<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>The wrong saddle, or one that fits incorrectly on a horse, can be harmful to both rider and horse and this book goes into specifics about how to properly fit a saddle while exposing the intricate details of both saddle form and fit. Saddle authority Jochen Schleese delves into issues that apply to all equestrian disciplines with chapters that explain the anatomy of the rider—both female and male, as well as that of children—and how the saddle should accommodate the rider, in addition to sections devoted to the horse’s biomechanics and the interaction of his structure and motion with the riders. Balance and how the saddle should enable the rider to sit is examined, and riders are introduced to the horse’s “reflex points” in the saddle region, which can be negatively impacted by poor saddle fit with dire consequences, including lasting—even permanent—damage to the horse’s body. With an eye toward improving saddle fit and horse well-being, Schleese is careful to explain the ways of determining whether a saddle fits, how to find a knowledgeable saddle fitter, and finally, how to ensure horses remain comfortable in the tack they must wear.