Saddle fitting
(Why) Is it so important to have your saddle correctly fitted?

From the horse’s point of view, he doesn’t actually need a saddle (or any form of tack, come to think of it). He can get from A to B quite well thank you very much without having such a thing strapped to his back. The rider, however, often needs all the help he/she can get. Most of us wouldn’t dare go out of the walk in an indoor school without a saddle and/or bridle!

To keep this ‘partnership’ together requires that the horse be saddled with something of the right size, shape, fit and balance. Colour is optional and left to his owner’s discretion.

From the riders point of view, whether your ‘discipline’ is a quiet hack around the countryside or competing at the highest level, you need to be able to sit in an optimum position that allows you to ride in a balanced, comfortable, secure and effective manner.

Think of a saddle as a shoe and the horse’s back the foot and you begin to understand the importance of comfort to allow full movement and performance for any given length of time.

It is important to remember that horses, like people, change shape. This can be due to many differing factors such as seasonal changes, change of environment, work and fitness levels. Young / older horses develop or lose muscle tone & bulk as well as gain or lose weight. Also, any injuries or dental conditions could affect the horse’s way of going and thus the comfort and fit of the saddle.

The saddle needs to be monitored throughout all of this. The saddle fitter may advise adjustment, pads for short term use or even a change of saddle if we are to expect the horse to perform at his most willing and best.

This monitoring should be carried out regularly by the owner/rider and by the saddler every 6-12 months, although each case is individual.

The above is a short, light hearted look at the basic reasons for having your saddle fitted and monitored. Both myself or any Qualified Saddle Fitter will be happy to discuss or advise you with your individual needs. Peace of mind is often no more expensive than a phone call and chat.