To find the perfect Thorowgood saddle for your horse you will need two measurements:
Back Width
This refers to the shape across his back which can vary from narrow to extra-wide
Wither profile
This describes the curve of his withers, if you are looking from the side - low, regular or high
You will need:
- A helper to hold your horse on firm, level ground
- A piece of chalk
- A pen
- A 65cm flexicurve (available from a Thorowgood stockist, an art shop or an office supply store)
- A print out of the back width chart and wither profile chart (make sure you print at 100% - some printers automatically scale down to approx 97%)
Step 1: Make sure your horse is standing foursquare with his head up and looking straight ahead. From the nearside (left), feel for the top edge of his shoulderblade (scapula) with your fingers. Lifting the nearside foreleg will help you find thescapula if you are not sure.
Step 2: When you have located the highest point of the scapula, use the chalk to mark a point roughly three fingers’ width behind it (towards the direction of the tail).
Step 3: Taking this mark as your starting point, mould your flexicurve up and over the withers.
Step 4: Squeeze and shape the flexicurve so it hugs the contours of the horse’s sides.
Step 5: Lift the flexicurve gently and put it down in exactly the same place – it should settle snugly if it has been moulded correctly. Transfer the shaped flexicurve onto the back width chart and draw along the inside edge.
Step 6: Next, making sure your horse is still standing properly, mould the flexicurve along his spine starting at the highest point of the withers. This measurement should also be taken from the nearside. Draw this shape onto the wither profile chart.
