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Taking a Template

Fig. A
Having established that the front arch of the saddle tree must be exactly the same shape and width as that part of the back where it should be located, i.e. 3-4" behind the top back angle of the scapula (shoulder blade bone), it will therefore be necessary to locate this point before a template can be taken. From the nearside using the left hand, slide your fingers backward over the shoulder blade until your fingers dig in over the edge of the shoulder blade bone, then move your fingers upwards until you locate the back top corner or angle of the bone (fig. A). Then mark a point 3-4" further back. Using a flexicurve mould it carefully over this part of the back in the position where the front arch of the tree should be located (fig. B).

Fig. B
Taking a foolscap or larger envelope, lay the flexicuve carefully on the envelope and draw around the underside of the flexicurve*. Repeat the procedure to make certain that the shape is correct.Cut around the shape with scissors and you will then have two copies, one for your saddlers and one to keep as a record. Should your horse change shape, another template will show you whether he/she has either put on or lost condition. Within limits, your saddler should be able to either widen or draw in the arch of the tree to match the new template. Flexicurves can be obtained from W H Smith or an office supply shop.




Fig. C
If the horse has a sway or dipped back, mould the flexicurve along the spine as indicated by fig. C and record this so the saddler can stuff the panel accordingly.

However, it should be noted that the shoulder is comprised of both the scapula or blade bone itself plus the cartilage attached to the dorsal or top border of the scapula. While we use the top back angle of the scapula as the point from which to measure, some saddle fitters use the back of the cartilage. While both are acceptable, we believe that the bone provides a more precise position than the cartilage.