Measuring and Fitting Saddles

The correct measurement and fitting of a saddle to a horse is one of the most important things for the comfort of both horse and rider.

Horses and riders come in all shapes and sizes and with different requirements. That is why it is so difficult to find the right saddle for to meet both needs. Because Equinefit only make made to measure saddles we pride ourselves in being able to meet just about every need. The feel of a saddle is a very personal thing, we aim for the perfect saddle for both horse and rider.

To measure a saddle you have to take many different factors from the horse and rider into consideration. Not only the direct fit of the saddle but also the way the rider sits and what kind of needs he or she has. It is also important to recognise that these needs will change over time; riders will progress and change their shape, horses will change and the fit of a saddle should be able to change accordingly. Fitting a saddle to a horse is something that has to be checked by a professional saddle fitter at least twice a year.

Fitting a Saddle

Three different girth strap arrangements. See "The Dressage Saddle" below

Because there are so many different styles of saddles and riding an experienced saddle fitter will look beyond the straight forward measurements and take a complete view of all the needs of the horse and rider - this is the 'art' of saddle fitting. Of course, the tree should always be fitting the withers and shape of the horse. Flocking should be soft and comfortable without lumps and saddle should be balanced without pinching. However a dressage saddle sits differently from a show-jump saddle or western saddle. That is why it takes the experience of a saddle fitter to see if the saddle you have fits that horse.

The most popular type of saddles we sell the are our dressage saddles. The fit of a dressage saddle must be as accommodating to the horse and rider as possible. The contact between horse and rider should be optimal to get the best result. A rider should be balanced and supported without having to hold his or herself. The position of seat, stirrups, knee blocks and flaps should be so that the rider does not have to work to get a correct contact. If during riding you have to put your legs back to make contact with your horse, most likely the saddle doesn't support you where you need it. Riders often blame themselves because their trainer is always telling them to sit differently, but in 99% of the cases it is the saddle is not right for the rider. Just because everybody you know has one make doesn't mean it is right for you.

The Dressage Saddle

Dressage saddle fitting, clear of the shoulder blade. Click for larger picture.

The way a dressage saddle sits on a horse is very different to a GP or jump saddle. One of the biggest differences is the fact that the flap is not on or over the shoulder. This means that you have to be very careful that the saddle does not make a ridge behind the shoulder that stops the horse from moving its fore leg back. One of the reasons why this can happen is because of the girth strap arrangement. When a saddle is measured this feature should be looked at very carefully by your fitter. The fit may be okay, but if the girth straps are in the wrong place the saddle will ride forward, shift side ways, move back or restrict the fore leg.

These are some of the reasons why you should always get a professional saddle fitter to measure you and your horse. For a rider it is very important to know that over time saddles will have to be changed, adjusted and checked. Just because the tree fits the back of the horse, doesn't mean a horse can move comfortable. Just because a seat size is the right size doesn't mean the rider can sit correctly.

Contact Rene now to discuss your saddle fitting requirements