Why Saddle Fit?

2018 Newsletter Article

Many riders are simply not aware of the importance of the a correct saddle fit and yet wonder why their horse is not performing and/or is losing top line.

The shape of your horses back is in a constant state of change which impacts the way your saddle fits. Your horses back muscles change every time you change their feeds or bring your horse back into work after injury.

As your horses shape changes, your saddle needs to be adjusted to ensure your horse can move comfortably under the saddle without pain. This is true for pleasure riders right up to the elite Olympian!

15 Saddle Fit Checks

Five Behavioural Checks

1. Does he wince when you touch his back, or try to kick, bite or generally not happy

2. When you groom him or saddle him up?

3. Is he cold backed when mounted?

4. Does he generally resist your aids or does he go with False Collection?

5. Does he have muscle loss, dry spots, broken or white hairs?

6. Is he difficult to shoe or resists raising his legs?

Five Saddle Checks

1. Does your saddle tip you off balance either forwards, backwards or to one side or

   does the saddle just not feel right?

2. Is there less than 2 fingers clearance along saddle panels to his spine?

3. Does the saddle seem to have uneven pressure through the panels down your horses shoulder or along his back?

4. Is your saddle new or has not been fitted?

5. Has it been more than 6 months since your last saddle fit?

Five General Checks

1. Has your horse recently come into work?

2. Has your horses diet recently changed?

3. Has your horse recently recovered/recovering from an injury or illness?

4. Is your horse new?

5. Are you sharing a saddle with other horses?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, its time to book an appointment with your local qualified (ASFA Accredited) Saddle Fitter.

Information provided by Mel Ellery from Saddle Solutions

Ph: 1300 723 848

Email bookings@saddlefitter.com.au