Just as with humans, a horse’s body shape changes
as it ages. Older horses may have a differently shaped back than they did 10 years ago. Younger horses take a few years to develop and fi ll out. Check the fi t of your saddle throughout the year, es- pecially after time off or with increased activity levels.
Why fi t is important Saddles benefi t both the horse and rider, distributing
weight over a larger area and providing a stable, safe seat for the rider. The rigid tree, usually made of wood or a strong, lightweight synthetic material, provides a foundation for the seat and stirrups. The bars spread the rider’s weight out along the horse’s back. The goal of properly fi tting a saddle is to provide even, secure contact between the bars of the tree and the horse. The saddle’s bars are what provide secure contact
with the horse. The angle of the bars should match your horse’s back and wither shape as closely as possible. Bars that have gaps along the sides can cause sore spots by unevenly distributing weight. The saddle will rock or slide if the angle of the bars is not matched to your horse’s conformation. The width of the gullet is also an important factor
in saddle fi t. A spread that is too wide or too narrow will cause the bars to make uneven contact. Bars that do not make even contact cannot distribute weight evenly and may result in a less secure ride and sore- ness for the animal. Another factor that may determine saddle fi t is bar
fl are. Some bars may be closer together toward the front or fl are outward to accommodate a wider shoulder. The saddle’s rigging could also determine saddle fi t.
While gullet width and bars are the most important factors in overall fi t, where the rigging is anchored once it is cinched could factor into where the saddle natu- rally sits on the horse’s back. If your saddle seems to be creeping forward or backward with some riding, it could be that your rigging is not where that individual horse needs it. This could be due to an unusual back or shoulder shape. Rigging is also dependent on your type of riding
activity or discipline. Whatever the rigging style you prefer or what is built into your saddle, make sure it is not causing movement restriction or saddle balance issues. A good saddle pad can make up for some fi t problems, especially if your horse has an odd shape or changes
1) Horn 2) Pommel or Swell 3) Gullet 4) Rigging Dee 5) Seat 6) Cantle
12 3
Parts of a Saddle
1 2 5 6 7 4 9 10 11 8
7) Concho 8) Skirt 9) Jockey
10) Billet Strap 11) Fender 12) Stirrup
throughout the year. Shim pads can make up for some saddle balance issues or asymmetry, but a pad should only be used to make a well-fi tting saddle as close to perfect as possible. No amount or type of padding will make an ill-fi tting saddle more comfortable for your horse — or you.
How do I know if the saddle fi ts? To test the fi t of a saddle, place the saddle on the horse’s back without a pad or blanket, without cinching
84 The Cattleman November 2015
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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