Design Updates - Saddle IQ
I have broken down the alteration videos into general changes across the ranges, and changes to be made to the individual model designs.
I have made dot point notes to the side of each video, but will email the full list.
Changes Across the Range - Tree Changes
- Original white plastic Wembley tree as our Thoroughbred tree, to be made into black plastic material
- Recessed Gullet plate channel to provide a flatter interface for the horse's back
- Recessed stirrup bar, and 2 rivets attaching it top and bottom
- All cantles to be shaved as per returned samples to create more seat room for rider
- Dressage cantle to be lowered to 10.5cm height
- Jumping cantle to be thinned and slightly more angled back to create better aesthetics and slightly flatter seat
- Dressage saddle seat foam to be altered at the cantle and pommel to create more seat room
- Dressage seat foam to be wider over front of pommel to increase support for female pelvis
- Balance point of seat needs care with these changes, to ensure the seat balance point remains towards the base of the horse's wither.
Changes Across the Range - Girth Points
- Girth Point Screw Attachments - either counter sunk, replace screw with long staples or flap head screws with counter sunk washer
- Girth Webbing Length - needs to be longer to avoid bulk under rider's thigh
- Moveable Tree Point & Bar Point Webs on GP & Dressage Saddles - like Thorowgood example
Changes Across the Range - Facing
- Seat Leather Attachment - seat rubber/foam to finish at tree edge before being turned under
- Facing Attachment - need slits in the facing to avoid 'bunching up' creating lumps
- Facing Attachment - longer staples to avoid staples pulling out.
Changes Across the Range - Flaps & Panels
- Cutting down the sweat flap to feel more like an integrated sweat flap
- Top flap angle adjustment webbing is visible. Make adjustment webbing wider & cover with calf or split leather
- Panel stitch line request in back corner of each panel
- Panel tree-side leather is very stiff - is there an alternative?
Changes Across the Range
- Girth Point Screw Attachments
- Girth Webbing Length
- Moveable Tree Point & Bar Point Webs on GP & Dressage Saddles
Changes To the GP Crossover Saddle
- Change back flap attachment :
-needs wider, slimmer slide on tree & brought more forward than example
-needs the stud on flap removing, and replaced with a buckle/slide for strap to go through instead
-needs wider webbing with matching split leather covering to look more aesthetically pleasing and part of the design
Changes To the GP Crossover Saddle 2
- Cut down sweat flap to give space to tree point girth point
- Change girth points to rear V Web, plus removable tree point and bar point girth straps, same as dressage saddle.
- Change stirrup bar to adjustable bar like Bates adjustable bar, preferably with hook end, not thumb-bit end
- Need an elliptical shaped gullet plate screw hole on top flap to allow top flap freedom of movement when adjusting flap angle
- Countersink screws or anchor with long staples on back slide webbing for the flap adjustment strap. No screws sitting proud
Changes To the Dressage Saddle
- Cut down sweat flap to make it more like an integrated panel/sweat flap
- Change pattern of skirt to reduce bulk under the thigh
- Skive the leather on edge of skirt before wrapping with calf to improve flexibility
- Lengthen webbing of rear V Web girth strap to reduce bulk under rider thigh
- Change bar and tree point webs, plus first girth strap to removable strap option like Thorowgood sample
- Change pattern for top flap at back edge, to include calf cover on webbing to improve aesthetics
- Change top flap knee pad pattern over knee block to improve flexibility of pad over the block.
Changes To the Jump Saddle - Cantle and Flap changes
- Cut down sweat flap to give closer contact and feel like an integrated panel/flap
- Change girth points position and set further back from tree point. No need for a tree point girth web - can be removed
- Change stirrup bar to hook bar
- Need an elliptical shaped gullet plate screw hole on top flap to allow top flap freedom of movement when adjusting flap angle
- Slim down the back of the top flap as per the photos, to make more 'European' in styling and improve aesthetics
- Change the cantle piping design to follow the line of cantle and join into line of skirt piping
- Slim down cantle for a thinner shape at the top edge, and have angled back slightly more, for a more open seat
Changes To the Jump Saddle - Panel Quilt Stitch, Girth Points & Buckle Guard
- Change position of quilting stitch down shoulder panel to allow more flexibility
- Change girth points position and set further back from tree point. No need for a tree point girth web - can be removed
- No screws in waist of saddle for girth webbing attachment
- Change leather used for buckle guard to softer, more flexible leather to reduce bulk under rider's leg