06/06/2025
When horses go well, there's something about their ability to move and carry themselves that brings out the dynamic beauty in them.
This can only happen, consistently and over time, if they can comfortably lift all portions of their backs into the saddle at all gaits equally well and while jumping. How horses with differing conformations can do this despite the downward pressure of saddle, girth and rider is not at all obvious. In fact, the pursuit of this ideal has occupied the past 30 plus years of my life and has necessitated the ongoing need and contributions of our test horses.
There is much that I like about the way this horse is jumping. He has a lovely bascule, a lovely expression, even and correct use of his legs and shoulders. He's really using his thoracic sling and coming up through his withers. There is a total absence of resistance— and resistance is what detracts from a winning performance.
This is one of our "test horses," George, a nice horse but certainly not an exceptional one. The jump is neither high or interesting enough to invite much effort on his part. This begs the question; why is he jumping so beautifully?
The answer is simple; because he can. And with complete comfort, partnership and joy.
While exceptional horses round up through their backs naturally, I am looking to get perfectly ordinary horses to do this through our saddle technology.
George’s daily routine (and mine) consists of the kind of gymnastic flatwork which was the cornerstone of my early training with Raul deLeon, an ardent follower of the principles exemplified by US show jumping coach Bertalan deNemethy. This preceeded my work with US eventing coach Jack LeGoff who taught the same principles.
What makes this type of work, for this horse (and indeed any horse) so valuable as a preparation for jumping is his complete ability to come up into the saddle. The saddle invites him to use himself in the way he was created. To borrow a quote from Cathy McEnroe , "the saddle is his friend." The quality of the jumping effort reflects the quality of the flatwork; his ability to lift, round, and propel from behind over a jump is a very similar effort and a natural extension of what he's already doing on the flat.
When horses have uncompromised use of their back and thoracic sling, they're balanced, more dynamic and comfortable to ride. In this way, they make a rider's position, balance, and aids more effective and attractive.
My goal is to create saddles that bring out the true beauty and partnership that is possible in riding and to make this joyful experience more available for all involved in the effort.
With gratitude,
Tad Coffin
