Your Partner for a Perfect Saddle Fit

MSFC Qualified Saddle Fitter | 📍 Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Expert tack fit products – all handpicked by our master saddler

At Symmetry, we put your horse first. As passionate equestrians ourselves, we understand that quality and comfort are non-negotiable. That’s why we specialize in expert tack fitting and offer a curated selection of premium equestrian products designed to enhance your horse’s health, comfort, and performance.

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Cavaletti Collection

Adjustable, affordable Dressage, Jump and GP saddles with a range of leather work and accessories. Perfect for riders seeking a reliable, well-crafted saddle that grows with their horse. We can go with classic options, or you can design a fullu custom saddle, from leathers, engraved prints, to colours and crystals!

Loxley by Bliss of London

Handcrafted in England, these saddles feature premium materials, fully adjustable trees, and wool flocked panels for a truly customized fit. Designed for both horse and rider, Bliss saddles offer elegance, balance, and support—ideal for those who demand the best in quality and innovation,.

Improve Your Riding

Level up your riding with Equisk—better balance, better performance

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Equisk Gloves and Bands

The SteadyHands Riding Gloves promote correct rein contact and hand position, building muscle engagement in your back, shoulders, and arms for a softer, more consistent connection with your horse. Combine them with resistance band training to boost strength, flexibility, and stability—enhancing your posture and overall performance in the saddle. Learn more about Equisk Products.

Holistic Saddle Fitting

A well-fitting saddle is essential for both your horse's comfort and your own.

When you book with us, our Master Saddle Fitting Consultant ensures a perfect fit by assessing how the saddle impacts both your horse and your riding posture, balance, and comfort.

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Get 15% off all accessories after completing a saddle fitting with us.

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The Symmetry Mission

Finding quality equestrian products and services you can trust in South Africa can be a challenge. We are here to change that. We take the guesswork out of equestrian care by offering reliable, high-quality products and empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

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I share tips on saddle fit, horse and rider fitness and welfare-focused horse management.

Saddle placement shouldn’t be a guessing game, especially considering the HUGE impact it has on your horse’s comfort and movement. 🤦‍♀️

Honestly, I learned proper placement only after getting my saddle fitting qualifications!

Forget sliding the saddle onto the withers (most horses loathe this!) or relying solely on the girth groove or wither. Different saddles and horses can make it confusing, but the shoulders hold the key.

This post will show you why placing your saddle correctly behind the shoulder blades is crucial for their freedom. It might feel different at first, but yes, your horse’s neck is that long! Enjoy watching that unrestricted shoulder movement.

#saddlefit #equestrianeducation #horsehealth #shoulderfreedom

If you haven’t read Cherry Hill’s ‘Think Like a Horse yet, 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️run and get it!

We need to stop projecting your human feelings and assumptions onto your horses. Our horses see the world in a much different way. The real connection starts when you try to see the world through their eyes – a world driven by instinct and clear needs.

To quote Cherry Hill further : “There is no need to take things away from the horse or break him into fragments in order to train him; rather you should add to your horse. The goal should be making, not breaking.”

So often we do not give them the benefit of the doubt. Behaviour is always communication. So many of us DREAM to be able to speak to horses, and unless they have been shut down or silenced they are always speaking to us. We just need to listen.

Drop your assumptions, meet them where they are, and watch the partnership deepen. Our relationship with horses can be a win-win for both.

As someone deeply invested in equine welfare, I find the term “saddle fitter” soooo misleading. It suggests that my role is merely to adjust any saddle to fit a horse, regardless of its suitability. This misconception sets unrealistic expectations and overlooks the complexity of ensuring a horse’s comfort and performance.

My primary responsibility is to assess whether the tack, especially the saddle, is causing any pain, discomfort, or movement dysfunction in the horse. It’s not about forcing an ill-fitting saddle to work but about ensuring the equipment supports the horse’s well-being. At the end of the day your horse is my client, not the rider, and I will speak up for them.

