The great art of riding is enjoyable only if both you and your horse are comfortable and pain free. Good performance in riding and competition is dependant on a good saddle fit. A well fitted saddle is one that is just right – not too tight, not too loose.

Fitting Tips:

Placement:

1. Find the edge of the shoulder blade and push the front edge of the saddle just behind that point.
2. Slide saddle down and back until the saddle stops sliding.
3. The entire panel must touch the horse's back and should span the horse’s spine.

Tree Width

1. The tree size must conform to the horse’s shape, being neither too narrow nor too wide.
2. The pommel should clear the wither bones by a minimal distance of 2-3 stacked fingers for a used saddle or 3-4 stacked fingers for a new saddle.

Balance

1. It is important to have the weight of the rider distributed evenly over the horse's back.
2. The cantle should be higher than the pommel. The center of the saddle must be the lowest point.
3. The saddle should be level from side to side and carry the rider naturally in its deepest part. The rider should not feel as though he is riding up or down hill.

Stability

1. The panel of the saddle must conform to the horse’s back to avoid ‘rocking’, in the case of a panel that curves more than the back, or ‘bridging’ if the horse’s back curves more than the panel.
2. Throughout the whole saddle fitting process, analyze your horse’s behavior. The body language of the horse is the most honest indication of the quality of fit.