Alex got in touch with this wonderful tip when it comes to saddling a horse:
“Every horse deserves a well-fitting saddle – no matter how much he costs, or what work he’s doing.
A poor fit compromises control, it’s that simple.
If it bounces around, or slide away from the horse’s centre of gravity, not only are you in trouble, but you’re harming the horse underneath.
Muscle waste, back pain, lameness and behaviour problems can all stem from a bad saddle fit.
When saddling a horse make sure…
- Check there are no sores or rub burns on your horse.
- Make sure your horse’s movement isn’t restricted. The shoulders shouldn’t be obstructed at any position. Raise your horse’s front leg, to move the shoulder back as far as it will go.
- Feel for the top of the 18th rib at the back of your horse. This marks the beginning of the back’s weakest point. A saddle mustn’t be allowed to invade this area.
- Check there’s no hair loss on the contact points.
- After riding, check for a complete sweat line where the saddle should make contact.
- Look under the saddle from behind your horse. You should see light at the other end.
- Slide your fingers under the pommel. They should fit comfortably between your horse and the saddle.
I know saddle fitters aren’t cheap, but hiring one could save your horse terrible problems.
Alex”
Sound advice from Alex – a big thank you to him.
Saddling a horse:
And thanks for all your comments you’ve sent in – keep em coming – here’s Susan’s comments which I’ve taken from below:
Folks: We try to fit our horses and ourselves “off the rack”.
Also, “One size” does not fit all, as Jobi said.
In the Old Days, saddles were custom fitted to the rider and horse. Sometimes people had numerous saddles because your horse (and your) shape changes throughout the year.
All that craftsmanship is now extremely hard to find. Consequently, it is expensive.
And… not all “saddle fitters” are equal. Find a competent one.
I had a horse who was happy in a $100. saddle, yet when I rode sidesaddle, a beautiful $2,000. saddle did not fit him. Price is not always the deciding factor in comfort for your horse and you.
Never pass up an opportunity to learn. Try various styles of saddles, too. I used to ride english, but my current horse likes a treeless western saddle. We use it and have a wonderful time. Be flexible in your expectations.
Susan”
There are quite a few posts on saddle fitting now – don’t forget the only way you can see all the posts is by jumping on the newsleter.
And now onto Benny.
“Saddling a horse is an essential skill for any rider, ensuring both the rider’s safety and the horse’s comfort. It involves a series of steps that require precision, patience, and understanding of the horse’s anatomy and behavior. Here’s how to properly saddle a horse.”
“First, begin by ensuring the horse is securely tied or held, as some horses may become nervous or fidgety during saddling. Approach the horse calmly from the left side, which is the standard for saddling. Check the horse’s coat for any dirt or debris that may cause discomfort under the saddle.”
“Next, you’ll need the saddle, saddle pad, and girth. Start by placing the saddle pad or blanket on the horse’s back. Ensure it lies evenly and smoothly, without any wrinkles, as this could lead to rubbing or pressure points. The pad should be positioned just behind the horse’s withers, which are located at the top of the shoulder blades.”
“Once the pad is properly placed, lift the saddle and gently place it on top of the saddle pad. The saddle should sit squarely on the horse’s back, ensuring it is centered and level. Take care to avoid putting too much pressure on the withers, as this is a sensitive area.”
“Now, you’ll fasten the girth, which secures the saddle to the horse. Stand on the left side, and with the girth in hand, pass it under the horse’s belly. Attach the girth to the saddle’s billets, and gradually tighten it, but not too much at first. It’s important to ensure it’s snug enough to keep the saddle from slipping but not so tight that it restricts the horse’s breathing or movement. Once tightened, check the girth again after walking the horse for a short distance to ensure it hasn’t loosened.”
“Saddling a horse is not only about the correct technique but also understanding the horse’s comfort and well-being. Proper saddling helps foster a positive relationship between rider and horse. Benny”
Next up
Totally agree, a bad fitting saddle isn’t worth huting a horse and making the horse crabby and uncomfortable, at least not for me.
horses at my stable share saddles, but we make sure they fit though, otherwise they play up. Even if the saddle fits, make sure to check the position of the saddle if your horse is crabby. hope it helps.
I have never seen light go from the back of the saddle to the front. I place my hand under the back of my saddle and the front there is space in those areas. Shoulder area is snug but not tight. The end i able to put my fist in it. Is this acceptable? 😳
get a saddle fitter out to check it for you, and show you what you need to look for.
What about treeless saddles. I think they are the only way to go. Never had a problem and have had and am having plenty bodywork done!
A saddle should fit the rider, just as well as the horse. No one type of saddle will fit every horse, treeless or treed! And don’t wait until there are sore spots appearing before getting a QUALIFIED and REGISTERED saddle fitter out, do so at the first signs of the coat being rubbed.
Yea, we had a horse at a stables school and it always bucked when we asked her to go because her saddle was too small and rubbing her skin badly 😳
WOW! Great tips!
Thanks very much for all your very cool comments. Cant wait for the next one. It is very educational. 😀
Is there any disadvantages to the treeless saddle? I hack out, jump a little and want to start endurance. 😀
I have a wonderful well fitting saddle, a County made in England,(Dressage) its also very compfortable with a deep seat and i love it
i have a very big percheron and i have a treeless saddle he seems to like it just fine there is swaetspots where there should be but i have also 3 other treeless saddles and he does not like them so not all treeless saddles fit all horses
In the UK we now have the Saddle Research Trust, a non-profit organisation that uses scientific studies to investigate the interaction between saddle, horse and rider. Many fascinating (and thought provoking) results are coming out of this, that will inform every user or maker of saddles.
