Saddle fitting Guide

A saddle firstly must fit both the horse and the rider, the saddle should be assessed firstly on the horse with no rider then ridden (to suit the discipline the saddle is intended for) and after work. A well‐fitted saddle should distribute weight evenly across the panels and the horses back and must have clearance of the spine and of the withers.

The saddle should remain fairly still during ridden exercise at all paces.

The saddle must also fit the rider to enable them to be balanced.

There are many signs of an ill‐fitting saddle include ruffling of the hair, dry spots under the saddle surrounded by a patch of wet/ sweaty hair and abnormal hair wear.

If a saddle does not fit the rider, the rider may not be able to ride in balance and over time this will lead to aches and pains and overall discomfort.