NEW ZEALAND PONY CLUBS ASSOCIATION INC.
Saddle Fitting
(Article by Kay Hogan, BHSI - February 2001)
1. The saddle has to fit the rider and the horse, and be suitable for the type
of riding to be done.
2. The minimum saddle size needed by most adults is 17" (48cm). Tall or
large riders should be looking at 17.5" (49cm) or even 18" (50cm)
saddles. Minimum seat width for an adult should not be less than 11"
(28cm). This is to ensure the rider's weight is distributed over a wide surface
area of the horse's back. Ponies or horses with short backs may need to be
fitted with smaller saddles to avoid pressure on the loins.
3. When fitting the saddle do not use saddlecloths, pads etc. Have the horse
standing on a level surface and initially carry out the checks without fastening
the girth. If the saddle seems to fit, do up the girth, put the rider up and
check everything again.
4. Initially place the saddle on the horse in front of the wither, then slide it
back into the correct place on the horses back, behind the shoulder blade.
Mostly saddles are fitted too far forward which restricts the movement of the
shoulder.
5. From the side look to see if the lowest part of the seat is in the centre of
the saddle. Too far back usually means the saddle is sitting too high at the
wither and is too narrow for the horse. Too far forward usually means the saddle
is sitting too low at the wither and the tree is too wide for the horse.
6. Check the channel is clear of the spine at the wither, under the waist and
right through to the cantle. You will need to check these again when the rider
is mounted.
7. Press alternately on the pommel and cantle to ascertain if there is any
rocking. This means the panels will exert more pressure on the horse's back
under the waist area, but have not connected each side of the wither or under
the seat.
8. Some saddles appear to be quite secure when this test is done, so next check
for bridging. This means there is a gap between the panel and the horse's back
under the waist/seat area. Lift the flap and feel with your hand to see if the
panel is sitting evenly on the horse's back all the way along it. If there is a
gap, then the saddle will cause pressure points at the wither area and under the
rider's seat.
9. From the front, check the panels adhere to the contours on the horse's back
at the wither area. If the packing starts too low it will cause a pressure point
on the muscles of the shoulder. If the packing starts too high and close to the
wither it will pinch this area. Both faults will cause the horse pain, possibly
to shorten his stride and lead to rubs and sore spots.
10. Once the girth is done up and the rider mounted, carry out all checks again.
Also slip your hand under the panel at the point of the tree and get someone
else to lift the horse front leg and move it forward and back. Any discomfort
felt by you will also be felt by the horse.
11. A saddle that is slightly wide is better than one that is too narrow, in
that correct training can encourage the horses back muscles to develop and fill
out to fit. Initially a slim pad may be needed under the usual saddlecloth. The
pad can be discarded once the shape of the back has changed. A too narrow saddle
is more likely to cause the muscles to atrophy because of the constant pressure.
12. Fitting thick saddlecloths and extra pads to a well fitting saddle can be
likened to putting on a thick pair of socks with a pair of well-fitting shoes -
it makes them too tight.
13. Remember to check your saddle regularly and take it to a reputable saddler
for at least a yearly check. Lumpy or unevenly stuffed panels will quickly cause
a sore back.