Saddlefit Characteristics - Saddle
Identifying a saddle's unique saddlefit characteristics is the key to correct saddlefitting.
Saddle fit Characteristics of the Saddle
Why Understanding The Saddle Fit Characteristics Matters
When it comes to riding, you can’t overestimate the importance of a correctly fitted saddle. A saddle that fits both you and your horse promotes harmony, comfort, and performance. On the other hand, a poorly fitted saddle can lead to discomfort, resistance, and even long-term physical issues for your horse. To ensure the best partnership between you and your horse, it’s essential to understand saddlefit characteristics. This article will guide you through these key elements and explain why they matter.
The most challenging part of saddlefit is that we are trying to find a static object (the saddle) fit comfortably and correctly between two dynamic objects (horse and rider) and in the case of a western treed saddle this is actually two static objects (the saddle and the saddlepad) fit comfortably between the two dynamic objects (horse and rider).
Key Saddle Fit Characteristics
The key saddlefit characteristics of a saddle are
- The shape of the tree needs to match your horses back shape
- The length of the tree must not exceed your horses weight bearing area
- The width of the tree must be neither too narrow nor too wide and extend beyond the width of the weight bearing area
- The balance point of the tree must match your horse’s balance point
- The saddle gullet angles must match those of your horse’s saddlefit area
- The channel must be wide enough to not impinge on the horses paraspinal ligaments
- There must be sufficient wither clearance for the type of work the horse will be asked to do.
- The billets should match the horse’s girth notch or be able to be girthed correctly to not change the fit of the saddle both static and in motion.
- The saddle must allow your horse to move freely underneath it and for you the rider to be able to follow your horse’s movement and effectively communicate with your horse.
The Shape of the Saddle Tree
The tree forms the framework of your saddle just like a skeleton. Its shape must match your horse’s back conformation. If the tree is too straight it will bridge, if it is too shaped it will rock, if it is too narrow it will pinch and if it is too wide it will have excessive movement and likely to be too low on the withers.
The Length of the Saddle Tree
Your saddle’s weight bearing area must not extend beyond your horse’s last rib. A saddle that’s too long can put pressure on the lumbar region, causing pain and reducing your horse’s ability to engage its hindquarters effectively. The weight bearing area is defined by the tree and as we don’t have xray vision this can be hard to determine especially for a Western Treed saddle that has a skirt around the tree. It is important to examine each saddle for the weight bearing area and put some pressure on the seat and observe where the whole underneath of the saddle makes contact with the horse.
The Width of the Saddle Tree
If the tree is too narrow, it will pinch your horse’s back at some point along the weight bearing area. If it’s too wide, it may compromise wither clearance by sitting too low or hang over the shelf of ribs both of which will cause discomfort to the horse. The points of the tree come into play here too and as there is no industry standard for width measurements each saddle must be assessed separately. You cannot guarantee that a medium size tree in one brand will be the same for all or for a western saddle that semi quarter horse bars will measure the same across all models of trees. The length of the points (at the front of the tree) also need to suit the horse. A horse with high withers may require longer points than a horse with low withers especially if there is any lack of muscle in the wither pockets. However there are no hard and fast rules or guidelines here to follow, once again each horse and saddle combination needs to be assessed separately and no assumptions can be made else your horse may be in discomfort.
The Saddle Balance Point
A balanced seat is essential for your position and your horse’s comfort. Your saddle should sit level on your horse’s back, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed and the balance point of the saddle must match the horse’s balance point otherwise you will either be in front or behind the horse’s centre of balance. Also if the saddle tips forward or backward, it can affect your balance and put unnecessary pressure on your horse and cause you to brace and/or strain muscles. I have had clients who bleed at the front of their pubic synthesis due to chafing where the balance of the saddle is not correct.
The Saddle Gullet Angles
The gullet is the at the front of the tree and this is where the metal plate for English treed saddles is located. For Western trees this is the area at the front of the tree. As it is not possible to take a measurement of distance through a horse the gullet is measured in angles Once again there is no industry standard measurement. The angle of the gullet must match your horse’s angles at the point of rotation of the scapula to ensure that it does not impede the horse’s range of motion. If the gullet is too narrow, it can pinch, cause discomfort and cause muscle atrophy and unhealthy biomechanics. Conversely a gullet that’s too wide might make the saddle unstable which can also cause discomfort and cause muscle atrophy and unhealthy biomechanics.
The Channel Clearance
The channel runs along the underside of the saddle. Its width should suit your horse’s spine to avoid pressure on the spinal processes and the paraspinal ligaments which run alongside the spinal processes and surrounding muscles. If the channel is too narrow, it can pinch and cause discomfort and not allow the horse to turn, or complete more athletic movements requiring bending such as turning a corner in an arena or around a barrel. A channel that’s too wide might make the saddle unstable which will cause the saddle to move around side to side and unbalance the horse and rider. The channel must provide even clearance all along its length.
