Saddle fitting – Horses change considerably over time. A horse’s ‘shape’ is very dependent on the horse owner’s management. What may have fit your horse as a five-year-old may not fit now. Age, fitness, weight, and rider weight/size will all effect the fit of any saddle on any horse.
Reasons why a horse may change shape
A horse can change shape for many reasons. Maybe he is enjoying a break from work turned out in a field with lots of grass causing unwanted weight gain. Possibly, the competition season is underway, and the horse is leaner and more muscled than at the beginning of the season. Maybe the horse is young and going through a period of rapid growth and development. Maybe his owner, school over for the summer, has vastly increased his exercise and schooling programme. Or perhaps he has lost condition over winter.
It’s surprising how many owners notice a rug getting tighter but the fact that the saddle no longer fits well completely escapes them. This is why it is very important to get saddles checked regularly.
Saddle fitting checks
Saddle fitting checks are an important part of horse care. Yes, they cost money. And yes, occasionally the saddle fitter may need to return quite quickly because the horse has changed shape so rapidly. This isn’t an unnecessary expense it is vital to make sure your horse is comfortable. A qualified saddle fitter will be able to identify the reason the horse has changed shape, or at least point you in the right direction.
Saddle width
A saddle that is too narrow and is pinching and exerting other unwanted pressure – or too wide and pressing down and restricting the horse’s ability to use himself correctly – can result in welfare, veterinary, behavioural and performance problems. Overcoming the resulting problems could be expensive in terms of veterinary, schooling and other professional services. Meanwhile the horse has suffered totally unnecessarily.
Changes in exercise and feed
Recognise that changes in exercise and feed regimes have the potential to alter the horse’s shape. It is advisable to the principle one saddle should fit one horse and remember it will adopt to the contours of the horse, if placed on a different horse, it could be very uncomfortable. When a saddle suffers an accident or when the horse suffers a fall whilst being ridden then it should be examined by a Master or Qualified Saddler. Internal damage such as a broken tree can be difficult to spot and, not rectified, it may result in complicated veterinary problems.
Use the services of a Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitter to undertake fitting checks regularly. Always have a new one fitted and recognise that it is at least equally important to have a second-hand saddle fitted. SMS saddle fitters have a comprehensive knowledge of available brands and designs. They are aware of the rules and regulations applicable to tack and equipment used in all the equestrian disciplines and sports and offer advice and professional services.
Information about the Society of Master Saddlers can be found on the website Master Saddlers.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.