Ask the Vet, Sallie S. Hyman VMD, DACVIM: Saddle Fitting

Saddle Fitting

It has been said that a correctly fitting saddle is as important to an equine athlete as correctly fitting shoes are to a human athlete.  In fact, proper saddle fitting is important for both horse and rider.   The saddle on our horse's back is our connection to him when we are riding.  Anatomically, that region consists of the skin, with thousands of nerve endings, the epaxial muscles, the spinal vertebrae, and the junction of the ribs and vertebrae.

What are the signs of poor saddle fit? 

If a saddle does not fit a horse properly, pain, performance issues and behavior problems can result.  Signs of saddle fitting problems include, but are not limited to: obvious sores; white hairs under the saddle; swelling under the saddle; sensitivity to palpation or grooming of the saddle area; "cold backed;" resistance to work; tail swishing; not traveling straight;  general bad attitude; difficulty with collection; and many other subtle performance issues. 

How do I know if it is a tack problem or a medical problem?

If your horse show signs of bucking, inability to keep on a canter lead, bunny hopping at the canter, twisting over fences, or is very difficult to collect, these may be signs of mores substantial back pain with true musculoskeletal changes such as kissing spine (dorsal spinous process impingement) or vertebral osteoarthritis.  Any horse exhibiting signs of back pain should have a thorough evaluation by a veterinarian including radiographs of the back to rule out orthopedic causes of back pain.  In no boney changes are present, then saddle fit should be evaluated.

So how do I check saddle fit?

There are many resources available to learn about saddle fit, as well as many qualified individuals who can help you evaluate your horse for proper saddle fit.  [Note from Equestrian Collections - You can check on-line for Master Saddle Fitters in your area] The magnitude of information needed to correctly fit a saddle is beyond the scope of one article, but there are some major points which all equestrians should be aware of.

Structure:

Examine all saddles carefully for any structural defects or asymmetry.  Twisted trees or asymmetric panels will cause pressure points on your horse's back.

Position: 

Panel and Bars:

Tree:

Seat: 

Rider Fit:

So once we get a good fit, we're set?

No!  Just when we think we have the right fitting saddle, horses go and do something sneaky.  Their bodies change.  As we work them and they develop more muscle and lose fat, that perfectly fitting saddle may no longer fit so well.  It is important to re-evaluate your saddle fit as your horse develops throughout the year.  This may require that you have your saddle reflocked, or maybe even a new saddle.  These are, however, small investments to ensure that your horse can give you his best performance.     

What's next in saddle fit and technology?

There are computerized methods to determine saddle fit.  A computerized saddle pad is placed under the saddle and pressure measurements are made while the horse is worked at the walk and trot, on the lunge and while ridden.  Another method is to use thermography on both your horse's back and saddle to see if there are any areas of uneven temperature (indicating lack of contact or pressure points) while riding.  These can be used as adjuncts to visual inspection of fit and measurements of your horse.