3. there must be a better way to fit a saddle

8/6/2019 3. There Must Be a Better Way to Fit a Saddle

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TTHHEERREEMMUUSSTTBBEEAA BBEETTTTEERRWWAAYYTTOOFFIITTAA SSAADDDDLLEETTOOAA HHOORRSSEE!!

A WHITE PAPER

By

Robert FerrandInventor / CEO

May 1, 2004

2995 Woodside Rd. Suite 400, Woodside, CA 94062Phone 650 - 631- 8400 E-mail [email protected]

WWW.SADDLETECH.COM


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THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY TO FIT A SADDLE !

Back in high school geometry class, we all learned that it required a minimum of three points todetermine an Arc. However, today, equestrians are told by saddle fitting experts that you can determinethe Fit of a saddle to a horses back by using the cross-section at the withers, back, and loin. Threeseparate two-dimensional shapes, independent of each other cannot physically determine an arc, there isno way around it.

The fact is: to determine if a saddle Fits, Rocks, or Bridges, the laws of geometry require thecomparison of all three (3) dimensions, in relationship to each other. It is geometrically impossible todetermine the curvature of the horses back relative to the saddle, if the individual cross-sections are notlocked into a relationship to each other.

In 2004, saddles are not even measured for any Arc. We only have Gullet Width, with termssuch as Narrow, Medium, Wide, Quarter horse, Semi-Quarter horse, and Arab. Unfortunately, theseterms cannot describe a three-dimensional surface, so it is impossible for anyone to relate the shape ofthe saddle to the shape of the horses back. This situation, at a minimum reduces the animalsperformance and in the worst case can cause serious injury, and cost the consumers a lot of money.

However, over one hundred years ago saddles were measured in three dimensions. In 1875, the

United States Cavalry measured McClellan saddles very precisely as is illustrated in this drawing, below.

It is geometrically impossible to build anaccurate three-dimensional template withoutprecise x, y & z axis coordinates. You can

see that the two-dimensional views in thisCavalry saddle specification drawing, on theright, are measured in x, y & z axiscoordinates. By calibrating the structure inthis manner, templates such as the onedisplayed above, were used by the Cavalry toestablish quality control. However, that said,in 1897, the U. S. Cavalry reported IItt wwaass ffoouunndd tthhaatt aass hhiigghh aass 4455 ppeerrcceenntt ooff tthhee ttrreeeess oonn hhaannddffuurrnniisshheeddbbyyssoommeeccoonnttrraaccttoorrssdduurriinngg tthhee ((CCiivviill)) wwaarrhhaadd ttoobbee rreejjeecctteedd.. UUnnffoorrttuunnaatteellyy,, ttooddaayy,, wweesstteerrnnssaaddddllee ttrreeeess aarree ccuurrrreennttllyy ssttiillll mmaaddee bbyy eemmppllooyyiinngg bbaassiiccaallllyy tthhee ssaammee cceennttuurryy oolldd aannttiiqquuaatteedd tteecchhnniiqquueess,,hhoowweevveerr,, wwiitthhoouutt tthhee aassssiissttaannccee ooff tthhrreeee--ddiimmeennssiioonnaall ccoooorrddiinnaatteess aanndd ddeettaaiilleedd ssppeecciiffiiccaattiioonn ddrraawwiinnggss..

TODAY, THERE IS A COMMON MYTH THAT WIRE TRACINGS CAN BE USED TO FIT A SADDLE

The prevalent technique of using baling wire or flexible curves to determine the fit of the saddlecreates a significant error, because the three points required to determine an ARC are not defined. Youcan use the flexible curve to determine the TWO-DIMENSIONAL shape of the contour of the horses back ina number of positions down the back and those shapes can be transferred to a piece of cardboard.However.

MALE TO MALE

WIRE TRACING 3 - 2-D TEMPLATES


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TO MAKE AN ACCURATE 3-D TEMPLATE REQUIRES: MEASUREMENT

THE REALITY IS: IT REQUIRES A FEMALE TO MALE TEMPLATE TO HAVE ANY 3-D ACCURACY

Now, building a three-dimensional template that does lock the individual two-dimensional cross-sections together so that the three-dimensional shape of the horses back can be duplicated requiressignificant skill. The techniques to build such three-dimensional shapes have been well established in theboat building trades, for centuries. This technique is called Lofting and it requires precisemeasurements of the x, y and z axis coordinates for each of the individual parts. Boat builders do use

flexible curves to connect the dots, but the dots are precisely measured to establish reference pointsrelative to each other, and that is how the accuracy is achieved. This lofting technique was illustratedpreviously in the McClellan saddle specification drawing above.

