Barefoot Pressure Scans



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.


scan 4

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)


scan 1

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.


scan 2

S
addle: 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.


scan 3

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.