Wither Clearance
Your saddle needs to provide adequate clearance over your horse’s withers to prevent pressure, discomfort and/or bruising. As your horse moves the withers raise and lower and especially in jumping there must be enough clearance to allow for this. There is no hard and fast rule for how much clearance is considered adequate clearance. A general rule of thumb is that there should be a gap of 2-3 fingers’ width between the pommel and the withers when you’re mounted. However all the other components need to be considered as well for a correct fit. If there isn’t enough clearance, your horse could experience pain and restricted movement. Too much clearance might indicate instability with the saddle sitting up on the horses back and not contacting the whole of the weight bearing area.
Billets
The billets, which secure the girth to the saddle, should align with your horse’s girth groove. Misaligned billets can cause the saddle to shift while you’re riding, leading to discomfort and instability. Misalignment may be corrected with the use of shaped girths known as anatomic girths however all these need to be examined to see if they are suitable for the individual combination of horse and saddle, unfortunately there is no one-size-suits-all option when it comes to girthing solutions.
Freedom of movement
Your saddle should allow your horse’s shoulders to move freely. If the saddle is placed too far forward the horse will hit the front of the tree and not be able to complete the full range of motion. If it impinges on the shoulders, it can limit your horse’s range of motion, causing stiffness, shortened strides, and discomfort. If it is placed too far back a whole range of things may occur which will affect the horse’s movement such as an unbalanced rider, pressure at the base of the withers and past the last rib, not allowing the horse to move with healthy biomechanics.
For an English treed saddle – the panels, which rest on your horse’s back, should cover the whole weight bearing area and evenly distribute your weight. Make sure the panels maintain consistent contact along the weight bearing area of your horse’s back without creating pressure points. If the panels are asymmetrical, your horse could experience uneven weight distribution, leading to soreness and muscle imbalance.
The same applies to Western Treed saddle where there are runners or rails instead of panels and a thicker pad is used than an English saddle for shock absorption. For these is saddles it is crucial that there is no lack of contact between the runners and the pad and the pad and the weight bearing area of the horses back. A pad shape that does not match the same shape as the tree and the horses weight bearing area could lead to uneven weight distribution, pressure points leading to soreness, loss of range of motion and muscle imbalance.
Why Understanding Saddlefit Characteristics Matters
A poorly fitted saddle can cause a range of issues, from minor irritation to chronic pain. Your horse may show signs of discomfort through behavioural changes, like resistance to being saddled, bucking, or refusing certain movements. Ensuring a proper fit is essential for your horse’s welfare.
Over time, an ill-fitting saddle can lead to serious problems like muscle atrophy, nerve damage, and spine misalignment. By understanding saddlefit characteristics, you can prevent these issues and protect your horse’s long-term health.
A comfortable horse performs better. When your saddle fits correctly, your horse can move freely and naturally, improving gait quality, responsiveness, and overall performance. A well-fitted saddle also helps you maintain a balanced position, improving communication and teamwork.
An ill-fitting saddle can shift unexpectedly, increasing your risk of accidents. By ensuring your saddle fits correctly, you’ll feel more secure and stable, reducing the likelihood of falls or other mishaps.
Paying attention to saddlefit benefits your horse and prolongs the life of your saddle. A well-maintained, correctly fitted saddle is less likely to develop structural issues, saving you time and money.
Assessing and Maintaining Saddlefit
Understanding saddlefit characteristics is only the first step. Regular assessments are vital, as your horse’s body changes over time due to age, training, and nutrition. Here’s how you can maintain saddlefit:
- Get Educated: Learn how to identify your horse’s saddlefit area including the muscles, ligaments and bony landmarks that make up the saddlefit area.
- Routine Checks: Periodically check your saddle’s fit using the key characteristics discussed above. Look for signs of discomfort, like white hairs, dry spots under the saddle, or changes in your horse’s behaviour.
- Work with Professionals: Consult a qualified saddle fitter to assess your saddle’s fit and make any adjustments. Professionals can spot subtle issues you might miss.
- Monitor Your Horse’s Changes: Stay aware of changes in your horse’s weight, muscle tone, and conformation, and adjust the saddle accordingly.
Conclusion
A well-fitted saddle is essential for the health, comfort, and performance of both you and your horse. By understanding the key saddlefit characteristics and their impact, you can create a harmonious partnership with your horse. Regular assessments and professional guidance are crucial for maintaining a proper fit, allowing you and your horse to enjoy your time together to the fullest. Remember, the right saddlefit isn’t just about the ride—it’s about building trust, comfort, and success for both you and your horse.