Question: Does the Saddle Fit?
Answer: After you decide the type of saddle you want, proper fit is important. This is only a very basic guide to fit as whole books are written on this subject.
You’ll be fitting the saddle to you and your horse. You’ll be more comfortable and safe in a well fitted saddle. Proper fit for the horse is often overlooked but essential. Horses with poorly fitted saddles are prone to back pain. A horse may express that pain through what appears to be bad behavior or poor performance.
To fit the rider, measure an English saddle from the nailhead just below the pommel and the middle of the cantle. Western saddles are measured from the back of the pommel (swell) to the stitching on the cantle. After trying out a few saddles you'll have an idea what seat size fits you. Use this only as a general rule since some saddles fit differently than others.
For example:if you are very tall, you may find a slightly larger seat more comfortable even though someone with the same build, but shorter stature may ride comfortably in a smaller seat size.
You should be able to place three fingers width behind and in front of your seat when you are in the saddle. English and Western saddles have different widths so you will need to try a few out. You should be able to sit properly and feel secure.
- To learn how to fit an English saddle to your horse Saddlingfit.com is an excellent resource.
- To learn how to fit a Western saddle with this basic guide from Tuner Saddlery.
No amount of padding will make up for a poor fitting saddle—just as thicker sock won’t stop shoes from pinching. Horse’s backs were not designed to carry the weight of a rider. So we owe it to our horses to help them carry us more easily through proper training and saddle fit..
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