Saddle Fitting

We offer a full saddle fitting service. Please call us on 06 342 9967 for more information or Contact Us & submit your question

Here are a few quick pointers on saddle fit - what's good & what's not:

The following diagrams show what you should look for when you place a saddle on the horse's back

A. Incorrect fit Cantle is lower than pommel. The deepest point of the seat is too far back. There is too much clearance under the pommel You should go with a wider tree/gullet	B. Correct fit The cantle is slightly higher than the pommel. The deepest point of the seat is in the center of the saddle There are 3 fingers clearance under the pommel	C. Incorrect fit Even though the pommel and cantle relationship is correct, there is not enough clearance under the pommel It is likely that there will be "rocking" present You should go with a narrower tree/gullet

Wrong saddle fit & the physical problems that can occur as a result

1. An insufficiently large bearing surface can result in gait malfunction, muscle fatigue, a pulling rather that a pushing effect, a hollow back, rubbing, pinching etc. (A good analogy is that of the stiletto heel - too much weight/ pressure situated over a small area!).

2. When the shape of the tree doesnt conform to the shape of the horse, pinching is likely to occur. A four-point contact may result in severe pressure points. Banana shaped trees may result in movement at the back of the saddle. Chronic scar tissue may build up at the back of the shoulder blade.

3. Putting the saddle on too far forward can have very serious consequences. The top of the shoulder blade (scapula) can rotate as much as 3" backwards, if the movement of the scapula is restricted the stride will deteriorate, the horse will tire rapidly and forward movement will be severely impaired.

4. A gullet which is too narrow will cause the saddle to sit out on bends with resultant pressure points and malfunction. Pain in the trapezius muscle is frequently associated with a saddle which, because it is wide in the tree, digs in just below the withers.

5. The saddle moving up and down is likely to produce rapid adverse effects. Gait dysfunction is common, hair loss and bruising will occur (frequently one side only). The horses back end will not be able to work correctly and the head is likely to be carried in the air with all the correspondingly related problems.

6 Pressure Points can cause reduction of blood supply to the muscles (especially in the case of long distance or hunt horses involved in prolonged activity) resulting in muscle wastage, lethargy and loss of condition.

7. Pressure Points may result in soft swellings on the back usually detected immediately the saddle is removed. "A comfortable saddle is vital for your horse's health and happiness!" A new saddle is likely to be one of the most expensive items you buy for your horse. In a well-fitting saddle your horse will be able to move freely and, by using his back muscles correctly, he'll develop a rounded, properly-balanced outline. All horses should have the fit of their saddle checked regularly. The regularity will vary, some young horses may develop rapidly and it is possible that their saddles will require adjusting every few weeks! horses returning to work, older horses etc.