TRAINING, COMPETITION, TOURNAMENT

There is hardly any other physically challenging sport in which it is commonplace to train with competition gear all the same. Especially the highly stressed runners differentiate very clearly between shoes for training and shoes for competition. Would they use the latter for their training constantly, their joints, ligaments, and tendons would soon be ruined. Shoes for training are much better cushioned and offer more support for the foot than the special shoes for competition.

In equestrianism, however, this is different. Everyday, we use saddles made for competition instead of allowing the highly demanded muscle areas some rest at least in the training units. Saddles with an “Anatomic” tree have proved their worth in this regard. They make it easier for rider and horse to complete a sensible, calm practice program as they are designed not for short-term precision efforts but for relaxed, intensive training units.

Typical classic dressage-saddle with small panel, thus high pressure impact.

The narrow spine channel could hardly be broadened in this case as then the remaining padding would be even narrower.

Dressage-saddle with “Anatomic” tree of the same size; clearly visible is the spine channel that is more than twice as broad and the much bigger panel.

Nevertheless, it still offers satisfactory pressure impact for dressage.

Classic steel-spring and wood saddle-tree. Clearly visible are the forks that point in the direction of the shoulder, and the very narrow waste.

If the rider’s balance point lies – as often asked for – in the saddle’s front third, it is obvious that just there only a small panel is possible.