When I visit a yard, my process begins with observing the horse’s movement and checking for soundness and imbalances. I examine the horse’s body and back for any signs of discomfort in areas where the tack rests. Taking templates of the horse helps me understand its conformation and provides a reference when considering alternative saddle options.

Only after this thorough assessment do I evaluate the saddle on the horse in a static position. If the saddle’s tree fits, the paneling is appropriate, and there are no structural issues, we proceed to a ridden assessment to observe its performance during movement.

When the skeleton of the saddle fits appropriately, then yes, I can make some adjustments. However, even the most adaptable saddles have limitations. The fundamental structure of the tree, including its shape and twist, often cannot be altered. Similarly, many saddles have fixed panels that don’t accommodate significant changes. In such cases, despite all efforts, the saddle may remain incompatible with the horse’s conformation.

Delivering this news to owners is never easy and I can often feel a lot of pressure from clients to ‘try something’ to make help them keep that saddle. And I get it. Saddles are expensive and the saddle search is never an easy one. But don’t shoot the messenger. That’s what you called me in for!

Ultimately, my commitment is to the horse’s well-being. While I strive to find workable solutions, I cannot, in good conscience, make an ill-fitting saddle fit.

Understanding pole spacing in in-hand walk work is key to effectively training your horse. The distance between poles isn’t random; it strategically influences their movement and engagement. Let’s break down the benefits of different setups:

1️⃣ Uneven Pole Spacing:
Goal: To enhance agility, body awareness (proprioception), and mental focus. The varying distances challenge the horse to adjust their stride, improving nimbleness, balance, and responsiveness. It’s great for coordination and problem-solving.

What happens when we space it wrong? If the variations are too extreme, it can lead to tripping, rushing, and decreased confidence. Keep the changes manageable for your horse’s current ability.

2️⃣ Closer, Even Pole Spacing:
Goal: To refine the regularity and rhythm of the walk. The shorter, consistent distance encourages quicker, more deliberate steps, preventing a strung-out gait and promoting lower limb flexion. This helps develop a more collected walk.

Spacing too close can cause stumbling or a choppy gait. If not close enough, you might not see the desired improvement in active steps. Finding the right balance is crucial.

3️⃣ Farther, Even Pole Spacing:
Goal: To encourage stride extension and improve suppleness through the shoulders and back. Reaching further with each step develops strength and elasticity, increasing their range of motion.

But don’t space too far. This can cause loss of balance, rushing, overstretching or breaking into a trot. If not far enough, significant stride extension might not occur. Aim for a distance that encourages a comfortable yet noticeable stretch.

General Spacing Recommendations (Walk):
Please remember that these are guidelines only and should be adjusted based on your individual pony or horse’s size, natural stride length, and how they are coping with the exercise.

🦄 Ponies:
0.6 - 0.1.1 meters
🐴 Horses:
-0.9 - 1.5 meters

For uneven spacing, use a mix within this range.
Crucially, observe your horse’s movement closely.
If they appear to be stretching too much, shortening their stride significantly, or struggling to maintain balance, adjust the pole spacing.

#horsetraining #polework #groundwork

Understanding Growth Spurts in Horses 🐴

Growth spurts are periods of rapid development in horses, impacting their bodies and their minds! While the most dramatic growth happens young, even horses aged 3-7 can have smaller spurts as they reach full maturity.

What to Expect:
➡️ Physical Changes: Expect potential awkwardness, changes in body proportions, increased appetite, and sometimes stiffness. You might see minor height increases (0.5-2 inches between 3-7 years, more in late-maturing breeds) and significant “filling out” as they gain muscle.

➡️ Mental & Mood Changes: Hormonal shifts can lead to increased sensitivity, irritability, or lower energy. Be aware of moodiness!

