This is the first in a series of pressure scans of various
Barefoot Saddle models using several different saddle pads and inserts.
The pressure scanning was performed by Dynamic Saddle Fitting
located in Whispering Pines, NC. The pressure scanning system,
designed in Germany, is wireless and can record a rider up to 300 meters
(328 yards). The integrated video camera films the rider while saddle
pressure is being scanned. A separate window displays the pressure
distribution right and left under the saddle. After the ride all the
pressure data taken during the ride is averaged and calculated by the
software program and is then displayed as graphic colored images (see
below). Every saddle will have 'on and off' pressure points during a
scan as the rider and horses weight/muscles are moving - these are not
bothering the horse. What creates a long term problem for the horse's
well-being is if there is pressure in a particular area at all times
(these areas are then displayed in red).
COLOR EXPLANATIONS
Blue corresponds to the least pressure, green and yellow are still
acceptable. Red means that the horse is experiencing a constant pressure
under this particular spot of the saddle. See the following scan of an
ill-fitting saddle and note the large red pressure areas. You can use
this scan as a comparision of an ill-fitting saddle to a saddle that
fits well.
Saddle: Treed saddle, older model, not reflocked in years
Saddle pad: Regular cotton pad
Horse: 12 year old Trakehner mare
Rider: 120 lbs woman
Scan interpretation:
This treed saddle has very hard panels since it has not been reflocked
in years. It is too tight (red pressure points under the pommel area)
and bridges in the middle which then also creates pressure under the
cantle.
Series 1 - Barefoot Tahoe with VPS (6 month old saddle)
Saddle: Barefoot Tahoe with VPS, size 2, 6 months old, with soft insert
Saddle pad: Skito Dryback pad with ¾" firm foam
Horse: 8 yr Appaloosa gelding, broad build, low withers
Rider: 160 lbs woman
Scan interpretation:
This rider is riding heavier to the left which the scan clearly
shows. Despite this uneven pressure distribution and the riders 160 lbs
weight the Barefoot Tahoe is still absorbing this very well without any
major visible pressure points.
Saddle: Barefoot Tahoe with VPS, size 2, 6 months old, with soft insert
Saddle pad: Equipedic saddle pad
Horse: 8 yr Appaloosa gelding, broad built, low withers
Rider: 160 lbs woman
Scan interpretation:
This scan was taken with the same rider and horse. Again very good
pressure distribution and even less visible pressure to the left even
though the rider is not sitting centered in the saddle.
Saddle: Barefoot Tahoe with VPS, size 2, 6 months old, with soft insert
Saddle pad: Grandeur saddle pad with sheepskin under the panels
Horse: 8 yr Appaloosa gelding, broad built, low withers
Rider: 160 lbs woman
Scan interpretation:
This scan was taken with the same rider and horse. Again very good
pressure distribution despite the uneven positioning of the rider. Here
there is just a bit more pressure under the left cantle.