Saddle Fitting

Finding the right saddle

As a qualified Master Saddle Fit Consultant I can help you find the right saddle for you and your horse. We will look at the shape of tree and style of panels that will suit your horse, and the seat and saddle flaps that will suit you the rider.

Finding the right style of saddle can be a tricky process, and I believe that when you find the right saddle for you and your horse you should both immediately feel comfortable and connected. The saddle should be a quiet tool of communication between you and your horse - as a rider you should almost forget that it’s there!

The saddle should enhance your riding, letting you sit naturally in a neutral position - without making you fight to bring your legs into alignment, or sit upright comfortably on your seat bones. Sitting in balance makes a world of difference to your effectiveness as a rider, and in turn how effectively your horse can move beneath you.

Templates and reports

At the start of a fitting, whether for a new saddle or as a check up, I will take templates of your horses back - at the wither, at T18 (last rib) and along his spine to record the wither drop. I also take pictures of conformation and condition that I will add to a record so we can keep track of any changes. I always prefer to see you ride after a saddle fit - even if it’s just a check - to be sure that the saddle is sitting well when the horse is active as well as static. It’s also important at this point to check how the girth is sitting when the horse is in motion - correct girthing can be just as important as the saddle fit!

Flocking

If you have a wool flocked saddle, I will check the flock in the panels for lumps and bumps that can cause painful pressure points. Over time flock will become lumpy, so it’s a good idea to have your saddle stripped out for a total reflock every couple of years, and the old lumpy flock replaced with soft, new flock. This does have to be done in the workshop, so involves taking your saddle away for a few days.

On site, I can adjust the flock for a lift either in the front or back if needed. However, it’s important to note that flocking adjustments won’t make your saddle fit if the tree is the wrong shape for your horse’s back, so it’s important to have a really good look at how the saddle is sitting.