The challenge is to determine the reference point on the horse, which can then be transferred tothe three-dimensional template. While level may appear to be a reference point, it requires very carefulplacement of the cross-sections in relationship to the level or perpendicular positions and at the sametime - relative to each other. Even if we assume that all this is done accurately, unfortunately, the shapeis incorrect because the effect of gravity caused by the weight of the rider is not considered. This is why afemale template is required to place on the horse, to be sure that no errors were introduced. Once theaccuracy of the female template is established, the male template can be built by using the femaletemplate for reference and adjust for the effect of the riders weight. Without a method to double checkthe accuracy of the three-dimensional shape, all credibility in this method is lost because there is noreference point or feed-back loop.

WHY HAVE WE NEVER SEEN PHOTOS OF 3-D TEMPLATES IN SADDLES, IF SADDLEMAKERS ARE MAKING THEM?

Because it also requires significant time to cut out the 2 sets of 10 individual parts: cross-sections,longitudinal stringers and cross members that create the 2 rigid three-dimensional templates. Since eachof these sections must be interlocking, there must be egg crate type slits in each of the parts. If any ofthe cross-sections, stringers or slits are not accurately cut in relationship to each other, the accuracy ofthe total structure is compromised.

FEMALE TO MALE

FEMALE MALE


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THIS IS NOT A BETTER WAY TO FIT A SADDLE!

To actually build such a three-dimensional template of the horses back requires a 4 foot by 8 footsheet of card board, that is cut down to approximately 12 (14 inch by 24 inch) sections. Thisis where Lofting is most useful, because by defining the x, y and z coordinates of the 3-Dstructure, the parts can be measured and accurately cut. You cannot just transfer wireshapes on to the layout, willy-nilly, because the parts need reference points to determine

their interrelationship to each other or the accuracy of the shape is compromised andbecomes absolutely meaningless.

To achieve any reasonable sense of accuracy does take time, as outlined below:

Even assuming that the saddle maker or saddle fitter is a highly skilled craftsman, and only doesthe minimum of three cross-sections to define an ARC and can perform each step in two minutes, with nomistakes or corrections, it would take a MINIMUM of 5 hours to make a three-dimensional template ofthe horses back, that would have any reasonable accuracy. For greater accuracy, five cross-sectionsshould be made, then, at best, only one template could be built per day. At this point, the saddle makerbecomes a pattern maker and would be out of the saddle business.

THE TRUTH IS NO ONE REALLY MAKES THESE 3-D TEMPLATES.WHICH IS WHY NO PHOTOGRAPHS OF SADDLE TEMPLATES CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET.

SO WHY ARE BALING WIRE AND LINE TRACINGS USED TO SEND TO THE SADDLEMAKERS ?WHY DO CUSTOM SADDLE MAKERS NOT PROVIDE THESE 3-D TEMPLATES WITH THEIR CUSTOM SADDLES ?

BECAUSE NO COMPANY CAN AFFORD THE TIME IS TAKES TO MAKE THE TEMPLATE ACCURATELY.

SO WHY DO WE RISK INJURING OUR HORSES AND LOSE MONEY, WITH THIS ILLUSION ?

All the expert saddle fitters agree on the importance of saddle fit. HOWEVER, IF WE DO NOTHAVE ANY ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS, HOW CAN WE POSSIBLY KNOW WHETHER A SADDLE DOES FIT?

There are some who believe that a plaster cast or thermoplastic sheet draped over the horsesback is the solution to determining saddle fit. This creates a mirror image

of the shape of the Unmounted horses back. However, this shape doesnot have any numerical values, so it cannot be calibrated, it cannot beentered into a database, it cannot be mathematically referenced to otherthree-dimensional shapes. Baling wire, Plaster cast or plastic sheets, donot employ numerical values, so they have limited utility in calibratedsaddle manufacture or saddle fitting because there is no reference point or feed-back loop.

Nonetheless, a number of so called experts have jumped to the conclusion that thisshape must be the shape of the saddle that fits the horses back. However, has anyone everprovided any objective evidence that this is true? More importantly, has someone actuallymeasured this concept and discovered that this approach is actually mathematically incorrect?

