How To Fit A Western Saddle

A properly-fitting saddle will be comfortable for the horse and the rider both, as well as allowing the rider to get the most out of his or her riding experience. A correctly- positioned and properly-fitting saddle will place the rider in the proper riding position, and also cause the least amount of discomfort for the horse. A correct saddle will also prevent chafing, saddle sores, and joint/bone problems.

Fitting the Saddle to the Horse

A saddle fitting the horse is typically more important than the saddle fitting the rider, as the horse is going to be moving and working underneath it. There are a few key characteristics to consider when choosing a saddle for your horse.

•  Shape of Withers — Ideally, your horse's withers should be level or slightly higher than the highest point of the horse's rump. If your horse's withers are lower than his rump, special consideration must be taken when choosing and fitting a saddle.

•  Shape of Back — Horses with overly narrow or flat backs can find certain saddle shapes or tree designs uncomfortable. Make certain when shopping for a saddle that the tree has a similar slope and shape as your horse's back.

•  Length of Back — Be careful to make sure that the overall length of the saddle is not too long for your horse's back. Horses with shorter-than-average backs can find certain saddle skirts from overly-long saddles digging into their backs, loins, and kidneys.

•  Prominence of Shoulders — Large-shouldered horses can be constricted by an ill-fitting saddle, forcing their shoulders against the bars and limiting their range of movement. Thin-shouldered horses can find an incorrectly-fitting saddle sliding forward onto their shoulder blades, causing pain, incorrect distribution of pressure, and a restriction of motion.

To properly fit your saddle, begin with your horse standing on level ground. Place the saddle onto the horse's back at the withers. Slide the saddle down the horse's back. The saddle will naturally settle into its proper position behind the withers, but a good fail safe is to check and see if the girth falls approximately four (4) inches behind the elbow.

After the saddle has settles, check for proper clearance at the withers. You should be able to place two or more fingers between the withers and the saddle's gullet without a saddle pad. If the clearance for the withers is acceptable, check the skirt's fit. It should follow the contour of the horse's back, but not extend beyond the loins.

Next, check the saddle's balance. View the horse from the side, and make sure the flat area of the seat is level, and the fork is not higher than the cantle. The saddle should not rock up when cinched.

These guidelines will allow you to properly fit a western saddle to your horse. If you find any of the aforementioned qualities lacking in a saddle you were interested in purchasing, then it is advisable to choose another saddle. A properly-fitting saddle will allow an enjoyable, comfortable experience for the rider and horse both.