Home Press & Editorials Saddle Fit Advice Links Site Updated: October 2007

A few of my biggest gripes are saddle position, excessive padding and half trees. Most riders place the saddle too far forward so that it’s sitting on the scapulae (shoulder blades) where it impedes forelimb movement and tips their seat backwards. Too many numnahs/pads eliminate saddle fit in the same way that 3 pairs of thick socks jammed inside a snug pair of hiking boots make them uncomfortable. Half tree exercise saddles are undoubtedly responsible for a lot of back pain in Thoroughbred racehorses. There is an excellent editorial on the topic titled “Half tree or whole tree? Mary Bromiley assesses the role the saddle tree plays in the training of racehorses” in Trainer Magazine (Issue 15 Autumn 2006).

	Click here to purchase the entire                     article from Trainer Magazine »

The Society of Masters Saddlers (see links) offers a wealth of information regarding saddle fit and can direct you to your nearest saddle professional.


SADDLE FIT PROBLEMS: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

This subsection is kindly provided by Andy Milner, qualified saddle fitter and member of the Society of Master Saddlers.

S MILNER AND SON LEICESTERSHIRE
Contact: +44 (0)1664 454 839
enquiries@smilnerandson.com

Saddles should be checked on a regular basis by a qualified saddle fitter who will be able to assess any problems caused by the saddle. Remember that a saddle that was fitted last year may not be perfect this year as horses change shape throughout their working lives.


Saddle too long for the horse:

Ideally a saddle panel should not extend past the last thoracic vertebra (although it’s not always possible with short-coupled horses). This vertebra can be found by feeling the last rib and following it up to the spine. If a saddle is too long it can cause excessive pressure on the lumbar region (loins) resulting in soreness, hollowing and poor muscle development.


Saddle tree too narrow for the horse:

The saddle tree point should be parallel behind the scapula, transferring an even pressure on the bearing area. If the tree is too narrow it can cause pinching behind the scapulae that can lead to a short, choppy stride.


Saddle tree too wide for the horse:

A tree that is too wide can be as problematic as one that’s too narrow. The saddle will dip in behind the shoulder as the rider rises in trot and the back of the saddle will often lift up and down, causing a pinching effect around the withers and soreness at the back of the saddle.


Bridging:

Bridging is where there is pressure at both the front and back of the saddle but no pressure/contact in the middle.


Lumpy / uneven flocking:

Flocking in saddles can become lumpy and/or uneven after a period of time, creating unnecessary pressure points on the horse’s back.


Saddle too small for the rider:

If a saddle isn’t large enough for the rider he/she will sit on the back of the saddle, resulting in excessive pressure on the corresponding area on the horse’s back and possibly causing serious soreness.


SADDLE PROBLEMS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE

This subsection is kindly provided by Jenny Malton, qualified saddle fitter and member of the Society of Master Saddlers.

SADDLE-UP
Contact: P.O. Box 211674, Dubai, U.A.E. Phone: +971 (50) 2725392
saddleup@jennifermalton.com

Some saddle problems may affect performance. Look out for:

Look for signs of soft swellings after work; changes in hair colour (particularly over the withers); uneven muscle development; resentment towards saddling and girthing; and deterioration in performance. Injuries can occur at the front of the saddle or at the rear; on one side or on both.


Riders can influence saddle fit and balance. Look out for:

Saddle fit and/or novice riding can impair the horse’s paces resulting in an unhappy, resistant horse. In some extreme cases this may lead to veterinary problems.