Process to make 3-D Template 160.0 Min Min 140

Measure the Horse 20 Make Ajustments 20

Transfer Wire Tracing to paper 20 Transfer Coordinates to 10 Female Parts 20

Loft Tracing X, Y, Z Coordinates 20 Cut 10 Male Parts 20

Draw Accurate Grid for reference 20 Assemble Male Template 20

Transfer Coordinates to 10 Female Parts 20 Check Male Template in Female 20

Cut 10 Female Parts 20 Make Ajustments 20

Assemble Female Template 20 Test Saddle 20

Check Female Template on Horse 20

Total Time to Make 3-D Templates 5.0 Hrs


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MEASUREMENT IS THE BETTER WAY TO FIT A SADDLE

What if the gravitational forces, are strong enough to cause the back of the horse to bend justenough to cause the saddle that visually APPEARS TO FIT, to actually BRIDGE, due to the ridersweight? Maybe the saddle fitting problem is: that it takes so much time to actually build the three-dimensional templates of the horses backs, that no one actually built those templates, so no one caughtthe error. Since we have never had any saddle measurement instruments accurate enough to detect thiserror, no one figured it out. Without the assistance of mathematics, people jumped to conclusions and didnot have a feed back loop to correct for the error. If this is true, then maybe we need to change the waywe think about saddle fit.

So how can we determine the facts. TO SOLVE A PROBLEM, FIRST DEFINE IT PROPERLY.Throughout history complex problems have been simplified by using measurement.Today, we can send a ROVER to Mars over vast distances and time by usingmeasurement. However, when it comes to saddling horses, there is a prevalentmythology that fitting the complex polyform shape of the horses back (a hyperbolic

parabola) to the complex polyform shape of the saddle (a hyperbolic parabola) can be accomplished

WITHOUT measurement.

While some consider a piece of baling wire or plaster cast or plastic sheet to be a form ofmeasurement, the truth is: measurement requires a "UNIT OF MEASURE". Three-dimensionalpolyforms do not have a unit of measure. More importantly, complex measurement requires some form ofcalibration, that relates the "UNIT OF MEASURE" to a KNOWN STANDARD. Accurate measurementrequires a feedback loop. A feedback loop corrects for the errors or hysterisis in the measurementtechnology itself and thereby accuracy is increased by relating the measurement to a known referencepoint. NO STANDARD - NO ACCURATE MEASUREMENT.

Now, if we assume that the shape of the horses back can change, to be able to know how muchthe back of the horse bends under the weight of the rider requires two sets of three-dimensional

coordinates. The first is the shape of the horses back without the saddle and rider, and the secondshape is with the weight of the saddle and rider. However, how do you measure the three-dimensionalshape of the horses back with the saddle and rider in the way of the measurement, itself?

Obviously, we need to triangulate on the problem. Triangulation is a method of measurementfrom two different reference points. If it were theoretically possible to measure the three-dimensionalshape of the horses back with numerical values, without the weight of the rider, and then compare thatshape to the corresponding measurement of the saddle - the relationship between those two shapescould be reduced to a formula. Now taking this one step further, if it were theoretically possible tomeasure the actual interface pressure that is exerted by the saddle of a measured shape with the rideron the back of the horse, the shape of the saddle that does fit and the saddles that do not fit could bedetermined. To validate this calculation, if it were theoretically possible to create a number of differentsaddle shapes that would each be just a measured amount different, one to the next, and then if wecould measure the interface pressure exerted by all of these different shapes on the same horses backthe formula could be calibrated and this calculation validated.

All of these measurement devices and the measured saddle shapes are not only theoreticallypossible, these calculations have already been done years ago, and all this technology is available foryou today on the Internet at www.saddletech.com


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SO.HOW CAN YOU CALCULATE HOW MUCH CORRECTION IS REQUIRED?

How can we possibly find a more reasonable way to fit the saddle to the horse, so we canfigure out what the effect of the weight of the rider has on the shape of the horses back, so wecould choose a saddle that fits?

Well, the answer is: if we could make a calibrated clear plastic structure thatwe could actually see through, that could simulate the shape of the saddle, so that

we could actually see how that shape relates to the shape of the horses back, wecould test the theory if the mirror image does fit the horse when the rider ismounted.

If we place this calibrated plastic structure on the horse that we can obviouslysee for ourselves that does APPEAR TO FIT the mirror image of the horse, as we have been told to do,and then if we place that structure on the pressure sensitive pad on the horse, we should be able to see ifit FITS when the rider mounts. If it does not fit and it bridges we can see that the saddle fitting problemis that the saddle fitting experts have been overlooking the obvious that gravity is one factor, and it ishigh time to change our strategy.

