#1 – Balance: When on the horse's back, the center of
the saddle (seat area) should be parallel to the ground
. #2 – Wither Clearance: Clearance at the withers should be the width of two to three fingers for normal withers; mutton withers will have more clearance while high withers will have less clearance.
How do you tell if my saddle fits my horse?
What it means: When
you see edema on your horse's withers after riding
, chances are your saddle doesn't fit him properly. A tree that's too wide will sit too low in front, causing pressure on his withers. One that's too narrow, or with a too-narrow gullet, will pinch and put pressure along the sides of his spine.
How do you properly fit a saddle to a horse?
Your saddle
fits just right if it sits level on your horse's back and the bars of the tree do not pinch
. The front of your saddle should be positioned behind your horse's shoulder blade, allowing him freedom of movement. Your saddle is too narrow if the front of the saddle sits high.
Do saddles fit all horses?
A properly fitted saddle fits both horse and rider
. … Unbalanced riding can cause the horse back pain, Dyson says. It can also lead to rider back pain, hip pain, seat bone sores, and even injuries to the perineal area.
How do you know if a western saddle fits your horse?
Two fingers should fit between the swells of the saddle and your leg. If you can fit your whole hand,
the saddle is too big and you could flop around
instead of being secure. If you can't even squeeze a finger, the saddle is too tight, and will be very uncomfortable.
How do you know what size saddle you need?
There should be
about four inches between your body and the swell of the saddle
. Anything less than that may mean a too-small saddle, and a bigger gap means the saddle may be on the large size. Larger may be more comfortable for you. Western riders with longer legs should choose a larger-size saddle.
What to expect at a saddle fitting?
Stand the horse up square to assess his conformation and back before watching
him walk and trot in-hand. … Watch the horse in action, including over jumps if necessary. Take detailed notes of your horse and his conformation to see how his shape and requirements change over time.
Do most saddles fit most horses?
Any good saddle company will be able to accommodate most if
not all the many shapes of horses' backs with their panel options. … A bad fit for your body will affect your ride and work against you and your horse.” If you address the saddle and not the actual cause, you'll only get so far with saddle fitting.
What size saddle do I need English?
A good rule of thumb is that an English saddle seat size will run
around two inches larger than a Western saddle
. So, if you ride a 15.5” Western saddle, you will likely need a 17.5” English saddle.
How do you tell if your saddle is too small for you?
While you don't generally see many people riding in saddles that are too large, it's common to see riders in saddles that are too small. As a rule of thumb, you
should be able to fit at least a four-finger width between the end of your seat and the cantle
. Any less than that and the saddle is too small.
How do I know if my saddle is too wide?
The saddle that is too wide is not such a common occurrence but nevertheless is to be avoided.
If the pommel sits down lower than two fingers height from the withers, the saddle will more than likely be tipped forward out of balance
.
What size saddle would fit a 14.2 hh pony?
if you have a long leg then a 18inch but your 14.2hh may be too short in the back and may need a
17inch
, might get away with a 17.5 inch.
How do I choose the right saddle?
- Find the saddle with the right shape. No two people are the same. …
- Take account of your flexibility and your position on the bike. Test your flexibility. …
- Measure the width of your sit bones. Saddles come in different widths. …
- Set the saddle to the right height. …
- Saddle position.
Where should sit bones be on saddle?
The optimal saddle width guarantees that the sit bones
lie completely flat on the saddle
. This is the only way in which pressure is relieved on the sensitive area in men and on the pubic arch in women and ensures more efficiency. A saddle should fit like a pair of shoes!
How much does it cost to get a saddle fitter out?
However, an independent saddle fitter in my experience costs
around $100 or more
depending where you live. Your best bet will be to call around and inquire about prices. You can certainly do that without setting an appointment.
Do saddle fitters bring saddles?
Some saddle brands have an adjustable tree (as opposed to an interchangeable gullet), but you should always have a certified saddle fitter adjust it for you. … For a complete reflocking, they'll
usually take the saddle to a shop
and remove the panels and replace the flocking that way.
