 |
|
||
|
Which characteristics differentiate an O-M-E-G-A saddle with an “Anatomic” tree from other, “normal” saddles? The
Seating For which Type of Horse, Horseman, and Equestrian Style are Saddles with “Anatomic” tree suitable? Type
of Horse The
Seating |
||
 |
|
||
 |
“Anatomic”
tree, trekking/recreation design. Clearly visible are the very low fork
and the space for the shoulder as well as the molding of the tree that
allows the rib cage to carry a part of the rider's weight.
|
||
|
The two black lines on the white tree mark the spine channel of only six centimeters width. Everyone should realize now how little surface is left to distribute the remaining weight on the horses’ back. Compared to
this, the “Anatomic” saddle tree has a panel that is about
thrice as big. |
||
|
The
Fork Room
for the Spine |
|||
 |
Is the horse truly bent, the spine is considerably affected. If the
horse has good back muscles, i.e. the spine is protected right and left
up to the lumbar vertebrae through musculature, then initially, there
are usually no problems. |
||
|
But if the long back muscle is not very well developed or already damaged, and the spine is thus less protected then a relaxed training is hardly possible. Only under protest (head bobbing and tail swishing) will the horse be willing to bend. A vicious circle begins that is noticed too late as initially, one blames it on laziness and contumacy. The aids become more concrete until the horse’s pleasure in movement under the rider vanishes. |
|||
 |
Many horses are very adept in avoiding bending), which results in relieving postures and relieving movements, respectively. This natural prevention from damage will then lead to false strain of the other parts of the musculoskeletal system. After months or even years of this initially undetected false strain, the true reason can hardly be discovered anymore. |
||
|
Inexplicable lameness, errors of tact, unwillingness up to uselessness are among the consequences. Many times, the original reason was the back or the saddle. |
|||
 |
|
||
|
Room
for the shoulder Panel
and Padding In interaction with other muscles, the so-called nuchal ligament cord, it connects the nape, the neck, the back, the croup, and, extending over the upper thighs, even the hooves with the head. Ideally, the long back muscle is so well developed in the saddle location that it is even more prominent than the spine itself. Many saddles, no matter the discipline, have panels that are strongly arched; this is especially true for the hind third of the saddle. Therefore, their shape is counterproductive to the aspired musculature. In our opinion, it is this shape that, in addition to the tiny seating, is highly responsible for the muscle atrophy that many horses suffer from in exactly this part of their backs. Sometimes, one has the impression that the panels have practically been “annealed” into the musculature instead of supporting it positively (Also look up "Spine"). In connection with a wrongly placed saddle that is often also too short and causes the rider’s balance point to be too far in the back, and an unbalanced horseman, a long-winded odyssey soon starts. Everywhere, even in the highest tournament classes, one will see “weird” blankets and constructions along with gel, foam, and shock absorbers underneath the saddle. Their use demonstrates the awareness of the problem. Right from the start, it was our approach to design anatomically sensible panels that provide the back musculature at least with the opportunity of muscle formation. Flat, soft panels with a large surface that are not arched against the muscles allow the reactivation of damaged muscles. Sensitive horses are spared from the problems mentioned above and will find it easier to reach suppleness. |
|||
 |
What is here simulated on a gymnastics ball it exactly the same thing
that happens on our horses’ backs. Regular dressage saddle with
a minimal load of 20kg. Obvious dents are already visible. |
||
 |
|
||
|
The
Angle of the Panel Flexible,
semi-flexible, steel spring or no tree? The degree of hardness
is determined by the equestrian’s weight and skills as well as
by the use of the saddle. For dressage, we recommend a very flexible
tree; for jumping, military and endurance tests a rather semi-flexible
version. For trekking tours that include baggage, we recommend a hard
tree. |
|||
 |
|
||
| For
which Type of Horse? For all breeds and their hybridizations. Available are six basic models each with all channel widths, three different lengths, and various panel angles; in short, with unlimited varieties. By this, we guarantee that every horse gets its individually fitting tree. |
|||
 |
|
||
|
For
which Type of Horseman? The matching tree is made available in its maximum length and with a 16’’ seat. Thus, the rider has an ideal seat and the horse still has a relatively long saddle with a large seating. Additionally, the old “back tilting problem”, which was caused by a saddle that fitted the rider but was way too short for the horse, was solved. The sizes of the
seats of the O-M-E-G-A saddles with “Anatomic” tree are:
16’’, 16,5’’, 17’’, 17,5’’,
18’’, 18,5’’, 19’’. These sizes
are almost independently selectable from actual length and size of the
saddle. |
|||
|
The “Anatomic” tree consists of a precisely tailored tree for the horse and an independent seat for the equestrian. |
|||
| Dressage The “Anatomic” saddle trees for dressage are equipped with a relatively low seat and, insofar the horse’s anatomy makes it possible, a narrow waist. The position of the hangings for the stirrup irons is a little pushed back, and there are two positions to choose from. The positioning of the long billet straps in possible in three positions. The panels are extra-thin to keep an ideal but gentle pressure angle. Our dressage saddles are meant to be saddles for protection and training, and to inspire confidence as well suppleness. They are not meant to replace a classic dressage saddle for use in tournament. For this use, we would recommend our classic dressage saddle with an extra soft tree from the “Classic” series. |
|||
|
|
Our recommendation for dressage always is the very soft, flexible model. |
||
| Jumping Versility Endurance
Tests The matching “Anatomic” trees feature a slightly higher stiffness in order to be able to absorb occurring forces in a comfortable manner even if the rider is standing or half-sitting. Recreational
Riding / Trail Riding |
|||
 |
|
||
