Sam Lander Saddles

26/08/2025

A little late sharing this CPD certificate from my day at Centaur Biomechanics, such a useful day with lots learnt.

Not strictly correct saddle fit but I was influenced to introduce daily raised walk poles for my horses and have even bought a new gym ball - I think we are all seeing the benefit!

21/08/2025

Do you sometimes ride with your phone in your rear pocket? I know I’ve been guilty of this - not anymore!

𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧

While on a clinic some time ago, and again at a competition yesterday, I noticed a rider carrying their phone in their rear (right) pocket while riding.

This should be avoided at all levels.

Placing a phone in the rear pocket is likely too:

1) Significantly affect the function of the rider’s seat
2) Compromise the effectiveness of the rider’s seat aid
3) Induce/create rider asymmetry
4) Lead to uneven loading of the saddle and horse
5) Compromise rider-horse interaction

Although carrying a phone while riding can be useful for safety and other purposes (apps), alternative locations should be considered.

Image of a rider sitting on a pressure mat with their phone in their right back pocket.

Note: sharing as an observation. We have not shown this experimentally (yet).

09/08/2025

Have you taught your horse to stand square?

Not only are there ten available marks in your dressage test but it also helps to improve your horses balance.

From a saddle fitting perspective we would like your horse to stand square whilst templating their back and also statically fitting the saddle. A back leg sticking out behind or a front leg more forward will alter the angles of the shoulder and back

01/08/2025

Please let me know if your horse has been unwell or in contact with either suspected or confirmed illness in advance of my visit - I would much rather postpone or take additional measures than unknowingly spread any contagious illness

What horse Strangles, how to prevent your horse from getting it, and how to look after your horse during an outbreak.

28/07/2025

I found this so interesting, looking at the pressure distribution using a treed saddle versus sitting straight on to a saddle cloth. Also the changes in where the pressure load was greatest when standing in your stirrups and the differences between ‘slumping’ in the saddle and engaging your core and sitting light - lots to consider when we’re considering our choices when we’re riding

28/07/2025

Had a really great day with Centaur Biomechanics yesterday, more brilliant learning and I have come away with lots to think about. The research and work that centaur biomechanics are doing is so inspirational and really focussed on improving horse welfare and performance. A big thank you to everyone involved in hosting and participating

24/07/2025

I spent Tuesday of this week with the super clever and talented Sarah Stevens of SES Saddlery who gets to work with this gorgeous view every day.

I’m sure she was glad of a bit of peace and quiet when I left after my many saddle related questions.

Despite my lack of needlework skills she did manage to teach me how to replace old and worn girth straps - there’s a lot more to it than I thought!

16/07/2025

I often struggle to articulate the difference - here’s Danielle’s breakdown

11/07/2025

This week I was lucky enough to visit Walsall and see exactly how our saddle trees and saddles are put together. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are just phenomenal, this is an industry that needs our support and I believe is an important part of our heritage.

Within walking distance of the Ideal and Albion factories is the Walsall Leather Skills Centre which is doing a brilliant job of training people in all areas of leather work and also promoting the trade within the local area and beyond - truly inspirational!

We visited the Walsall Leather Museum toward the end of the the day - if you are ever in the area this is well worth a visit and is a valuable resource in the local area that needs our support.

All in all it was a brilliant day - looking forward to the next one!

24/06/2025

Another brilliant webinar from Centaur Biomechanics, did you know that the majority of one sided lateral saddle slip originated from the horses hind lameness? Or that saddle slip markedly increases towards the end of your horses shoeing cycle.

This webinar really reinforced for me the need for a team approach to your horses management. Communication and collaboration between your vet, physio, trainer, farrier and saddle fitter will really benefit your horses performance and long term soundness

20/06/2025

Is your saddle squeaking?

Don’t ignore it, on this adjustable saddle the squeak was caused by a loose gullet screw and there was certainly some movement in that area of the tree. If your saddle is squeaking ask your fitter to investigate the cause and make sure there are no other areas of weakness or damage which could create a problem

17/06/2025

What a beauty! out of the hot sun and flys yesterday seeing jack who had just started life in his new home. What a good boy he was too