You see the structure on the left APPEARS TO FIT, but the pressure map reveals that it actuallyBridges. However, you can see the image on the right, that the structure APPEARS to Rock slightly onthe horses back, however, if you look at the adjacent computer scan, on the right, with the rider in thesaddle you can see that the pressure is relatively even. Bingo, we are on to something here. So there

you have it, EVIDENCED BASED objective proof that using the three-dimensional back shape of theMIRROR IMAGE CANNOT POSSIBLY FIT a saddle to a horse, because gravity is one factor.

To further prove the point, the example below is a set of nine saddle shapes each precisely madeon a calibrated jig, so that the relationship of the shapescan be calibrated to the shape of the horses back. Byemploying this method each shape can be madeincrementally 10 degrees different, narrower, wider,flatter or more rock.

These shapes can then be tested on the samehorse using a computer interface pressure measurementdevice, and you can see pressure distribution

From the results, you can readily see that theshape of the structure in the center has uniform bluecolor, signifying that the pressure is relatively even andabout one pound per square inch, which can be definedas FIT.

This experiment confirms that flatter saddleshapes, which APPEAR TO FIT do cause uneven pressure, because gravitational forces are significant.Adjusting the saddle to the unladen horses back causes an error, because the weight of the rider andsaddle is not considered.


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So how can we figure all this out ? - With calibrated measurement !

CHALLENGE # 1 : MEASURING PRESSURES UNDER THE SADDLE

The Saddletech Pressure Mapping System consists of a pressure sensitive pad attached to acomputer. The pad contains an array of pressure sensors that measures 24 inches by 32 inches. To usethis pressure sensitive pad, the sensor pad is placed between the horse and the saddle/pad combinationand is connected to the computer. When the rider mounts the horse, the system graphically displays avariable color map that shows the amount of pressure and the location of the pressure exerted by thesaddle and rider on the horses back.

CHALLENGE # 2 : MEASURE THE SHAPE OF THE HORSES BACK & SADDLE

ANGLE ARC ANGLE ARC A NGLE ARC ANGLE90

0 [ 20

0] 110

0 [ 10

0] 120

0 [ 5

0] 130

0

The SADDLETECH GAUGE Mk I I is a simple mechanical three-dimensional calculator that permitsthe polyform shape of horse's back and corresponding saddle to be described by a fewangles and arcs. You can see the example on the left of the horses back, shows anumber of pencils that describe the saddle contact area. By determining theinterrelationships of these flat lines to each other, you have a set of numbers thatpermit a measured calculation. The SADDLETECH GAUGE is useful because it can beused in conjunction with the SADDLETECH FORMULA to determine how much theweight of the rider changes the shape of the horses back. In a matter of minutes, the

SADDLETECH GAUGE MK I I automatically creates the x, y & z-axis three-dimensional reference points,that would normally take hours to duplicate, saving time and money.

With the GAUGE properly adjusted, the GAUGE can be placed in the saddle to determine the best

possible fit. The GAUGE can also be used as a 3-D template to allow the saddle to be adjustedaccordingly. Or the SADDLETECH GAUGE MEASUREMENTS can be used to search on a measured saddledatabase to match the horse to the saddle with the best possible fit. These same measurements can alsobe used to order a Custom Saddle, Saddle Tree, or a SADDLETECH ORTHOTIC.

In practice, it is rather simple. Once you have the SADDLETECH GAUGEmeasurements, you just look on the chart for the weight of the rider and follow the linecorresponding to the horses weight. By adjusting the SADDLETECH GAUGE wither and loinARC by that amount, the appropriate amount of Rock in the saddle can be determined. TheSCAPULA CONTOUR DEVICE, provides for the measurement of the scapula or saddle pocketfor additional accuracy.


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CHALLENGE # 3 : CALCULATING THE EFFECT OF RIDER WEIGHT

The SADDLETECH FORMULA is a simple way to determine how much Rock there needs to be inthe saddle to account for how much the riders weight causes the horses back to bend, ever so little, butENOUGH TO MAKE THE SADDLE THAT VISUALLY APPEARS TO "FIT" WITHOUT THE RIDER, TO ACTUALLY "BRIDGE"UNDER THE ADDITIONAL RIDER WEIGHT.

