Skip to content
Last month, a New York Times article stated that the “proper saddle can bring harmony to horse and rider.” While that is true– the nuances of what constitutes proper saddle fit for horses vary greatly. As the article goes on to chronicle how the best saddle for horses has changed throughout the millennia, the reader starts to truly appreciate the benefits of modern saddles.
For example, bareback riding, while okay in moderation, was clearly causing discomfort for the ancient ancestors of modern horses. Per the article, “...skeletons unearthed from the Eurasian steppes of ancient horses and riders, whose damaged bones bear the evidence of the lack of shock absorbers.”
Since that long gone era, saddles have evolved greatly. From the hard wooden structures of the McClellan Cavalry saddle, we now have access to saddles with wool flocking, carbon fiber trees, and adjustable gullets that both stabilize the rider and transform to fit the horse through all of their life stages. Yet, the problem remains: how do we know if you own the best saddle for your horse? As our horse’s body changes through the seasons, how can we stay on top of the fit of our saddle to ensure our horse can work comfortably?
Listen to Our Horses
Remember, a horse can feel a fly land on their back. You can bet they can also feel the tree points of a poorly fitted saddle jamming into their shoulders. It may not be in a spoken language, but horses speak loudly– as long as their riders take the time to listen.
When you’re evaluating the fit of an English saddle for sale or debating whether an old one no longer fits, ask their horse their opinion. Pay attention to how they move under saddle. Do they bend easily in one direction while refusing to bend in another? Are they reluctant to move forward? On the other hand, poor saddle fit for horses can result in a lot of forward movement, particularly if they’re bucking, rearing, or bolting.
Your horse may begin to show their opinions before you’ve even placed the saddle on their back. Look at their facial expression when you approach them with the saddle. Are they pinning their ears? A horse that is suddenly girthy or biting at the saddle is trying to tell you something. It’s up to the rider to listen.
Make time to regularly evaluate their body condition. Have they lost muscle recently? Are you having a difficult time building muscle along their topline? Is one shoulder more muscled than the other? While there are many reasons your horse could struggle to build muscle, saddle fit is one variable that should be evaluated as a possible cause.
Work with an Expert
Now that you’ve listened to your horse and recognized that it’s time to find the best saddle for your horse, call an expert. Saddle fitting is not a DIY project that can be guided by a YouTube video or quick Google search. It is a combination of both art and science that takes hours of instruction and often an apprenticeship to master.
When looking for an English saddle for sale and for a saddle fitter, your best resource is the Society of Master Saddlers. Their website includes a directory of saddle fitters in your area. Based in the United Kingdom, there are Master Saddlers all over the world who are able to tell you if any saddle fits your horse, regardless of brand. Many of them work with a variety of high-quality brands, and are able to accommodate most price ranges.
If there aren’t any Master Saddlers in your area, ask around at your barn. Chances are high that someone has had their saddle fit for their horse evaluated recently and will have someone to recommend. Whoever you choose to work with, ask questions about their training and experience. You’re looking for someone who has certifications through a training program and is invested in their education.
Don’t Settle for Less
Finding the best saddle for your horse can be a long and frustrating process, particularly if you’re limited by budget or a lack of resources in your area. Don’t give up! Any time you’re tempted to say a saddle is “good enough” even if your horse isn’t really happy about it, stop and think about it from your horse’s perspective. Imagine hiking with a heavy backpack that didn’t fit properly. By the end of the day you could be dealing with chafing, sore muscles, and pain from various points digging into your skin. A saddle that doesn’t fit is exactly like that backpack.
Your horse only has so many ways to tell you they’re in pain. Ignoring their opinions can lead to larger issues like muscle damage, chronic imbalances, even lameness. It cannot be understated how important it is to prioritize finding a saddle that fits your horse well. If you can’t find the perfect fit, work with your saddle fitter to use a shimmable pad to custom fit the saddle to your horse’s back until they’re happy.
Try the 30 Day Saddle Trial Program
Finding the perfect saddle doesn’t happen overnight. We’re aiming to reduce the frustration of saddle shopping with our new 30 Day Saddle Trial Program, available on Breeches.com. When you purchase an English saddle for sale on Breeches.com, you have one full month to ride in your new saddle and have a saddle fitter evaluate how it fits your horse. If you don’t love the saddle, simply send it back within 30 days to get a full refund on the price of the saddle. If you fall in love with it, keep it and we'll even give you 10% off the MSRP!