My new saddle is coming on Saturday. I have never bought a saddle for my horse before, so I don't know how to tell if it fits. I can not afford to have a saddle fitter come out so I need to know how to do it on my own. I read that you put the saddle on the horse without the pad...then what? Sorry, i forgot to mention its an english saddle. =]
Stateline tack has a good video on this. Go to the saddle fitting video on the videos section of their site: http://www.statelinetackvideolibrary.com/02/08_tack_equip/08_saddle-fit-template-video.php It is in several parts....start at the left box, and play each segment.
I found it very educational.
Congratulations! That is very exciting...I am trying to trade up myself, right now....
Saddle fitting. Are there any saddle makers here? We need some professional advice!?
I have to ask this because we need a maker to explain saddle fitting for both horse and rider. I have seen so many answers in regard to this question that are so frightening to me. I would like to see a professional clarify this information for us. If there is a saddle maker available, please explain saddle fitting techniques for all of us. Thank you Melanie for the ACCURATE information you provided on seat size and stirrup length!
I'm not a saddle maker but I was a saddle fitter at a tack shop for years. I will tell you a little bit about what I know. Please note this is for English tack.
Fitting to the Horse Young horses should not be fit with custom made or overly expensive saddles. A horses back and topline muscles will fill out considerably in the first stages of training and the saddle you bought 3 months ago may not fit him today. Always be aware of whether or not saddles fit correctly. If it doesn't fit correctly you may notice a change in your horse's demeanor while riding.
The saddle needs to sit on your horses back without pinching, rocking, pressing, or otherwise inhibiting the spine. Without a pad there should be a nice open space down the center that you can see through. Again, without a pad you should have at least two fingers between the withers and the saddle. Along with not inhibiting the spine you want to make sure there are no pressure points on the shoulders. To do this you run both hands down under each flap in the front while the saddle has no pad and is cinched down (rider and no rider). If you look at the saddle sweat mark it should be sweaty throughout with no dry spots. Dry spots are pressure points caused by the saddle and these are not good.
A saddle that is too narrow will inhibit the shoulders. A saddle that is too wide will sit on the withers and inhibit correct movement of the spine. When the saddle is sitting on the horses back so the lowest point on the saddle is the center of the seat. The pommel and the cantle should be pretty much in line with each other with the cantle slightly higher (depends on the horse!)
Buying used saddles makes this process harder because usually the rear panels and stuffing throughout is no longer what it once was. The saddle's stuffing will make or break the fit. If you have a saddle that fits well other than this you can get a corrective pad to go with it to make sure your horse is comfortable.
Fitting for the Rider Riders should sit in the middle of the saddle while mounted and have the stirrups at ankle bone length. With your feet in the stirrups you want one hand between your butt and the cantle of the saddle. You want your legs to fall easily in the hollow section of the flap behind the knee rolls. A well fit saddle should keep you in a balanced position (if you know how to ride balanced) and it should be easy to post and be in a jumping position.
A saddle that is too big will cause your legs to be out in front of your torso causing a chair seat or a hot seat. A saddle that is too small will not give your the room to be in any other position that extremely upright with your legs almost stuck behind you.
Everything I've discussed is about the same for a western saddle. You don't want pressure points or inhibition of movement. Riders need to have a hand of space between their butt and the cantle and be able to easily put their legs underneath them. I hope this helps!
