How to Fit a Saddle to a Horse: 8 Questions to Ask a Saddle Fitter

Your trusty steed's saddle is the difference between a good day out on the trail and a bad one.

As an equine owner, you know how important having a good horse saddle fit is. It’s not only a comfort issue for your sweet pony but a functional one, too. Bad saddle fit can lead to mobility problems and pain for your horse. So what’s an equine owner to do? Enter the professional saddle fitter. These pros are here to help you and your horse get into the saddle in no time.

But before you get too far down the trail, we’re here to provide you with eight key questions to ask a saddle fitter before you hire them and some common questions about horse saddle fit. With that in mind, let’s get into the saddle.

What Does a Saddle Fitter Do?

Like any good horse owner, you may be wondering (and a bit skeptical) what the value of a saddle fitter is. And before you can understand the value, it’s worth talking about what exactly these pros do for our horses.

A saddle fitter has many jobs beyond simply fitting a saddle to a horse. They often provide key care and attention to detail for your horse’s well-being by:

1. Assessing saddle fit for both the horse and the rider
2. Recommending appropriate saddle models and types based on individual needs
3. Making adjustments to saddles to ensure optimal fit and comfort
4. Educating horse owners and riders on saddle fit principles and maintenance
5. Identifying signs of discomfort or pain related to saddle fit issues
6. Providing ongoing support and follow-up fittings as needed
7. Collaborating with veterinarians and other equine professionals to address saddle-related concerns and promote overall equine well-being.

So now that you know exactly what these pros do for your horse and you, as the rider, you can see just how important it is to find the right saddle fitter. They are experts at ensuring your horse is happy, comfortable under the saddle, and safe from undue strain on their bodies.

With that in mind, you may be asking yourself what happens next. Let’s say that it’s time for a saddle fitter visit, and we’re here to break down the steps and process you can likely expect to see during an appointment.

The table below outlines the saddle-fitting appointment steps you need to know and what to expect during each:

Just remember that while this process is fairly consistent from saddle fitter to saddle fitter, it can change depending on horse health, your riding style, and horse training demands, not to mention individual saddle fitters’ preferences and expectations. If your saddle fitter is doing something unfamiliar, just ask—after all, they know their process best and can help you better understand what they are doing with your horse and why it is important.

Hiring Professional Saddle Fitters: 8 Questions to Ask

Now that we’ve gone through the ins and outs of what a saddle fitter does and explained the steps of how to fit a saddle to your horse. Now it’s time to interview some candidates and find the right saddle fitter for your horse.

Like any good interview, you need to ask the right questions to ensure you’re getting to the heart horse of the matter. This is an outside professional who will be up close and personal with your horse, and it’s important to feel comfortable with how they are handling your gentle giant. Not to mention, you need to make sure they actually are a real professional and not a phony.

We’ll go into detail on these in just a moment, but here’s an overview of questions to ask your saddle fitter:

1. Can you describe your experience and qualifications as a saddle fitter?
2. Do you have specific expertise in fitting saddles for certain disciplines or breeds?
3. What adjustments or customization options do you offer to address individual horse and rider needs?
4. What is your fee structure for saddle fitting services?
5. Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
6. How do you handle saddle fitting issues or challenges that may arise after the initial fitting?
7. What is your approach to educating clients about saddle fit and maintenance?
8. How often do you recommend saddle fittings, and what factors influence this recommendation?

Okay, with this overview laid out, let’s get into the details so you can feel confident in interviewing potential saddle fitters.

Question #1: Experience And Qualifications

What to ask: Can you describe your experience and qualifications as a saddle fitter?

Why it matters: Ensuring you’re dealing with a consummate professional is key to your horse’s health and well-being. Just about anyone can say they are a saddle fitter, but someone lacking any experience or qualification can harm your horse. Look for saddle fitters who are accredited through an institution such as the International Academy Of Saddle Fitters and The Society of Master Saddlers. Both of these institutions offer certification and continuing education for saddle fitters, and seeing this can be a sign of someone who really knows their stuff. You can also choose to view a lengthy resume and years of experience as another qualification, as long as they can back it up with reviews and recommendations (more on that later).

Question #2: Specific Expertise

What to ask: Do you have specific expertise in fitting saddles for certain disciplines or breeds?

Why it matters: Ensuring the saddle fitter has experience with your horse's discipline or breed can lead to a more tailored and effective fitting process. Different disciplines and breeds may have unique conformational considerations that require specialized knowledge. This expertise can help ensure that the saddle fits correctly, enhances performance, and minimizes the risk of discomfort or injury specific to your horse's activities or breed characteristics.

