, horse bucking, girthiness, poorly fitting saddle, jochen schleese, Saddlefit 4 Life, Saddle Fitting, equien ergonomist, Unwanted behaviour may be caused by a poorly fitting saddle

Unwanted behaviour may be caused by a poorly fitting saddle. Often rider error is perceived to be the cause, addressed by suggesting ways to change rider behaviour. In some cases, consulting a veterinarian is suggested.

Equine Symptomatic Lameness

Updated:

January 26, 2020

Equine Symptomatic Lameness, Why is my horse lame? Why does my horse keep stumbling? Why does my horse trip over his own feet? Symptomatic lameness right hind leg, detecting Equine Symptomatic Lameness

Why is my horse lame? Why does he keep stumbling? Why does he seem to trip over his own feet? The horse suffering from back pain or injuries can exhibit symptomatic lameness, which can also manifest as behaviour issues including stubbornness or resistance. When the horse is displaying symptoms of lameness and logical treatments are not working, the horse’s owner may turn to injections, anti-inflammatory creams, or chiropractic adjustments at the sacroiliac joint.

Should I Use a Half Pad?

Updated:

June 8, 2016

half pad, saddle fitting, jochen schleese, schleese saddle fitting, equine ergonomist, saddlefit for life, schleese, saddle balance, schleese saddle, pommel to cantle

Question: I frequently see half pads being used under saddles, made of either gel, memory foam, or leather. Do you think these pads are necessary or is a properly fitted saddle sufficient to cushion a horse’s back? Answer: There is an old wisdom that a well-fitting saddle should not need anything underneath it, save perhaps a thin cotton pad to protect the saddle from the horse’s sweat.

How to Clean and Care for Your Leather Horse Tack

Updated:

August 12, 2015

saddle soap, clean horse tack, care for horse tack, Jochen Schleese, Equine Ergonomist, care horse leather, cleaning horse leather

Taking proper care of your leather goods will greatly enhance their appearance and lifespan. One of the greatest misconceptions in leather care has been with the correct use of saddle soaps. Saddle soaps are basically just what their names imply: soaps, and as such are to be used for cleaning only. In fact, sweat, which is acidic, and soap are the two greatest enemies of leather if they are not removed.