Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pure Equine Balance?
Pure Equine Balance is an equine wellness and tack business focused on biomechanics, comfort, natural movement, and holistic support. We specialise in treeless and flexible tree saddles, bitless bridles, treeless saddle fitting guidance, and integrative equine wellness support including equine nutrition and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA).
What makes your approach different?
Our approach combines thoughtful tack selection with a deeper understanding of equine comfort, movement, and wellbeing. Alongside treeless and flexible saddles, bitless bridles, saddle fit guidance, and impression pad hire, we also consider factors such as nutrition, mineral balance, and holistic wellness support.
We believe tack should work with the horse’s natural biomechanics to support comfort, freedom of movement, and balance.
We believe tack should support the horse’s ability to move comfortably, naturally, and in balance.
Do you only sell treeless saddles?
No. We support thoughtful equipment choices that prioritise comfort, biomechanics, and natural movement. We specialise primarily in:
- Treeless saddles
- Flexible tree saddles
- Saddle Accessories
- Bitless bridles
Do you offer saddle fitting?
We offer saddle fit guidance and educational support focused on biomechanics, mapping, movement, and equipment selection.
You can also explore our educational resources:
- Saddle Mapping Guide
- Treeless Saddle Fitting Guide
- Bridle Fitting Guide
- Girth Fitting Guide
Why is saddle fit important?
Saddle fit can influence:
- Shoulder freedom
- Back movement
- Muscle development
- Balance and coordination
- Comfort under saddle
- Willingness to move forward
- Long-term soundness
Correct saddle fit allows the horse to move more freely and comfortably.
What is saddle mapping?
Saddle mapping helps identify:
- The shoulder movement zone
- The saddle support area
- Correct saddle placement
- Girth positioning
- Areas that should remain free for movement
This helps support balanced biomechanics and rider stability.
Related Guide:
What is the saddle support area?
The saddle support area is the section of the horse’s back best suited to comfortably carrying weight.
Generally, the saddle should:
- Sit behind the shoulder
- Remain within the last rib
- Support even balance and movement
How do I know if my horse is uncomfortable in their saddle?
Possible signs may include:
- Shortened stride
- Reluctance to move forward
- Hollowing through the back
- Tail swishing
- Tension during saddling
- Uneven muscle development
- Resistance during transitions
- Behaviour changes under saddle
Movement assessment is often more informative than static assessment alone.
What are the benefits of treeless saddles?
When correctly fitted, treeless saddles may support:
- Closer rider connection
- Freedom through the shoulders
- Back lift and engagement
- Adaptive fit
- Even pressure distribution
- Natural movement patterns
What are flexible tree saddles?
Flexible tree saddles combine structure with flexibility, allowing the saddle to adapt more dynamically to the horse’s movement and shape. In the case of our Taur and OPUX saddles, the tree is constructed from carefully selected materials such as wool, soft latex, polypropylene, synthetic fibres, and leather to provide both support and adaptability. Interchangeable gullet plates are available in seven sizes, allowing for individual adjustment and a more customised fit.
What saddle brands do you stock?
- OPUX
- Taur
Related Resource:
Why choose a bitless bridle?
A well fitted bitless bridle may support:
- Encourages relaxation and comfort
- Softer, clearer communication between horse and rider
- Reduced jaw tension
- Greater freedom through the poll and neck
- Support for more natural posture and movement
- More regulated and relaxed breathing during exercise
Every horse is an individual, and any transition should always be approached gradually and thoughtfully.
How should a bitless bridle fit?
Correct fit is important for comfort, communication, and stability. See the guide below for detailed instructions.
Related Guide:
Why does girth placement matter?
Girth fit can influence:
- Ribcage expansion
- Shoulder movement
- Saddle stability
- Comfort during movement
A correctly positioned girth should sit just behind the elbow while allowing comfortable breathing and movement.
Related Guide:
What is HTMA?
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a laboratory test that provides insight into long-term mineral patterns and the way minerals are interacting within the body. Individual mineral biochemistry and nutrient utilisation play an important role in biomechanics, movement, recovery, and performance, making HTMA a valuable part of a holistic wellness program for especially ridden horses.
HTMA may help identify:
- Mineral imbalances
- Stress patterns
- Heavy metal accumulation trends
- Long-term nutritional patterns
- Nutrient utilisation patterns
- Metabolic patterns
How is HTMA different from blood testing?
Blood testing reflects what is circulating in the bloodstream at that moment, while HTMA provides insight into longer-term mineral storage and patterns.
Both can offer valuable information in different ways.
Can nutrition affect biomechanics and posture?
Yes. Mineral balance, muscular tension, topline development, posture, and movement patterns can all influence one another.
This is why we take a holistic approach that considers:
- Tack fit
- Movement
- Nutrition
- Mineral balance
- Muscle development
Do you help choose the right saddle?
Yes — we aim to help match horses and riders with suitable options based on:
- Horse shape
- Movement
- Rider goals
- Comfort
- Stability
- Budget
Can I contact you for guidance before purchasing?
Absolutely. We encourage owners to ask questions before purchasing tack so we can help guide you toward the most suitable options.