So much so-called grumpy or crabby behaviour from horses when ridden is down to discomfort or pain from the saddle – we should always, regularly check our horse’s fit with their saddle. Horses change shape form season to season, as well as from work to non-work and what fit last month, may not fit next month.
Check your horse’s symmetry and observe his way of going without a rider, also you can run your fingers slowly down his back – about a palm’s width from the “topline”, wither to hip. If he dips or flinches – have your saddle checked.
My saddle is custom fit the saddle can be fit your horse using pictures and computer graphics my saddle is perfect And i never used a saddlefitter. my saddle is calf skin cheap saddles are hard And never get soft no matter how much you oil them. Learned my lesson with a cheap Saddle. Still doesnt fit And still hard.
I purchased a saddle that actually fit my wide backed high withered horse. On the advise of my riding instructor I purchased a 18″, I felt that it would be to large as my other saddle (western) was a 15″, but I trusted my instructor and her advise. Several months after purchase I was in a lesson, flopping around in my saddle and my instructor advised me that the saddle was too large for me, why did I buy one so big? Lesson learned: go with gut feelings on some things such as saddle size and instructors. Expensive lesson.
❓ We have a horse which sits down bottom first and then stretches out her legs and then rolls when we put a saddle on her. She is a thoroughbred and has had several preps before this behaviour started. Someone said it was girth syndrome. Any ideas and any suggestions to cure it. Cheers Denise
My mare has done that twice while I was lunging her with the saddle on. I’ve never seen anything like it. Just thought she was being a brat. I’d like to know more about this also. And more about girth syndrome. I’ve never heard of it
Hows does one find the 18th rib?
do you think my Saddle could be why my horse wont go forward just keeps backing up and tossing her head ears back Kindof jemp.n9 around . Cant get her to do a thing and Shes really irritated with Me for a while after.
Hi Early, definitely sounds like your mare is in discomfort, is this behavior that you only see when bridled and saddled? Some trouble shooting ideas would be to do ground work (everything you ask of her when riding) in a comfortable halter. If no problems, do the same ground work with the bridle (be sure to engage the bit because that could cause backing and head tossing). Then, if all else is good work her on the ground with the saddle. If it’s a poor fit she may fuss without weight, but if she is only unhappy with you in the saddle give a poor fit serious consideration. BUT, before investing in a new saddle make sure it’s not an injury that’s agervated by a rider. Hope this helps!
Ok, I also want to know about the 18th rib (like Kim). I am very much a newby to owning a horse, so what is a treeless saddle? ❓
My mare is thick, so it’s not easy finding a saddle that fits well. I have been using a second blanket under the saddle for extra padding, and this seems to help. I just learned about feeling under the pommel, and it makes so much sense.
Sometimes the saddle pad needs to be replaced if it is worn in places or not high up over the wither of the horse the saddle can rub on the horse. I had this happen this week while riding a friend’s horse. The horse didn’t respond very well and only would canter briefly and then stop. We were using another’s horse’s pad instead and didn’t realize it needed to be replaced.
Thanks for the helpful tips–didn’t know about the 18th rib or the light through the tunnel!
🙂 What is the best advice for fitting a western saddle on an older clydesdale please?
Can anyone tell me what the best flexible tree saddle is out there?
Yeah i agree! But if the horse is a fatty ride bare back haha! Works the best for the horse!!!! 😉
Please explain more about the 18th rib
the problem with a professional saddle fitter, not only are they expensive, but your saddle should be fitted every 3-4 months and that can get EXPENSIVE to have the saddle fitter out 4 times a year!. Best get a wintec with changeable gullets so you can change the gullet with your horses changing shape. 8 saddles in one with the gullets. There are plenty of videos on YOUTUBE by saddle fitters on how to check your saddle fits correctly. A happy horse means a happy ride
the problem with a professional saddle fitter, not only are they expensive, but your saddle should be fitted every 3-4 months and that can get EXPENSIVE to have the saddle fitter out 4 times a year!. Best get a wintec with changeable gullets so you can change the gullet with your horses changing shape. 8 saddles in one with the gullets. There are plenty of videos on YOUTUBE by saddle fitters on how to check your saddle fits correctly. A happy horse means a happy ride
Thanks for all the comments!
Folks: We try to fit our horses and ourselves “off the rack”.
Also, “One size” does not fit all, as Jobi said.
In the Old Days, saddles were custom fitted to the rider and horse. Sometimes people had numerous saddles because your horse (and your) shape changes throughout the year.
All that craftsmanship is now extremely hard to find. Consequently, it is expensive.
And… not all “saddle fitters” are equal. Find a competent one.
I had a horse who was happy in a $100. saddle, yet when I rode sidesaddle, a beautiful $2,000. saddle did not fit him. Price is not always the deciding factor in comfort for your horse and you.
Never pass up an opportunity to learn. Try various styles of saddles, too. I used to ride english, but my current horse likes a treeless western saddle. We use it and have a wonderful time. Be flexible in your expectations.
😀 love the tips, saddle fit is really important for you and your hirse!
Why is it important to ensure the saddle pad is placed correctly before saddling a horse?
It is important to place the saddle pad correctly because it provides a layer of cushioning between the saddle and the horse’s back, helping to prevent discomfort or injury. If the saddle pad is uneven or wrinkled, it can cause pressure points that may lead to rubbing, soreness, or even long-term issues for the horse. Additionally, proper placement ensures that the saddle sits comfortably and securely, minimizing the risk of the saddle slipping during riding. Ensuring the saddle pad is correctly positioned contributes to the overall comfort and well-being of the horse while maintaining proper saddle fit.