How to Choose a Saddle for a Horse

If you have ever seen a horse with small white spots on its back, these are the result of a saddle that did not fit properly. A saddle that is too narrow will pinch the horse, causing him a lot of discomfort and restricting his movement. A saddle that is too wide will press on his withers and spine. Although the latter problem can usually be corrected through using pads, it is better to find a saddle that fits him well. A poorly fitting saddle will be uncomfortable for you, too, so know how to fit a saddle for you and your horse.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Try the saddle on your horse. Saddles come in different tree sizes—usually narrow, medium, wide, and some in between. Quarter horses, Arabians, and draft horses tend to be wide-backed, while thoroughbreds tend to be narrow, although there are exceptions to every rule.

2. Place the saddle on the horse’s back with no saddle pad and check the fit. The saddle should sit flat on the horse’s back, not tipping forward or back. The saddle should not be pressing on the horse’s back or withers. You should be able to run your hand between the saddle and the horse’s back and shoulder, and the gullets (pads on the underside of the saddle) should sit flush on the horse’s back without gaping or pressing harder in some areas than others. For English and dressage saddles, you should be able to see all the way down the channel under the saddle, between the gullets.

3. Tighten the girth or cinch and make sure the saddle is still fitting well.

4. Ride the horse in the saddle with a clean pad, enough to get him sweaty. Afterward, there should be an even coating of sweat on the pad in the shape of the saddle where it touches the horse. If there are gaps or some areas are sweatier than others, the saddle is not fitting properly.

5. Check the horse’s back for soreness after the ride by pressing on the back with your fingers and feeling for a reaction.

6. Find a saddle that fits you, too. Otherwise, you may be fighting with your tack to keep a proper position rather than concentrating on riding your horse well. If the saddle is much too small, too much of your weight will be on the cantle, putting pressure on the horse’s back in that one spot rather than distributing your weight across the saddle.

7. Sit in several saddles to find one that fits you. You should be able to fit three to four fingers between your seat and the pommel and cantle in most saddles. You should be able to adjust the stirrups to the correct length for your leg, and you should be able to easily keep your heels under your shoulders. You should be able to sit comfortably in the correct position, with or without stirrups, with little effort.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Some horses are hard to fit and you may need to try a lot of saddles before you find the right one.