Saddle fitting: how to check your saddle fits your horse

A saddle has to suit two very different shapes – your horse's back and your seat – and the horse's shape keeps changing. The British Horse Society points to a growing body of evidence that poorly fitting tack can harm the welfare, comfort and performance of ridden horses (BHS – saddle fit). Victoria's Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses also says saddlery should fit correctly, and recommends professional advice on fitting (Code of Practice).

This guide explains what a qualified fitter looks at, the checks you can do between visits, and the signs that something has changed. It isn't a substitute for a professional fitting.

Why fit changes

The BHS notes that a horse's size and shape – and so saddle fit – can change with weight gain or loss, the amount and type of work, age and the time of year (BHS – tack fit). In Australia and New Zealand, that often means a horse that is lean and fit in a dry summer and rounder after a spring flush, or one that drops topline when spelled over winter.

An extension article on saddle fit makes the same point: a saddle that fits in winter may not fit as well after a season on lush pasture, and many young horses lose the fat beside their withers as they mature (Extension Horses – saddle fit).

How often to get a professional check

The BHS recommends having the saddle checked by a qualified saddle fitter at least twice a year – about every six months (BHS – saddle fit; BHS – tack fit). Book an extra check when:

• Your horse gains or loses noticeable weight or muscle
• You change workload or discipline
• Your horse comes back into work after a spell
• You buy a new or second-hand saddle
• Your horse's behaviour under saddle changes

What a good fit looks like

Here are the key areas a fitter assesses. You can learn to spot obvious problems yourself.

Position on the back

The saddle should sit centrally from side to side, with the front of the tree just behind the shoulder blade so it doesn't block the shoulder as it moves (Extension Horses). A common mistake is placing the saddle too far forward; it then tends to slip back.

Clearance over the withers

With the girth done up and a rider in the saddle, the front arch (gullet) must clear the withers. It should never touch or press on them (Extension Horses). Check from the front and the side.

A clear channel over the spine

There should be a clear channel along the full length of the saddle so nothing presses on the spine. A saddle without enough channel can cause pressure sores where the vertebrae rub against the pad (Extension Horses).

Even contact along the panels

The panels (or bars, on a stock or western saddle) should follow the shape of the back and press evenly from front to back. If they touch only at the front and back with a gap in the middle, the saddle is bridging, which concentrates pressure at the withers and loins (Extension Horses). A saddle that rocks front to back has the opposite problem.

Length

The saddle shouldn't be so long that it presses on the loins or reaches the points of the hips. A long-skirted saddle on a short-backed horse can interfere at the hips (Extension Horses).

Balance and the rider

When the horse stands square, the deepest part of the seat should be level so the rider sits in balance, neither tipped forward nor back. The BHS stresses that the saddle also needs to suit the rider's style, shape and size (BHS – saddle fit).

Checks you can do at home

Do these with the horse standing square on level ground.

1. Look without a pad. Place the saddle on the bare back, without the girth, and look from the side and front. Does it sit level? Is it clear of the withers and spine?
2. Feel under the panels. Run a flat hand under the front of the panel, along its length and to the back. Feel for gaps, tight spots or rocking.
3. Do up the girth and recheck. Tightening the girth can pull the saddle down onto the withers.
4. Have someone sit in the saddle and check wither clearance again. Rider weight changes contact (Extension Horses).
5. Watch the saddle move. On the lunge or ridden, does it slip sideways, bounce, or tip?
6. Check the sweat pattern. After work, look under the pad and saddle. An even, damp sweat mark suggests even contact. Dry patches – especially either side of the withers – can mean concentrated pressure (Extension Horses).
7. Run your hands over the back before and after riding. Flinching or dipping can be a sign of soreness.

Signs of a poorly fitting saddle

On the horse:

• Dry spots under the saddle after work, or raised bumps
• White hairs appearing under the saddle area
• Rubs or sores at the withers, shoulders or loins
• Muscle wastage behind the withers
• Sensitivity when you brush or press on the back
• Reluctance to stand for saddling, or girthiness

Under saddle:

• Hollowing the back, raising the head or tail-swishing
• Reluctance to go forward, bucking or rushing
• Shortened stride or difficulty bending
• Saddle slipping sideways or forward

These signs can also come from other problems – lameness, back pain, dental pain or the rider's position. If they persist after a saddle check, talk to your vet. The BHS reminds riders to get teeth checked at least once a year (BHS – tack fit). See horse dental care.

Saddle pads aren't a fix

A thicker pad can't make a badly fitting saddle fit – it can make a tight saddle tighter. Pads protect the saddle and absorb sweat. The extension article cautions that some synthetic and gel pads can trap heat or concentrate pressure (Extension Horses). Speak to your fitter before using corrective pads or shims.

Buying a second-hand saddle

• Get the tree checked for damage. A broken or twisted tree can't fit properly.
• Check stitching, billets and girth straps for wear – see tack safety checks.
• Ask whether a fitter can adjust the flocking or gullet before you buy.

For an overview of styles, see saddle types and parts of a saddle.

Finding a saddle fitter in Australia and New Zealand

Look for a fitter with recognised training. In Australia, you can search the Australian Saddle Fitters Association directory (ASFA) or the Australian Saddlers member directory (Australian Saddlers). Ask about their qualifications, whether they fit your type of saddle (English, stock, western or endurance), and whether they assess you riding.

You can also find saddleries near you on horse.work, and many offer fitting services or can recommend a fitter. If you're seeing signs of back pain, find an equine physiotherapist near you or talk to your vet. See also equine professionals explained.

Pony Club Australia expects riders working towards higher certificates to discuss saddle fitting and demonstrate a correctly fitted saddle and bridle (PCA Syllabus). It's a skill worth learning early.

FAQ

How do I know if my saddle fits my horse?

It should sit level behind the shoulder, clear the withers and spine with the girth done up and a rider on, and press evenly along the panels without bridging or rocking (Extension Horses). Uneven sweat marks or dry spots after work are warning signs. Get a professional check to be sure.

How often should a saddle be fitted?

The BHS recommends a qualified saddle fitter check at least twice a year (BHS), and whenever your horse's shape or work changes.

What does bridging mean?

The saddle touches only at the front and back, with a gap in the middle. It concentrates pressure at the withers and loins (Extension Horses).

Can a thick pad fix a saddle that doesn't fit?

No. Padding can make a tight saddle tighter. Use pads for comfort and protection, not to correct fit.

What does a dry spot under the saddle mean?

Dry spots after work usually indicate concentrated pressure, often either side of the withers (Extension Horses). Have the saddle checked.