The Rider's Shoppe & SOMMER you're winning combination ... Product review compiled by Berni Saunders
Why a SOMMER Saddle The most important link between rider and horse is the saddle. A well fitting saddle for rider and horse will support our equestrian efforts. It will place us where the horse would place us without a saddle in between us, namely shortly behind the withers.
For the saddle maker the withers are one of the most important parts of the horse's back. This is where the saddle is placed, along with which comes the additional weight of the rider. The horse already carries 55% of its weight on the front legs. From a perpendicular view, the centre of the horse's body is about as high as the sternum, just below the torso.
It is also the point where the 3 cm widening end of the shoulder blade is located, just below the withers. It is this area that the saddle maker has to pay crucial attention to when measuring the horse since in this area the movement of the shoulder blade takes place.
The saddle has to allow the shoulder to move freely, which means the panel must decrease in size towards the front in order to provided sufficient room for the shoulder movement.
Extended Panels Extended Panel Saddles have been a tradition in our factory since the Bi-Centennial celebration of the United States. Tradition is cultivated through continuing development.
The standard of our current models is the result of many years of experience. A comfortable seat combined with a flat, flexible extended panel creates the symbiosis of comfort and functionality.
The main feature is the balanced contact point of the extended and flexible panel, which conforms to the horse's back.
The last point of contact on the horse's back is clearly defined; therefore pressure against the kidney area is prevented.
As with all other Sommer saddles, the materials and structure of the panel follow the modern anatomic guidelines. Please refer to the chapter titled "Why a Sommer saddle?"
A wide assortment of accessories and packing attachments for the Saddles with extended panels are available as well.
Esprit Athen model Esprit Athen dressage item number 3550 DS saddle type dressage saddle seat deep seat, square cantle, soft panels felt and wool sandwich panel knee rolls padded high rolls billets 2 long billets stirrup-bar extended stainless steel dressage stirrup-bar weight 6,2 kg leather made out of nuovo calfskin seat sizes 16,5; 17,0; 17,5; 18,0 tree width sizes 27 - 36 colors black, moro, redwood, cognac special features singleflap - new design - special saddle construction - see additional information on Sommer web site.
model Esprit dressage item number 3500 DS saddle type dressage saddle seat deep seat, round cantle, soft panels felt and wool sandwich panel knee rolls special formed knee rolls billets long "triangle" billets (v-point billets) stirrup-bar extended stainless steel dressage stirrup-bar weight 6,3 kg leather seat, knee part and panels made out of nuovo calfskin; flap made out of cowhide seat sizes 16,5; 17,0; 17,5; 18,0 tree width sizes 27 - 36 colors black, moro, redwood special features new design - special saddle construction - see additional information
Model Diplomat Exclusiv dressage Item number 2017 DS saddle type dressage saddle seat deep seat, round cantle, exceptional softness panels wool stuffed leather panel with felt lining knee rolls padded knee rolls billets long "triangle" billets (v-point billets) stirrup-bar dressage stirrup-bar weight 6,5 kg leather seat, knee part and panels made out of calfskin; flap made out of cowhide seat sizes 16,5; 17,0; 17,5; 18,0 free width sizes 27 - 36 colors black, moro, redwood special features seat and knee part available in "Schrumpfleder"
Model Meteor dressage Item number 2001 DS saddle type dressage saddle seat deep seat, round cantle panels wool stuffed panel knee rolls tight high rolls billets 2 long billets stirrup-bar dressage stainless steel stirrup-bar weight 6,3 kg leather made out of cowhide seat sizes 16,5; 17,5; 18,0 tree width sizes 27 - 36 colors black, moro special features classical model at a great value
model Opus I item number 2500 DS saddle type dressage saddle seat deep seat, exceptional softness panels wool stuffed leather panel with felt lining knee rolls strong knee rolls billets long "triangle" billets stirrup-bar extended stainless steel dressage stirrup-bar weight 6,5 kg leather seat, knee part and panels made out of calfskin; flap made out of cowhide seat sizes 16,5; 17,0; 17,5; 18,0 tree width sizes 27 - 36 colors black, moro, redwood special features seat and knee part available in "Schrumpfleder"
model Egon von Neindorff dressage item number 2012 DS saddle type dressage saddle seat deep seat, round cantle panels wool stuffed leather panel with felt lining knee rolls - billets 2 long billets stirrup-bar extended stainless steel dressage stirrup-bar weight 6,1 kg leather very soft calf leather, available in "Schrumpfleder" seat sizes 16,5; 17,0; 17,5; 18,0 tree width sizes 27 - 36 colors black, moro special features close contact single flap, developed together with Egon von Neindorff
model Somero extended panel dressage tem number 2016 T DS saddle type extended panel saddle seat classical seat, round cantle panels flexible long panel filled with pool knee rolls strong knee rolls billets long "triangle" billets or 3 short straps stirrup-bar extended stainless steel dressage stirrup-bar weight 6,4 kg leather seat, knee part and panels made out of calfskin; flap made out of cowhide seat sizes 17,0; 17,5; 18,0 tree width sizes 27 - 36 colors black, moro, redwood special features flexible extended panels
Features of a SOMMER Saddle 1. Saddle Tree - Fully flexible saddle tree, lengthwise and width wise, that conforms to the movement of the horse instead of being a rigid point that disturbs rider and horse.
2. Head Iron - The head iron above the withers creates stability of the front of the saddle and moves down to the shoulder blade and back towards the rider as it slopes downwards.