Training Considerations (Crucial at ANY age of growth):
* Take it Easy: Reduce intensity and duration.
* Focus on Balance: Gentle exercises improve coordination and flexibility.
* Listen to Them: Watch for discomfort or reluctance. Mood changes count too!
* Good Nutrition and plenty of quality forage: Proper nutrition fuels growth.
* Rest is Vital: Allow ample downtime.
* Watch for Changes: Monitor for any swelling or issues.
* Delay Hard Work: Save intense training for full maturity.

Growth Examples (Ages 3-7): While less dramatic than younger years, expect subtle height increases (0.5-2 inches), particularly in late-maturing breeds. The main change is often “filling out” and gaining muscle mass.

Being patient and understanding during any growth phase ensures your horse develops into a healthy, sound, and happy partner

#HorseGrowth #YoungHorse #EquestrianLife #HorseCareTips #TrainingHorses #GrowingPains #EquineHealth #Horses #Patience #EquineBehavior #MentalWellbeing

The solutions are not going to be what most people want to hear. Navigating saddle fit for my young horse with a 16-inch back while needing a 17-inch seat. Neither option is ideal for me as a rider, but our horses’ well-being comes first!

🚫 Option 1 (My Choice Now): No riding. Her young back needs time to develop, and that extra ½ inch might just come with maturity. In the meantime, we’re building an incredible foundation through ground and in-hand work – essential for her strength and our communication.

🤔 Option 2 (A Highly Conditional Consideration): Shorter panels for a tiny ½ inch of extra seat. This is ONLY a possibility for minimal discrepancies and only if the rider isn’t forced onto the cantle. This IS NOT a green light to squeeze larger/longer riders onto smaller horses! If riders end up at the back of the cantle you end up with all of the pressure there and that is just as bad as an ill fitting saddle.

If I were to consider option 2, riding would be capped at a strict 1-2 days a week, 20-30 minutes. Young horses don’t need over-riding anyway. But understand, this isn’t a long-term ideal.

Young horses are constantly changing! A custom saddle now might need replacing later. Budget-wise, not riding is the wisest choice (and also the healthiest for the horse).

If riding now is a must (and I would LOVE to get on her at some point soon) then option 2 with severe limitations and accepting future saddle costs is the only potentially responsible route.

🐎Also, when I say ride less or not at all that doesn’t mean she is not being schooled and worked. You can train most behaviours from the ground, and a combination of polework, double lunging, in-hand work and liberty will give you a well rounded fitness and training program.

#SaddleFittingTruths #YoungHorseDevelopment #HorseFirst #RiderResponsibility #EthicalRiding

Pop Quiz Time. Now we do actually have more than one option here. But whatever they are we want to help ensure a happy and healthy horse... this is a very common scenario I see with my fitting clients and I am sure there will be a lot of opinions out there.

For the context of this one let’s keep in mind:
📆Ayra’s age, she is 3.5 years (and can still be growing until she is 7)
💪 Ayra’s fitness - she has had about 6 weeks off since being back and lightly schooled by her previous owners

What do you think are our options to help Ayra progress into a healthy and long career (and there is more than 1 correct answer).

I will post my answers on Monday!

Ok, not saying you have to raw dog it in the rain. It just so happened to be raining that day and we made the most of it!

But we build bonds with our horses by becoming a safe and joyful space for them. Not by constantly working them, correcting them, training and nagging them. That means doing things they enjoy, with no expectations. Just being with them while they are horses. Think about what they enjoy – a good scratch, chilling in the field, just hanging out. That means that you don’t only show up to the stables to ride, lunge or train.

It might not feel productive. But if our horses only associate us with “work”, then you will never get that bond. And some people are ok with that. But I want my horses to love their work. I want them to be excited when they see me. I want them to know I am safe. That I will never ask more than what they are capable of. That I listen. And that I am joyful to be around. And it all starts with something as simple as just being with them.