Question #3: Adjustments Or Customization Options

What to ask: What adjustments or customization options do you offer to address individual horse and rider needs?

Why it matters: Every horse and rider combination is unique, so knowing if the saddle fitter can provide tailored solutions to accommodate specific requirements or preferences is crucial. The ability to make adjustments or offer customization options demonstrates the saddle fitter's commitment to optimizing comfort and performance for both horse and rider. This flexibility can be essential in addressing any ongoing changes in the horse's condition or the rider's needs over time.

Question #4: Cost

What to ask: How much does a saddle fitter cost? What is your fee structure for saddle fitting services?

Why it matters: Understanding the cost of saddle fitting services and the fee structure ensures transparency and helps you budget appropriately for this essential aspect of your horse's care and well-being. It allows you to compare pricing among different saddle fitters and evaluate the value of the services offered in relation to their cost.

Question #5: References

What to ask: Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?

Why it matters: Hearing about the experiences of past clients can give you insight into the saddle fitter's reputation, reliability, and the quality of their work. It provides an opportunity to learn about real-world results and satisfaction levels from individuals who have previously used the saddle fitter's services. References or testimonials can also help you gauge the saddle fitter's communication style, professionalism, and ability to meet clients' needs and expectations.

Question #6: Post-Fit Challenges

What to ask: How do you handle saddle fitting issues or challenges that may arise after the initial fitting?

Why it matters: Knowing how the saddle fitter will address any potential issues that may arise post-fitting to ensure ongoing comfort and performance for your horse is important. Understanding the saddle fitter's approach to post-fit challenges can provide reassurance that they stand behind their work and are committed to ensuring customer satisfaction. Clear communication and a proactive approach to addressing any issues that arise demonstrate professionalism and dedication to the well-being of the horse and rider.

Question #7: Client Education

What to ask: What is your approach to educating clients about saddle fit and maintenance?

Why it matters: A saddle fitter who is willing to educate clients about saddle fit and maintenance can empower horse owners to play an active role in their horse's well-being and ensure the longevity of the saddle fit. Effective client education promotes a partnership between the saddle fitter and the client, fostering better communication and understanding of the importance of proper saddle fit and maintenance practices. They can also inform you how integrating other professionals and services, like equine massage therapy, can make your horse feel their best. It helps equip clients with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize signs of potential issues and take appropriate action to address them, contributing to their horse's overall health and performance.

Question #8: Appointment Frequency

What to ask: How often do you recommend saddle fittings, and what factors influence this recommendation?

Why it matters: Understanding the recommended frequency of saddle fittings and the factors influencing it helps you plan for regular maintenance and ensures your horse's continued comfort and performance. Regularly scheduled saddle fittings are essential as a horse's conformation, fitness, and even the saddle itself can change over time. Factors such as changes in the horse's weight, muscle development, or even seasonal fluctuations may necessitate adjustments to ensure optimal fit.

How to Fit a Saddle to a Horse

Despite hiring a pro to handle saddle fitting, understanding how to fit a saddle to a horse is still important to every horse owner. Your saddle fitter cannot be with you 100% of the time (as nice as that would be), so watching for warning signs of a saddle malfunction or change in fit is key to your horse continuing to trot along happily as you ride.

To properly fit a saddle to a horse and determine if it fits correctly, there are seven essential points to check:

1. Gullet width: Ensure that the gullet width provides enough clearance above the horse's spine to avoid pressure or pinching.
2. Clearance to the pommel: Check that there is adequate space between the horse's withers and the underside of the saddle's pommel to prevent rubbing or discomfort.
3. Angle of tree: Confirm that the angle of the saddle tree matches the horse's back shape to distribute weight evenly and avoid pressure points.
4. Point pressure: Assess for any pressure points near the front or rear points of the saddle tree that could cause discomfort or restricted movement.
5. Balance of the saddle: Verify that the saddle sits evenly on the horse's back without tipping forward or backward, ensuring proper weight distribution.
6. Panel coverage: Check that the saddle panels provide sufficient coverage along the horse's back to distribute weight and prevent pressure points evenly.
7. Placement in relation to the 18th rib: Assess the saddle's position in relation to the horse's 18th rib to ensure proper placement and avoid interference with the horse's movement and comfort.

Following the completion of the seven steps, the saddle needs to undergo assessment while incorporating the saddle pad and girth—all with the rider seated in the saddle.

Knowing how to fit a saddle to a horse and running a quick check over these seven points will help you ensure your horse is comfortable, happy, and ready to ride for years to come.

How Should A Saddle Fit A Horse?

It’s important to understand that there is a visible difference between a well-fitted saddle and a poorly-fitted one, and there are fairly serious consequences if it’s not fitted correctly.

