Written By: Martha Northwick
So you just bought a new saddle for around $1000 right? Every horse owners' nightmare is bringing that new saddle home to find out… GASP… It doesn’t fit your horse. So what do you do? Buy a new horse? (Not an option!) Buy yet another saddle? Never fear! Here are a few tips to help that stubborn saddle fit you and your horse!
First let’s talk about what a western saddle is really supposed to do!
The job of the saddle tree is to distribute the rider's weight over the horse's back, making it more efficient and comfortable for the horse. A tree consists of five basic parts - the two bars that run parallel, the fork that holds the bars together at the front, the cantle that holds the bars together in the back, and the horn. The cutout or tunnel underneath the fork is called the gullet. The open space created between the bars is called the gullet channel. Your horses back should run through that channel like a river. The bars of the saddle tree are the actual weight-bearing surface of the saddle. They're the part that's in contact with the horse. Well-fitting bars of a western saddle will apply only 3/4 lbs per square inch to the horse's back with a 150 lb rider and up.
Next for the fit!
1. Place the western saddle on the horses back with no pad. Lightly tighten the girth and back cinch if you have one.
| 2. Visually check the fit of the saddle. In the front you should be able to fit at least four fingers in without pinching. The saddle should not tip forward or backward. (See figure 1) |  |
3. The back of the saddle should have space for the same amount of fingers. (See figure 2) |  |
4. Next make sure that you can fit 3 fingers in the gullet or between the pommel and your horse’s withers.
5. Lift the stirrup and reach up and underneath the saddle where the fender inserts. There should be even contact on both sides.
So you’ve done these checks and found that indeed your saddle is not doing its job! Here are a few tips to try to make your saddle work:
1. To decrease pressure on the front or the rear end; add padding to the center of your saddle along the bars. You can do this by adapting a small wither pad or a build up pad in the center.
2. Add a back cinch. Adding a back cinch (when tightened like a girth) can take some of the pressure off the pommel of the saddle and distribute it evenly
3. Buy a good quality saddle pad. Personally I think that the solid felt pads are the best like Five Star. But when in doubt ask around to your fellow equestrians! Also your vet usually has a list of pads that might work.
4. Call the vet: Most vets will do a saddle fit for you right at home. Ask your friends to borrow their saddles and see which one has the best fit.
What can I do if the saddle just isn’t going to work?
1. Find a tack shop that will do a trade in! Most people that sell tack understand that buying a saddle can sometimes be a shot in the dark. See if they take a trade in. Also some places will even do a saddle fit right there!
2. Check with your friends, maybe they would trade with you! Not only might they trade with you, maybe you could try their saddle out before buying a new one!
3. Again… call the vet. Trust me there is no cost for an opinion! So call them and ask!
So short of selling our horses, we might have our backsides in quite a few saddles before we purchase. Bottom line is, take your time before you buy! Bling doesn’t always equate fit and make sure you ask around. Your friend's vet and tack shop owners don’t want you to lose money!
Make your horse and you happy!