Saddle Fit: What You Need to Know

Saddle fit affects your horse’s soft tissue and movement!

Have you ever worn a pair of really cute shoes that didn’t quite fit to an event and felt the painful repercussions days afterward? Now imagine having to wear those shoes while being asked to run and jump and trot over poles three to six days a week! It’s likely not going to be very comfortable and you won’t move as well or be as happy as if you were wearing your favorite running sneakers, right? This analogy can be applied to saddle fit for horses. While one saddle might “get the job done”, your horse might be suffering from an improper fit.

As a responsible horse owner, it is imperative to frequently seek the advice of a professional saddle fitter to ensure your horse's saddle fits correctly. A poorly fitting saddle causes discomfort, pain, and even permanent damage to the horse's back muscles and spine. While working closely with an experienced bodyworker can help to identify any changes to your horse's back due to growth, fitness training, or injury, most aren't trained to properly fit saddles. Even the slightest changes in your horse's body require adjustments to your saddle fit for optimal performance and comfort. Proper saddle fit can make all the difference in your horse's overall health and well-being, allowing your horse to perform to the best of their abilities without pain. It is essential to remember that your horse depends on you to provide a saddle that fits correctly, and seeking frequent adjustments is an investment in their overall health and happiness.

If you spot a horse with atrophied trapezius muscles, a sore or hypertonic back, and choppy, short strides, it’s a good idea to start asking questions about saddle fit.

Here’s why: When a saddle fits comfortably, the horse can engage their core, lift through their back, and have a naturally fluid and free stride. When the saddle does not fit, the horse arches away from any discomfort by contracting the muscles of the back (and, as muscles work in pairs, disengaging the core) and raising their head. If the tree of the saddle interferes with the movement of the scapula or back, or prevents a muscle from fully engaging or receiving proper blood flow, the horse will be unable to move freely and comfortably. They will instead adopt a short, restricted gait and become at higher risk for injury, muscle pain, and atrophy.

-A saddle that is too low in the cantle (back) will throw the rider’s weight towards the horse’s last two (floating) ribs and make it hard for the horse to engage their back.

-A saddle that is too low in the pommel (front) will pinch the shoulder and restrict movement.

-If a saddle does not offer sufficient wither clearance (you should be able to easily fit 3 fingers into the space above and around the withers), the scapula cannot rotate upwards and backward fully. Often, this will cause a horse to be resistant to moving forward.

-Keep an eye out for any white patches of hair, rubs, or highly sensitive/tender areas on your horse’s back, withers, or shoulder as these are often clear indicators of poor saddle fit.