The concept is simple. If you put 10 pounds on the horses back, the back will not bend. However,if you keep putting 10 pound weights on, one right after the other, at some point you will reach theproverbial, straw that broke the Camels back. From then on, each increment of weight can bemeasured as one degree on a three-dimensional measurement device. The SADDLETEH FORMULA is asimple mathematical calculation that creates a relationship between the weight of the rider relative to theweight of the horse, BY CALIBRATING THIS MEASUREMENT TO THE ACTUAL INTERFACE PRESSURE.

To explain the graph above, the Weight Compensation Factor (WCF) equation is WCF = (RW - C)/ B + (Z - AW) / Y, where WCF is the change in the relative angle of each pair of wings, RW is the weightof the rider, ( C ) is the established weight of the rider, B is the variance in weight of the rider from theestablished weight of the rider corresponding to an angle of adjustment of one degree, ( AW ) is the

weight of the animal, ( Z ) is the established weight of the animal, and ( Y ) is the variance in weight of ananimal from the established weight of the animal corresponding to an angle of adjustment of onedegree.(U.S. Patent #6,334,262)

CHALLENGE # 4 : HOW TO VALIDATE THIS CALCULATION

Fer r a n d s Fo r mu l a F er r a n d s Fo r mu l a F er r a n d s F or mu l a F er r a n d s F or mu l a

RWRW -- CC ZZ -- HWHW

WCFWCF == ---------------------------------- ++ ------------------------------

B YB Y

Rider Established Established Horse

Weight Rider Weight Horse Weight Weight

Incremental IncrementalWeight WeightPatents Pending

WeightCompensation

Factor

Horse Measurement

100 130 140 140

25 10 5

Horse Lbs 1100 Rider Lbs. 220

WCF = 3.67

Weight Compensated Measurement

100 130 140 140

29 10 9

Saddle Measurement

100 130 140 140

29 10 9

Saddle Variance

0 Angle 0 0 0

Arc 0 0 0

Percentage Accuracy

Overall Angle Arc

100 % 100 % 99 %


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CHALLENGE # 5: AN EVIDENCE BASED METHOD TO FIT A SADDLE

EVIDENCE BASED SADDLE FIT is the use of scientific research as the basis for understandingsaddle fitting and coupling this research with measurement data. By employing three factors a feedbackloop can be created to validate measurement criteria and determine a superior saddle fit.

By first establishing three-dimensional measurement coordinates to describe the polyform shapeof the horses back, then employing a mathematical formula to correct for the effect of the riders weightrelative to the horses weight a more accurate understanding of the shape of saddle that will provide a

superior fit is possible. By then taking the additional step of measuring the actual interface pressure thatis exerted by the saddle and rider on to the horses back a validation and or calibration of thismeasurement is also possible, thereby creating a feedback loop.

Rather than traditional saddle fitting methods which are completely based on assumptions,without scientific basis or supporting measurement data, in contrast, Evidence Based Saddle Fitting istotally based on physics, physiology, mathematics, and calibrated measurement.

Equally important, is the employment of numerical values permit saddles to be accuratelymanufactured. In all the discussion about saddle fitting, it is often forgotten that some saddle maker, soonor later, must build or adjust the saddle. But what is the shape? Tack shops or individual equestrianshave to know the shape of the saddle to be able to order with any chance of the fit. But how can youdescribe the three-dimensional shape? By employing numbers, many opportunities are provided:

1. Horse measurements can be entered into measured saddle databases to find a saddle that FITS2. Calibrated adjustable jigs can be made to improve the saddle manufacturing process,3. Computer controlled routers can be programmed to build saddle trees to a calibrated shape,4. Calibrated Saddle Orthotics can be custom made to adjust for poorly fitting saddles5. The saddle can be readjusted to refit the horse as its back changes over time.

The Great Saddle Hunt can end by using calibrated measurement. Once again measurement isyour friend. Fortunately, saddle fitting is not rocket science, but it does require some sort of validmeasurement technique to be accomplished with any resemblance of accuracy.


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BUT HOW DO I ACTUALLY FIND A SADDLE THAT FITS MY HORSE ?

BY USING A UNIVERSAL STANDARD NUMERICAL LANGUAGEAn equestrian, a tack shop, a saddle distributor, a saddle maker, & a saddle tree maker

Can all accurately describe the three-dimensional shape of the horse and saddleSo that a relationship called saddle fit can be determined

ACCURACY MATTERS WHEN HUMANELY FITTING A SADDLE TO A HORSE!


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3. there must be a better way to fit a saddle

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