| By :
Andrea Hicks
Copyright (c) 2012 Native Pony & Cob Saddles Saddle fitting can be a difficult process and you should contact a specialist saddle fitter if you have doubts or problems with a saddle, nevertheless, there are some basics things that all horse riders should know regarding saddle fitting as it can help identify saddle fitting problems. The following are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding saddle fitting: 1. How can I tell if my saddle is too long?
The saddle should not sit past the horse's last rib, this is because if it does it can cause pressure on the kidneys and result in the horse bucking along with it causing your horse a sore back. 2. How can I check if my saddle is the correct width?
a) The saddle should sit level on a horse's back. If the flattest part of the seat is tipping forwards it is likely to mean the saddle is too wide, whereas if this part of the seat is tipping backwards it likely to mean the saddle is too narrow.
b) Check the height of the pommel from the horse's withers; the gap between the two should be around 3 ladies fingers (about an inch and a half). 3. How can I check my saddle tree?
a) Seat of the tree - hold the cantle against your stomach (abdomen area) and pull the pummel back towards the cantle to see if it flexes. If it flexes so much that the seat creases, and/or there is creaking noise, take it to your local saddler to get it checked.
b) Arch of the tree (the pummel) - see if you can flex the head either in or out. This part of the saddle should not flex. Also run your fingers under the arch to see if there is anything sharp there; if the arch is cracked or broken then sometimes metal will be pushing through the leather. If this part is damaged it is also likely to make a noise. If in doubt a competent saddle fitter or saddler should be able to advise if the arch is damaged. 4. How can I tell what length my saddle is?
Get a tape measure and measure from the centre of the nail head to the centre of the cantle, if you have an old fashion saddle without a cut back head then measure from cantle to pommel in a straight line. 5. Can I check the saddle without riding in it?
No, the saddle needs to be ridden to check it properly, many saddles appear to tick all the boxes for a correct saddle fit but then when used for riding it goes wrong! It's a bit like buying clothes or shoes in a size that you know fits without trying the clothes or shoes on to check if they fit correctly and are comfortable. With a saddle there is both rider and horse comfort to consider, when checking you can do the following:
a) Ride the horse with the saddle only in a walk at first to make sure it is safe to continue.
b) Try the horse in a trot to see if the saddle stays on the horses back, i.e. check for excessive movement as this can cause bruising when saddles bounce at the back. Saddle movement can also be a symptom of a saddle being too wide, or the wrong tree for this particular horse, or simply that the saddle needs re-flocking. 6. Why does my saddle slip from side-to-side?
If a saddle slips from side to side the problem is often caused by the tree of the saddle being too curved for the type of horse you ride, or too narrow so that the saddle is perched on top of the horse and wobbling. If you have any doubts you should contact a specialist saddle fitter.
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