Bitless & Barefoot
now lets fit the equipment
...the saddle!

How will I test your saddle with the Impression Pad? The test on its own will require about 45 minutes of your time. Longer if you request the second phase, which is constructing a solution for your saddle on the spot! (and only if it has a problem)

Further down this page I will cover a few saddle fitting key points that I think you might find interesting, but for now I wish to remain focused on what I do during a fitting appointment.

I will attempt to stay brief in my descriptions and invite you to email me should you have additional questions. I enjoy discussing saddle fitting so don't be shy. Now down to the business of The Port Lewis Impression Pad.

The Impression Pad is filled with a mouldable red coloured putty. The puttys colour is what you are seeing in that image on the right. The Impression Pads outer shell is a clear vinyl. The Pad comes in two halves that Velcro together.

You will be asked to:

1- place the Impression Pad on your horses back
2- place your saddle on top of the Impression Pad
3- ride for 20 to 30   minutes
4- remove your saddle

I will then:
1- remove the Impression Pad
2- hold the Impression Pad up to a light source (for example; sunlight or a window)

While looking at the Impression Pad I will also ask you to feel it. You will be asked to place one hand on top and the other one underneath and run your hands along the entire length of the pad looking for changes in the thickness of the putty.

Any changes in thickness denote a difference in 'pressure' that is being applied to your horses back while he is at work.

Ideally, what you want to see and feel is the same thickness of putty from the front to the back. If the putty is displaced evenly it would be logical to conclude that your saddle fits very nicely.

However, if there are areas where the dough is thick and areas where the dough is thin, it would be logical to conclude that your saddle does not have an ideal fit.

Why? Because thick areas of putty suggest the absence of pressure (possible bridging of the saddle), while thin areas of putty suggest too much pressure is being applied (hot points).

In the photos on the right
The Impression Pad reveals the clear and obvious truth. Extreme pressure points!

The initial test is over. Should you be interested in taking this to the next phase (creating a solution) I would then motion you to have a look at my 'Port Lewis Master Correction Panel Kit' because it is from the Master Kit that I will create a customized fit for you.

I am going to go through the items that are included in a Master Correction Panel Kit. Although these Master Kits are used by Port Lewis Saddle Testing Dealers, they are also offered for sale to all our customers. This kit would be a very smart group purchase for any riding club.

Master Kit includes:

- 2 Base Panels (used for testing, one for the left side, one for the right)
- 2 Base Panels (used for riding, one for the left side, one for the right)
- 2 Spacer Kit Boxes

Explanation of the Kit Boxes:

- One box for making corrections to the left side of a saddle.
- One box for making corrections to the right side of a saddle.

Explanation of Box Contents:

- Each box contains varying thicknesses of foam rubber spacers.
(The spacers are held in place by Velcro)
- Each box has the same number and sizes of spacers.  The only differences is that one box is for the left side of the saddle and the other box is for the right side of the saddle.

- The foam rubber spacers range in thickness (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 inch)

- All components of the Master Kit use Velcro fasteners

- Telephone assistance and a comprehensive guide comes with every purchase of a Master Kit

This ends what I hope was
a helpful explanation of the Master Correction Panel Kit.

So you have had your initial testing
and you are interested in carrying
on with phase two
I can build you the model
of the saddle pad
that you might choose to order
A model that will correct
the fit of your saddle

You won't have to take my word for it.

Because before we seal any deal.

I will test that model right on the spot using
 
- The Port Lewis Impression Pad
- The Port Lewis Master Correction Panel Kit

- Phase Two: Planning to build the model saddle pad that will correct the fit of your saddle

- Based on the Impression Pad results from your first ride I will construct a pad using the foam rubber pieces from the Master Correction Panel Kit
- Looking at the displaced putty on the Impression Pad I can determine which spacers need to be placed where along the base panels

An example of what this would look like is to your right

Now that I have constructed a model of your customized pad by using the base panels with rubber spacers attached...its time to roll the dough on the Impression Pad in order to have it ready for the next text.

The final test
where you ride in your model and I test that model. Its important that you know what you have before you buy it.

The Impression Pad is placed back on your horses back.

The model is then placed on top of the Impression Pad

Your saddle is placed on top of The Impression Pad

Its time for you to ride again

When you are finished riding we will once again remove the Impression Pad.

We will read The Impression Pad

We will be looking for an even displacement of the dough from front to back

You only stand to be Impressed!

Place your order
for your fully
Customized Pocketed Pad from
The Port Lewis Workshop

The Pads come in many styles and designs

They come in various colors

There are also contoured pads for the distant rider