Saddle Fit

Question 1

What are some behavioural signs that there is an impropper fit saddle?

Answer 1

• sensitivity in the saddle or girth area
• behavioural problems when ridden
• decreased mobility while being ridden
• performance issues while being ridden
• moody when mounted
• difficult in narrow turns
• difficulty with lead changes
• lack of engagement
• starts ride well but shows resistsance later
• starts stiff and releases after 20-30mins.
• turn around and bite when putting saddle on.

owner says they have a cold back- these horses often response well with an adjustment and a subsequent saddle fitting. Often seen in ex races horses

Question 2

Case history:

gait abnormalities:

Answer 2

• short choppy gait in front, stumbling
• normal gaot in field, in hadn and on lunge line, quality of motion changes/ lameness occurs when horses is under saddle.
• inactive hind quarters, lack of engagment.
• Zdoesnt like climbing or going downhills
• tense back muscles

Question 3

What to look for in a horse with an impropper fitting saddle

Answer 3

Conformation

• saddle site area
• musculature
• frame
• topline
• angles

Posture in standing
Movement of the horse

Question 4

Things to examine with saddle on horse

Answer 4

Want it to clear the scapula
Dont want saddle to extend past last rib
Consider girth area
Get up on block and look at top of horse- is there asymmetry in the scapula position.
Tenderness in saddle fit area
May see some of those sweat patches in front of saddle from nerve irritation.
Muscle atrophy in the saddle area?
Sensitivity and tightness in saddle area0 ie skin wont glide so much.
White heairs from severe deep pressure points
Saddle imprint/ friction rubs in heair after wear. Ie sweat patches after riding.

Question 5

What are the 5 steps to checking a saddle without the horse?

Answer 5

1. Checking Saddle Symmetry
   - are the flaps equal both sides, is saddle symmetrical and straight?
2. Check the panels
   - size, shape and symmetry
   - Quality and equality of the flocking
3. Gullet width
4. Wear patterns of Saddle
5. Any signs of a broken saddle tree

Question 6

What are the 7 steps to checking the saddle on the horse?

Answer 6

1. Saddle Placement:
   caudal part of saddle should sit at least 2 fingers of scapula.

Dont want saddle going back onto lumbars as its less stable part of the spine.

2. Saddle balance:
   - The seat should be level with its deepest point in the middle
   - pommel and cantle should be even
   - The saddle should fit level in all directions

Rider posture

3. Pommel Clearance:
   - 2,5 to 3 fingers
4. Saddle Tree Width:
   If too narrow- front end of saddle pinches muscle, and saddle blocks scapula

If saddle too wide, you may lose pommel clearance
-SP may come in contact with the saddle.

5. Panel Contact
   - Check the fit of panels/ bars by applying pressure on the saddle.
   - panel should fit snugly and evenly along both sides of horses back.
6. Saddle Length
7. Billet Alignment
8. Girth Pressure