It is vitally important that the saddle that you use on your horses is a good fit. Saddles that fit incorrectly can cause a multitude of problems from the horse not extending in their movement to physical damage to the muscles and spinous processes and behavioural problems. Back problems from ill-fitting tack are a common occurrence and it is important that you get your horses saddle checked regularly by a professional saddle fitter in order to avoid these issues.
There are several things that you can check on your own saddle to ensure a good fit.
1. When looking at the underside of your saddle, the flocking should look even and smooth. Any lumps or unevenness should be dealt with by a saddle fitter.
2. Then pressure should be applied to the saddle and it should not twist or grate. If it does the tree may be broken and should not be used on any horse.
3. The saddle should be placed at the base of the horse’s neck and then slid towards the tail until it reaches its natural resting point. It should fit behind the shoulder but be no further back than the last rib.
4. When looking at the saddle from the side, the cantle should be slightly higher than the pommel and the lowest point of the seat should be in the middle. Then look at the saddle from behind, it should look level on the horses back and there should be sufficient clearance along the gullet.
5. The gullet should be wide enough so that it does not impinge on the spinous processes of the back. The gullet also needs to be high enough so that there is sufficient clearance of the spine.
6. You should be able to fit 3-4 fingers under the pommel and down each side of the withers(this is just a rough guide as horses with a very high wither may only allow 2 fingers width and horses with no withers may allow up to five). Enough space should be allowed so that the pommel is not pressing on the spine and this should continue the entire length of the gullet.
7. When the horse is being ridden the saddle should not bounce up and down on the horses back, should not slip forward or backwards, and should allow extended shoulder movement.
8. And last but not least the saddle should always also fit the rider who uses it. It is important that it is comfortable for both the horse and rider.
Regardless of whether you feel your saddle is a good fit or not, you must get it checked by a qualified
saddle fitter every 6 months to a year, or if your horses has either gained or lost any condition. Once your
saddle has been fitted correctly Mctimoney and Equine Body works can be vital in helping your horse
gain flexibility and extension that may have been lost by an incorrect fit.
Book an Equine Sports Massage
Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
Book an Equine Sports Massage or Call Emily Walters on 07983 565 438
