Fitting a Horse Saddle Correctly Keeps your Horse Healthy and Happy

Fitting a horse saddle is essential to the wellbeing of the horse and is also necessary to get the most comfortable, safe ride.  If you ride in performance events, the better the fit of the saddle, the better you and your horse can work together.  A saddle that fits poorly will be hard on a horse, even if it doesn’t cause saddle sores.  Muscle and tissue damage may result without any obvious issues on the surface.  In this guide we’ll give you 5 keys to an excellent fit and also discuss common mistakes to avoid when fitting a horse saddle.

1. A good fitting starts by setting the saddle slightly forward onto the withers.  While applying downward pressure, move the saddle back until it is naturally stopped by the horse’s body shape.  Repeat this action a few times to be sure the saddle is stopping at the same point each time, indicating the right place for the general fit.  

2. Check the fit between the pommel and the cantle.  Have your mount stand still on level ground and note whether or not there seems to be a straight line between cantle and pommel that is parallel to the ground.  That’s the mark of a good fit for standard saddles.  If your saddle is a deep seat model expect the cantle to be 1.5 to 2.5 inches above the pommel.  For a shallow saddle such as a close contact jumping saddle expect the opposite – that the pommel be slightly elevated.  

3. The next step is to make sure that the pommel is snug but not tight to the horse’s withers.  A proper fit will allow 2-3 fingers of room between the two.  This clearance should be fairly uniform through the gullet of the seat.  Any tighter and rubbing may occur when you are in the saddle and galloping or jumping.  A looser fit takes away control and may actually become dangerous.  

4. While seated in the saddle check, or have another person check, to see if the sweat flaps are snug to the horse.  From the front view they should not stick out, an indicator they are not adjusted correctly and may get in the way while riding, snag on brush or posts, etc.  

5. The last indicator you’ve got a good fit is that the deepest part of the saddle seat is centered over the horse.  

Common Mistakes:

1. Setting the saddle too far forward on the withers, causing discomfort to the horse and possibly impeding natural movement.   In the show ring your horse may look awkward. 

2. Using a tree that is too narrow so that it rests too high in front and possibly too low at the rear.  This will put the rider too far back, with most of their weight on the weakest part of the horse’s back. 

3. Mounting the saddle too high in front.  This will give the rider the feeling of falling forward which will cause them to lean forward, making for an uncomfortable ride for both.

If you know your horse well you will quickly pick up whether it is feeling comfortable or not.  A new saddle will require breaking in for both of you.  After a reasonable period of time, if either of you are uncomfortable double check the fit. 

Have a trainer give you a hand if you’re having trouble finding the problem.  If saddle sores appear, stop using the saddle and get immediate help.  Following these basic guidelines should help you find the right fit you and your horse will appreciate