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How To Fit A Saddle

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How To Fit A Saddle

Whether you are buying a saddle or wish to check to see if the one you have still fits correctly, this VideoJug guide will show you how to fit the perfect saddle. Whether you are buying a saddle or wish to check to see if the one you have still fits correctly, this VideoJug guide will show you how to fit the perfect saddle.

Step 1: The Benefits

A good fitting saddle is absolutely mandatory for the comfort of your horse.
It improves the way your horse will work, making him more willing.
It won't interfere with his natural movement and most importantly, it will evenly distribute the rider's weight. This will prevent saddle sores, rubs, trapped nerves, bad backs, lameness, evasions, and spinal diseases!

Step 2: You will need

Step 3: Place the saddle in the correct position

Begin by removing the numnah or any saddle cloth that the saddle usually sits on. Never fit a saddle on with anything underneath. Tie your horse up on a flat surface. Begin by placing the saddle slightly up your horse's neck. Gently slide it backwards, so that the saddle fits directly behind the shoulder blade. On most horses, the shoulder blade feels like a large lump underneath the wither area.

Step 4: Determine the correct width

View the saddle from behind, or in front. You should clearly be able to see daylight through the gullet or channel running through the saddle. There should be a clear distance of roughly 3-4 fingers when you place your hand at the pommel area, which is the arch at the front of the saddle.

Step 5: View the seat area

When viewed from the side, the seat area should be horizontal. When viewed from the front, the saddle should fit snugly around the horse's shoulders.

Step 6: Determine the correct length

Sit on the prospective saddle. You should be able to fit one hands width behind the pommel, the arch at the front and one hands width in front of the cantle, at the back of the saddle. If the saddle is too long, it may cause pressure on the horses loins, causing a sore back.

Step 7: Measure the saddle

With your measuring tape, measure from the centre of the cantle, at the back of the saddle to the point of tree at the front of the saddle. As a general rule, children's saddles are under 16 inches and adults, 17 inches plus.

Step 8: Try the saddle

Always try out a potentially correct saddle, by riding in it. Begin by doing up the girth straps firmly. The saddle should not move excessively in walk, trot or canter. The saddle should always be in contact with the skin on your horses back. It must feel comfortable for the rider but bear in mind that a saddle needs to be well worn, just like a pair of shoes, to mould to your horse's back and to your bottom! So, once you've chosen the correct saddle, stick with it!

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Tips & Comments
  1. twilko

    This video is useful for understanding the basics of saddle fitting. But, it is not a substitute for having a saddle fitted by a GOOD Master saddler - which everyone should. A poorly fitting saddle can result in reduced performance and even muscle atrophy! This video didn't state clearly what to look for when rider is on board (clear channel for spine, movement of shoulder, ect.) Also didn't mention checking the bearing surface after the horse has been ridden. This will highlight if the saddle unevenly ditributes the weight of the rider. If it does, it will result in pressure points. In line with this, it didn't mention that the underneath (panels, ect) of the saddle should always been looked at (esp. when fitting a second hand saddle!) as it may have clumped flocking which will result in pressure points. What about checking 2nd hand saddles for asymmetry (if rider has always mounted from the ground saddle will almost definitely be twisted.) This again, could result in badly fitting saddle. What about checking the tree? You'd be surprised how may people don't do this. It is sometimes difficult to detect a broken tree at the pommel area! When FITTING a saddle you should not use a saddle cloth/numnha as you can't check for correct fitting! Sometimes even professional riders may miss these points which is why it should always be fitted by a [good] professional!

  2. racheal.d

    it is not a bad short film. gives basic advice for fitting a saddle. alot of people say it says not to ride in a cloth it only says to take it off while you are fitting the saddle for size. not not ever to ride in the saddle with a cloth.

  3. sweetjustice

    When fitting a saddle you should never have a pad underneath, this video is fairly correct. I agree that there was no info on the relation to where the saddle should end and for all those that dont know, it should never go further than the last rib! I'm having so much trouble at the moment in getting a saddle to fit my show pony as he's back is so short and he's withers are very high. I have had three professional saddlers out and none of them have been able to help or find a saddle that fits. All in all this video is great!!

  4. slmeg

    Don't criticize someone that is taking their time to help someone else that isn't as knowledgeable. If you're going to buy a used/new english saddle then do your own research to find out what's right/wrong or consult a professional. I thought the video was helpful.

  5. Anonymous

    no mention of where it should fit to considering the ribs etc on the video. Not very good at all.

  6. Anonymous

    there is no saddle mat! i always use a saddle mat on my horse!!!

  7. Anonymous

    what a load of cr@p ! never buy a saddle buy fitting it your self always get a trained professional to do the job ! this video is the reason there are so many horses incapable of working properly in the world today and are in pain, - becasue they are wearing saddles that just dont fit ! this video is an absolute load of sh!t, are everyones fists the same size, the saddle on that stand wasnt even flocked evenly, poor bloody horse !

  8. Anonymous

    This was an excellent video for fitting an English saddle, but I'd also like to see one fitting a Western saddle.

  9. Anonymous

    someone said you should get off your horse to do your girth and then get back on once your done! One.. when your on your horse your weight pushes the saddle down slightly therefore you need to do it up. so if you get off its not gunna be loose cuz ur not sat on it. Two.. Getting on and off your horses to do up the girth will probally make your horse annoyed and Three.. constantly getting off your horse then mounting back on to your horse and then off again and the on again wont do your horse back any good... so some how i think doin the girth while on your horse is alot easier and nicer for your horse!

  10. Anonymous

    The miss out one vital point! to view the saddle from behind to check the angles of the saddle pads in relation to the shap of a horses back. The tilted pads of a wintec 250 or 500 are not going to sit right on the flat back of a cob!