3. Panel - The panel is even and flexible. There are no edges on the horses back. The angle of the panel is made to conform to the curvature of the horse's back and extends beyond the tree. The panel stuffing is made of synthetic fibres that remain soft and flexible even when exposed to moisture. It conforms to the horses back and remains elastic.
4. Width Between Panels and Panel Length - The panels run parallel with a gullet that measures at least 5-6 cm. The width of the panels covers the back muscles and the interconnecting rib muscles.
5. Billet system - The billet begins with the first point of contact under the stirrup bar in the area of the saddle tree. It conforms to the natural depth of the horses girth area.
6. Air Circulation - The air circulation of the horses back is improved and hot spots are prevented. "According to the fundamental rules, which we would like to highlight further, the horse when put into a balanced position has a centre point where its weight and strength is united.
This point, which remains consistently the same, follows the direction of a vertical line. The art of riding consists of uniting the point of weight and strength of the horse and the centred position of the rider along the same vertical line"
7. Materials - Carefully selected materials make the Sommer saddles a natural product that becomes more beautiful with age. Our leathers are carefully selected and tanned for us throughout the world. The only hardware used is stainless steel and solid brass. The leather has to pass quality control inspections before being used.
8. Variability - The fit, as well as the tree width, can be changed at any time. Sizes, measurements, and other changes should be documented by a qualified tack shop and then sent to us along with the saddle. The saddle selection is one of the most important decisions a rider makes for a good partnership with the horse. We are happy to assist you. The V Billet System In regards to the billet systems the V-billet has become popular. It is supposed to create a better fit of the saddle. In most cases this V-billet system actually enhances the pressure on the shoulder area, as it tightens the saddle right along the area of the saddletree. This tight fit can create muscle tension. Since the muscles are intertwined it can lead to tension all the way up to the horses rump area. A tight back, problems with going on the bit properly, unwillingness to work and many other problems can follow. Therefore the first tightening pressure point of the saddle needs to be moved back. The saddle must have panels that conform clearly to the horse's anatomy. Unfortunately saddles still exist that mistreat the horse's spine of the vertebrae by having too narrow gullets or gullets that don't become more narrow towards the horses back. The two panel sections should run parallel along each other with a minimal distance of 5-6 cm.
Our studies have shown that the panels should have a certain gullet width along the entire length of the saddle in order to ensure proper fit on the horse's back muscles. Severe back problems can occur when too narrow fitting panels are used since the back muscles are interconnected with the rib muscles. A panel that is too narrow for the horse's back separates the back and rib muscles instead of spanning across them. Consequently the rib muscles are pushed downwards. An appropriately wide panel will cover and rest on both muscles without interference.
We therefore conclude that the saddle should not only accommodate but also support the elasticity and extension of the shoulder swing. For us, several binding rules must be adhered to during construction of a saddle.
Guarantee Each Sommer saddle is submitted to a strict quality control process before it leaves the company workrooms. This ensures the selection of impeccable materials and the highest quality workmanship in the construction of your Sommer saddle.
• 10 years on the saddle tree, with the exception of accidents
• 1 year on flaws in the leather
• First restuffing is covered by the guarantee
• The buyer is responsible for the shipping costs for execution of guarantee services.
Bridles and Accessories
Standard Bridles 1001/1011 Bridle drop noseband, cord rein 1001M/1011 Bridle drop noseband, cord rein, brass 1003/1011 Bridle flash noseband, cord rein 1003M/1011 Trensenzaum engl. Reithalfter mit Gurtzügel, Messing 1103/1011 Bridle Swedish noseband, cord rein 1103M/1011 Bridle Swedish noseband, cord rein, brass 1005 Double Bridle 2 set of reins 1005M Double Bridle 2 set of reins, brass 1105 Double Bridle Swedish noseband, 2 set of reins 1105M Double Bridle Swedish noseband, 2 set of reins, brass colors: black, brown sizes: thoroughbred (1), warmblood (2), warmblood extra (3)
Novelle Bridles
4505 Bridle stainless steel, Swedish noseband 4515 Bridle stainless steel, Swedish noseband, double raised 4505M Bridle brass, Swedish noseband 4515M Bridle brass, Swedish noseband, double raised 4501 Double Bridle stainless steel, Swedish noseband 4511 Double Bridle stainless steel, Swedish noseband, double raised 4501M Double Bridle brass, Swedish noseband 4511M Double Bridle brass, Swedish noseband, double raised colors: black, brown sizes: thoroughbred (C), warmblood (F), warmblood extra (XF)
Bridles and Accessories, Handmade by SOMMER
Naturally grown raw materials, solid craftsmanship, and hand creations are the basis for the Sommer bridles and accessories.
Leather that is especially made for us has a high percentage of oil content, suppleness and yet is resistant to sweat. Rust free hardware in stainless steel and solid brass creates a perfect fit for the Sommer bridle and the certainty to have something of "exceptional quality".
Each rider can find their own personal equipment by choosing from traditional bridlework as well as a selection of innovative materials such as Quattro and Mettalic. (see Sommer site for more information.
Sommer Saddles are available from The Riders's Shoppe who cater for the discerning Australian Dressage rider, looking for the best quality riding wear, saddlery and equipment.
Not all models and sizes of Sommer Saddles are held in stock, but they can be ordered and ... are well worth the short wait!
e-mail The Rider's Shoppe for more information about SOMMER Saddles in Australia.
Extended Panel Saddles have been a tradition in our factory since the Bi-Centennial celebration of the United States. Tradition is cultivated through continuing development.
Naturally grown raw materials, solid craftsmanship,