Saddle Fit – Saddle Fitting Tips

Since we have been doing quite a bit of saddle fit checking with the Digatherm thermal imaging camera, we have often been asked what the big deal is. Put the saddle on the horse and go ride, right? Well, not so much! This is one of those tip of the iceberg issues.

The way a saddle fits can affect not only the movement of the horse, but the quality and quantity of rider communication that the horse feels. If the saddle does not fit the rider well, they have problems maintaining balance, problems keeping proper leg position, and are unable to use subtle seat and leg cues. Communicating their commands to the horse can be difficult if not impossible, leading to confusion, frustration, and anger – from both parties.

If the saddle does not fit the horse well, pain and/or expectation of pain and discomfort results in negative behaviors: being unruly when groomed along the back, laying ears back and being difficult when being saddled or mounted, reluctance to pick up hind feet (back pain), short choppy gaits and inability to use the hind end properly. There is also physical evidence of a poor saddle fit: uneven sweat patterns beneath the saddle, white hairs on pressure points, and a saddle that is easily shifted after being cinched.

A saddle should protect the horse’s spine and allow an even weight distribution of the rider while staying clear of both the shoulder’s movement and the lumbar area. Poor saddle fit can rarely be improved by pads alone. The flocking (stuffing) in a saddle may need to be replaced or have adjustments made, or be changed to a different composition entirely. Remember the saddle must fit the horse and the rider, and should be checked every few years if you are an active rider, especially if you are a serious competitor.

How do we evaluate saddle fit with thermal imaging? We first image the horse’s back and take thermal measurements, then you tack up and ride for 20 minutes. When you finish, we image both the underside of the saddle and horse’s back again. We look for visible and measurable thermal changes that reflect pressure changes. If your saddle fit needs improvement, the images are emailed to you for discussion with a certified saddle fitter to get you on the road to better riding with a healthier and happier horse.