| Saddle fitting is difficult because there are no two | | | | cinched to your horse. Cinches that sit farther forward |
| horses that are alike. Horses were not made to carry | | | | of the saddle need to also have a rear cinch in order |
| a saddle, humans invented the saddle, every horse's | | | | to keep the back of the saddle from tipping forward. |
| back is different and every fit is different.With a bare | | | | There are four positions for your rigging to be placed |
| tree saddle fitting process you fit the bare tree to your | | | | and when ordering your saddle you want to consider |
| horse for the best fit possible. | | | | which position is best for your horse. The development |
| Your Horse Could Be The Problem Not Your Saddle | | | | of the "3-Way" rigging gives some options with cinch |
| Remember that saddle fit might not be the problem. | | | | positions, usually allowing you to cinch in either the 7/8, |
| Your horse just might be objecting to going riding or | | | | 3/4 or center fire positions. It provides options so that |
| going up or down a hill and acting out in revolt of doing | | | | the same saddle will possibly fit more horses. You can |
| what you are asking. And after all, it is much easier to | | | | learn more about rigging in our article "Saddle Rigging |
| stand in the pasture and eat grass and for the most | | | | Basics" |
| part they are lazy animals. So when he acts out when | | | | Saddle Pads Can Make A Difference In Saddle Fitting |
| leaving the barn or going down a hill, it might be attitude | | | | Saddle pads and the different types of materials they |
| and not saddle fit. Make sure it isn't saddle fit and any | | | | are made of, can also cause problems or can correct |
| horse tack first, before you address behavior. | | | | problems. Bottom line is to be open to trying different |
| Consider Other Problems Besides Saddle Fitting It | | | | things, a slight change in material or shape can make |
| might also be another problem like an old injury, a hip | | | | huge difference in what works for your horse. |
| being out, a bad farrier, the wrong saddle pad or bit, | | | | Seat and Balance Helps Your Horse's Movements |
| physical condition or any number of other possibilities. | | | | Another problem can be the rider's seat and balance. |
| Poor Saddle Fit Can Cause Pain Eliminating saddle and | | | | A rider can throw the horse off and cause them to |
| tack as being the problem should be one of your first | | | | stumble and trip. Learn to move, relaxed and |
| steps. Many times horses are blamed for bad behavior | | | | comfortable with your horse's movements in every |
| when it is tack or a poor saddle fit that is causing pain | | | | gait. Yes, even the canter, especially the canter. Teach |
| and makes the horse act badly. When you fit the bare | | | | yourself to ride relaxed, comfortable and balanced at |
| tree to your horse, you will know for yourself that your | | | | the canter and it will improve your seat and confidence |
| saddle is a good fit and that your saddle is NOT the | | | | immensely. |
| problem. | | | | Saddle Fitting Myths |
| Proper Saddling Is As Important As Saddle Fit Once | | | | 1) A saddle should fit perfectly all by itself, no matter |
| you know you have the right saddle fit you also need | | | | what rigging or pad. This would be true in a perfect |
| to make sure it is in the correct position. Your western | | | | world but there are so many variables when fitting a |
| saddle should sit two fingers behind the shoulder blade. | | | | horse. What works for one will not work for another. |
| This is where the tree should be placed; the leather | | | | The same horse will loose weight or gain weight, or |
| and pad will sit over the shoulder blade. The leather | | | | sway back from age. So the saddle that once was a |
| and pad is pliable enough that it will not restrict the | | | | good fit can change. And cinch and pad have a |
| shoulder movement but the tree is not. See our article | | | | tremendous amount to do with the comfort for your |
| that talks more in detail about proper "position of your | | | | horse. |
| saddle and proper saddling". | | | | 2) Sweat marks show you if the saddle is fitting right |
| Proper Saddle Rigging For Saddle Fitting You also | | | | or not. This method is very inaccurate at best and is |
| need to consider your rigging and how your saddle is | | | | subject to many variables. |