A well-fitted saddle should:

1. Distribute weight evenly to the horse's thoracic region
2. Remain stable and fairly still during exercise
3. Fit the rider well so they can sit comfortably in balance

If you’re worried about how your horse’s saddle is fitting, you can look for signs of an ill-fitting saddle, including:

• Equine thoracolumbar pain
• Focal swellings
• Hair ruffling
• Dry spots surrounded by sweat
• Abnormal hair wear

If you spot any of these signs, or you feel your horse’s saddle isn’t sitting right, it’s time to call your saddle fitter ASAP. They can get to the bottom of your fit woes and ensure your horse saddle fit is on point.

Differences for Western Saddles Fitting

In case you didn’t already know, Western saddles are modern-day holdovers from the Old West. These saddles are larger and comfier than their English counterparts, thanks to the need for cowboys to be in the saddle all day wrangling cattle and riding across vast distances.

Other features of Western saddles fitting include:

• Overall, they are heavier and larger than English saddles
• Weight is evenly distributed across your horse’s back thanks to the shape and size of the saddle
• A deeper seat
• A horn for anchoring a rope to at the front of the saddle

Differences for English Saddle Fitting

Welcome to the world of English saddle fitting. English-style riding is typically seen as more formal in dress and performance, with riders competing in dressage, show jumping, and eventing. The modern English saddle was developed during the 18th century with fox hunting in mind, aiming to provide riders with a secure and comfortable seat while allowing the horse freedom of movement. It was designed to support the rider during vigorous activities without hindering the horse's speed or agility.

Other features of English saddle fitting:

• A lower cantle for easier jumping
• Smaller and lightweight than Western saddles
• A flatter seat to promote closer contact with the horse
• Stirrup bars positioned farther forward to support a balanced seat

Saddle Fit Horse Behavior You Should Be Aware Of

Understanding your horse's behavior is crucial for ensuring their comfort and well-being, especially when it comes to saddle fit. Certain behaviors exhibited by your horse can serve as red flags, indicating potential discomfort or issues with saddle fit.

Below, in the table, are some common behaviors to watch out for and what they may signify in relation to saddle fit.

Ultimately, you know your horse best. If you see something off about their behavior, talk to your vet and get in touch with your saddle fitter to schedule an appointment to check on your saddle.

Optimal Mobility Health: TRI-ACTA for Equine Joint Supplements

We’ve talked a lot about the benefits of well-fitted saddles in this post and how detrimental a poorly fitting saddle can be to your horse’s mobility. No matter what kind of sport or leisure your horse gets up to or what kind of saddle they are under, their body will have regular wear and tear, which can equate to some stiff and sore joints. So what’s a horse owner to do?

Implementing horse supplements is a great way to support a horse’s diet and joint health. TRI-ACTA for Equine joint supplements offers a comprehensive solution for maintaining optimal joint health in horses. With a blend of key ingredients, TRI-ACTA targets inflammation, supports cartilage integrity, and promotes joint lubrication.

The ingredients in TRI-ACTA for Equine include:

• Glucosamine: Supports the production of cartilage and helps maintain joint health and mobility.
• Chondroitin: Helps maintain the structural integrity of cartilage and supports joint lubrication.
• MSM: Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in joints, promoting pain relief and joint flexibility.

For a senior horse or one with a history of pain and joint problems, TRI-ACTA H.A. for Equine includes hyaluronic acid for greater potency. Adding hyaluronic acid keeps the joints greased up, which means less rubbing and better cushioning for those joints that have to carry the weight.

By incorporating TRI-ACTA into your horse's daily routine, you can help alleviate stiffness, reduce the risk of joint-related injuries, and support your horse's overall mobility and well-being, ensuring they can continue to perform at their best.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Equine

Our maximum strength formula is perfect for horses that are ageing, experiencing arthritis and stiffness, are in training and competition, or under a heavy workload.

Learn More

Saddle Up and Ride On

Well, riders, it’s been a great time talking about how to fit a saddle to a horse and what questions to ask a saddle fitter before you hire them. Remember, it's not just about finding any saddle but finding the right one that fits both your horse and you like a glove. By asking the right questions, like those we've covered in this blog, you can ensure that your saddle fitting experience is smooth sailing.

And the other thing you can ride away into the sunset with? The knowledge of how important it is to support your horse’s mobility through proper saddling and boost it with joint supplements for horses like TRI-ACTA and TRI-ACTA H.A. for Equine. TRI-ACTA provides comprehensive support for joint health, helping to alleviate stiffness, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal mobility so you and your horse have only happy trails ahead of you.