How can I check whether my saddle fits?
As soon as we place the saddle on the horse's back, strap it on and sit on the horse as a rider, we put pressure on the horse's back. A saddle therefore always exerts pressure - but it is important to distribute this pressure as evenly and gently as possible.
To detect sensitive areas of the horse's back that may be related to the saddle fit, the first step is to gently stroke your hand along the spine. In addition, you can use the following instructions to check the fit of the saddle on your horse.
Even pressure distribution
The first prerequisite for even pressure distribution is that the ratio of the seat size and therefore the rider's weight to the size of the saddle's contact surface is correct. The contact surface of the saddle should lie evenly from front to back and not form a bridge or pressure points that are uncomfortable for the horse.
The angle of the padding at the shoulder should be parallel to the shoulder line and should also lie evenly from top to bottom. The angle of the cushions above the ribcage should be parallel to the shape of the back and allow the back to arch upwards.
Checking the pressure distribution
To check the fit, you can use the flat of your hand to check the pressure between the horse's back and the padding of the saddle panels on a saddled, standing horse. To do this, press lightly on the seat of the saddle from above with your free hand to simulate a little pressure. With the second, flat, outstretched hand, stroke from the withers backwards between the horse's back and the saddle panels - the pressure should feel evenly strong everywhere.
The same applies to the edges of the support surface in the rear area. Here, the pressure should taper off gently towards the edges of the padding.
The correct centre of gravity of the saddle
Depending on how the horse typically moves under the saddle, you can simulate a slight arching of the horse's back by applying gentle pressure under the horse's belly. Even now, the saddle should not generate pressure peaks anywhere.
Another feature is the saddle's centre of gravity, which should be balanced (depending on the saddle type).
Check the shoulder clearance of the saddle
The fit of the saddle in the shoulder area can be tested using the padding on the shoulder. To do this, press lightly on the seat of the saddle from above with your free hand to simulate a little pressure. With the second hand stretched out flat, stroke between the horse's rump and the saddle panel from the withers over the shoulder to the lower end of the padding.
The pressure should also feel evenly strong from top to bottom. Only then can the saddle offer the horse sufficient shoulder freedom and allow unrestricted movement of the horse under the saddle.
Sufficient spine clearance
The saddle must of course never rest directly on the withers or the spine. There should be 2-3 fingers of space between the withers and the saddle. The spinal canal should be wide enough - this can be easily recognised by looking into the spinal canal from the front and back.
If there is not enough daylight, it is advisable to shine a torch into the spinal canal.
Fit check by the saddler
Of course, this is only a recommendation for a rough check of the saddle fit. For a competent fit check, we recommend a personal inspection appointment with your trusted saddler. With a trained eye and a lot of experience, the saddle fitter can check the saddle on the horse and at the same time derive precise modification options from the results. If a change to the saddle is necessary, this can be carried out immediately afterwards based on the saddler's precise specifications.
