6 Things to Consider when Fitting a Saddle

There are several important aspects to consider when fitting a saddle to your horse:



1. The Conformation of your horse: A saddle that fits one horse might not fit another

of similar size. Age also effects the conformation of your horse, and can easily

change enough during their lifetime to need a different saddle. The conformation

of each horse is different and this needs to be considered when fitting a saddle.

The withers vary widely between horses, they can have high withers, long

withers, wide muscled withers, flat withers (mutton withers), and everything in-

between. The length of their back also makes a difference, as well as the condition

your horse is in (as a horse gets more in shape for a particular purpose the top line

can change.)

2. Size of the Tree: There are different widths of trees that saddles are made with.

It is important for the tree width to be correct. English saddle trees are usually:

Narrow, Medium, and Wide. While Western saddle trees come in: Standard (for

the narrow horse with a narrow back), Semi Quarter Horse, Full Quarter Horse,

and the widest are the Arabian size. Make sure the tree is strong, solid, and is not

twisted, which could cause pain in the horses back and hinder performance.

3. Size of the Gullet: The gullet needs to be wide enough so that it does not interfere

with either side of the spine. A gullet that is too tight can add pressure to the

vertebrae and cause severe pain. This can be difficult to find for horses with high

withers. A gullet can also be too wide for a horse, which would create a much

smaller area of the saddle that is supporting the weight of the rider, and increases

chances of bruising along the back.

4. Saddle Placement: Even a saddle that looks like it fits can be deceiving when you

are fitting a horse. It is important to make sure the saddle is in the correct position

to insure that you are fitting the saddle correctly. In the article "The Right Saddle

for The Job" Watt says, "Proper placement of a saddle on a horse's back, is also

crucial. We want to place the tree bar in the 'pocket' that is created on the back of

a mature horse with good conformation--one with decent wither, shoulder slope,

and sound spine," he says. "This 'pocket' is made to carry a saddle bar. If the

saddle is placed too far forward, there will be undue pressure on the very end of a

shoulder blade when it is engaged in full range movement, such as at the extended

trot." Step away from your horse when the saddle is on it and check to make sure

the saddle is level, that it is not rolling forwards or backwards and sits evenly on



the horse.

5. The Horse in Movement: If a saddle seems to fit the horse when it is standing

still, the next step is to see how the saddle works with the horse in motion. Watch

to make sure the saddle stays still on the horses back and does not shift from side

to side, or slide to the front or the back. Also watch for clearance of the shoulder

when the horse reaches forward with its front legs to make sure the saddle is not

limiting movement.

6. The Rider in the Saddle: The last part to fitting a saddle to the horse is adding a

rider. With the added weight it is important to verify all of the previous checks

on the saddle. Make sure there is proper clearance for the withers and the spine,

the saddle is sitting in balance and is level, the panels provide even pressure.

The saddle also needs to fit the rider correctly, because even if the saddle fits the

horse well, it may not fit the rider. Check to make sure the seat fits the rider, that

it puts them in the correct position, that flaps/fenders are the correct size, and

most importantly the rider is able to sit directly in the horse’s center of balance to

create a complete, harmonious, and pain free picture.