There is this idea that young horses, being a bit of an “unknown”, don’t warrant the same level of investment in their gear as more experienced horses. But let me tell you, that line of thinking is precisely where we can go so, so wrong!

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: young horses are shape-shifters! The saddle that looked like a dream this week could be pinching and restricting in just 2 months. Their muscles, especially across their backs and shoulders, are evolving at lightning speed. So, if you’re stepping into the rewarding world of starting a young horse under saddle, you need to be prepared for multiple saddle fittings and potentially even needing different saddles along the way. The alternative? Focus solely on groundwork and allow their bodies more time to mature before introducing a rider.

Think about it: they undergoing rapid physical transformations. Ignoring this reality is like trying to fit a growing child with the same pair of shoes for years – it’s going to cause problems!

More importantly, young horses are incredibly sensitive. They’re still learning to navigate the world, and any discomfort from a poorly fitting saddle can create immediate pain, resistance, and – crucially – lasting negative associations with being ridden. And here’s the kicker: isn’t it ironic how much money and effort people pour into trying to fix behavioural and soundness issues down the line, when so much of it could have been prevented by prioritizing proper fit from the beginning?

Investing in a correctly fitted saddle for your young horse isn’t an optional extra; it’s a fundamental commitment to their physical and mental well-being. It’s about setting them up for a sound, comfortable, and successful future, building a positive foundation that will benefit them – and you – for years to come.

Today’s workout with my 3-year-old focused on building strength and refining our communication through in-hand exercises. 🤝

Use this as inspo for your next groundwork session:
🚶‍♀️Warm-up (10 min walk): We started with a relaxed walk to get those muscles ready. 🚶‍♀️ This is crucial for preventing injuries and setting a calm tone.

💪Core Strength (3x Belly Lifts, 3-sec holds): These lifts are fantastic for engaging the core, improving posture, and stability. We can barely hold for a sec, but slowly we will get there! Think of it as horse pilates!
📿 Communication (10 min walk/halt on lunge): Refining our walk and halt commands on the lunge line helps build clear communication and responsiveness. 🗣️
💈 Strength (Pole Work 3-6x each side): Walking over poles strengthens hindquarters and improves coordination. I did a single pole for this workout but you could do a layout of walk poles too!
🦵 Suppleness (7 min back leg yields): These lateral movements enhance flexibility and responsiveness to aids. 🤸‍♀️ at the moment I am working on getting her to cross the back inside leg under the belly.
🤚Strength (5 min backing up): Backing up builds strength and control, plus it requires a lot of focus! 🧠 we did 4 reps of 4 steps each. This will differ for each horse. You can start with 8x reps of 1 step at a time and build of to 3x of 6-8 steps back at a time.
⏭️Transitions (Walk-trot, 5 min): Smooth transitions are key for balance and responsiveness. We practiced these in-hand🔄
🥕Cool-down (Carrot stretches): Ending with carrot stretches helps relax muscles and improve flexibility.

Remember, consistency and patience are key. Listen to your horse and adjust the workout as needed. Also give plenty of breaks and allow your horse to process and think about things.

#HorseTraining #InHandWork #HorseStrength #HorseCommunication #EquineFitness #HorseWorkout #YoungHorseTraining #EquineEducation #Horsemanship #HorseLovers

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Your Partner for a Perfect Saddle Fit

MSFC Qualified Saddle Fitter | 📍 Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Expert tack fit products – all handpicked by our master saddler

Find a Saddle

Improve Your Riding

Holistic Saddle Fitting

Perfect Your Set Up

The Symmetry Mission

Follow Me on Instagram

Stay updated

Explore

Your Partner for a Perfect Saddle Fit

MSFC Qualified Saddle Fitter | 📍 Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Expert tack fit products – all handpicked by our master saddler

Find a Saddle

Improve Your Riding

Holistic Saddle Fitting

Perfect Your Set Up

The Symmetry Mission

Follow Me on Instagram

​

Stay updated

Explore