Tips on securing your next correctly fitting saddle

How to Talk to Saddle Fitters and Suppliers With Confidence

When it comes to a saddle fit, many riders feel at a disadvantage. You love your horse, you want the best for them, but how do you navigate conversations with a saddle fitter and suppliers without ending up with a saddle that doesn’t fit? It all starts with education, confidence, and knowing the right questions to ask.

Step One: Identify Your Horse’s Saddle Fit Area

Before engaging with a saddle fitter or supplier, it’s essential to understand your horse’s unique saddle fit area. Every horse has a specific shape and width that must be considered when selecting a saddle. Without this knowledge, it’s easy to be convinced by marketing tactics or well-meaning professionals who may not fully understand your horse’s needs.

When you’re clear on your horse’s saddle fit area, you can:

Question any aspect of the saddle fit
Confidently discuss the characteristics of a suitable saddle
Verify whether what the professional is saying aligns with your horse’s needs

Your horse doesn’t know if a saddle should fit—they only know if it’s comfortable or causing discomfort. They rely on you to be their advocate.

Check our information on The Horse’s Saddle Fit Area.

Step Two: Ask the Right Questions During the Saddle Fit

When speaking with a saddle fitter or supplier, arm yourself with specific questions that will help you determine whether they truly understand your horse’s requirements. Here are some key questions to ask:

What factors do you consider when assessing a saddle for my horse?
How do you determine if a saddle’s tree width and shape match my horse?
Can you explain how you assess balance, pressure distribution, and movement freedom?
Do you offer a trial period so I can test the saddle on my horse while riding?
What are my options if the saddle does not fit after purchase?
Can you show me how to check for pressure points and fit issues myself to allow for seasonal change?

A knowledgeable and trustworthy saddle fitter or supplier will be happy to answer these questions. If they hesitate, give vague answers, or avoid discussing trial options, proceed with caution.

Step Three: Trust Your Observations and Feelings about the Saddle Fit

Sitting in a saddle at the saddlery is not the same as riding in it on your horse. Even if the saddle feels comfortable in the store, it may not be the right fit for your horse’s back. This is why riding in the saddle on your horse is crucial.

Key Fit Checks:

Observe your horse’s reaction when saddling up. Are they pinning their ears, swishing their tail, or stepping away? These could be signs of discomfort.
Check how the saddle sits on your horse’s back before you mount. Does it bridge? Is it tilting forward or backward?
Pay attention to movement during the ride. Does your horse feel more restricted, resistant, or tense?

If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t be pressured into purchasing the saddle.

Step Four: Understand Your Own Saddle Fit Needs

Saddle fit is not just about your horse—it’s also about you. Your posture, balance, and alignment matter. Many riders make the mistake of choosing a saddle based on how it feels in the store, without considering how it affects their riding position on their horse.

I used to take my clients to saddlery stores and trade shows to sit in various saddles to feel if the saddle may be comfortable to them. I no longer do this as I found that when we trialled the saddle on their horse the experienced a completely different feel. I now assess riders both on and off the horse for posture and alignment and measure them for their own saddlefit characteristics.

To ensure your own comfort and effectiveness in the saddle:

Assess how your posture and alignment change when riding in different saddles.
Make sure the saddle supports your natural seat without forcing you into an awkward position.
Ensure you have proper leg support and balance in the saddle.

Step Five: Never Skip the Trial Ride During the Saddle Fit

Any reputable saddle fitter or supplier should allow you to trial the saddle.

Why is a Trial Essential?

Your horse moves differently under saddle than when standing still.
Pressure points and discomfort may only appear once your horse starts working.
Your own position and balance in the saddle will feel different in motion.

If a supplier refuses to allow a trial, this is a major red flag. Be prepared to walk away rather than risk buying a saddle that won’t work for you or your horse.

Be Your Horse’s Advocate

A good saddle fitter should be willing to educate you and work with you to find the best solution—not just make a sale. Your horse relies on you to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free. By educating yourself, asking the right questions, and insisting on a trial, you can make informed decisions that enhance both your horse’s well-being and your riding experience.

Are you ready to take control of your saddle fitting journey? Learn more about Holistic Saddle Fitting and take the first step to correct saddle fitting by enrollng in my course: Identifying Your Horse’s Unique Saddlefit Area