Nixon Equine Correct Saddle Fit Information
Author: Stewart Hastie MRCVS
Stewart was awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Society of Master Saddlers in January 2007 and is the only veterinary surgeon to have received this prestigious award for contribution (vet input) to saddle fitting.
The following information is intended as a guide only to correct saddle fit. It is not intended to replace the use of a saddle fitter. We always recommend using a qualified saddle fitter (QSF) when choosing and fitting a new or used saddle.
A QSF will be willing to explain the saddle fitting to an owner and advise how the owner can continually re-assess any suspected changes in the horse / saddle compatibility. Whilst a new saddle may fit correctly initially, it should be remembered that both the horse and saddle (and therefore saddle fit) may change over time. We therefore recommend that the owner uses the following correct saddle fit check to provide early warning of any problems or changes in saddle fit, especially if the horse is being made physically fitter with work and diet.
Correct saddle fit checks
- Saddled up
- Does the saddle appear to sit level: front-to-back with the deepest part of the seat profile and side-to-side as well, when viewing the panels from behind.
- Do the arms of the pommel arch lie parallel to the slope (line) of the horse’s wither profile and are the panels level in height.
- Can you run your flattened fingers from pommel to cantle under the panels with the flap lifted, in a level sweep with unbroken contact.
- Mounted (no numnah)
- Is there a clear space under the centre of the arch at mid-line.
- Is the girth in the “girth line”.
- Do you feel centred and not tipped forward or backward at the halt.
- Riding
- Are you being pushed off centre.
- Does the saddle rock front-to-back and/or rise noticeably at the cantle in rhythm with rising trot.
- Do you look and feel comfortable, or do you feel the need to reposition the saddle side-to-side at the halt after work.
Qualified saddle fitters (QSF)
Whilst it is not illegal for a lay person to fit a saddle to a horse, it is strongly recommended that only a qualified saddle fitter (QSF) be used. The QSF will take into consideration not only the profile of the horse’s back, but some 15 other features of horse and rider in selecting the saddle tree and saddle “cut”. The QSF will request to see the new (or altered) saddle in use in all gaits, to determine that both rider and horse are happy and well balanced. Careful records will be made of all relevant findings, for future reference. Advice will be given regarding optimal times for subsequent checks, e.g flocking takes time to settle and leather to lose some stiffness. Do not forget that the saddle has to be “broken in” like a new pair of boots.It must be appreciated that whilst a horse’s conformation doesn't change, its condition will, primarily with feeding and work and later, to some extent with age. This should be seen as the horse no longer fitting the saddle. Most horses develop unequal, side-to-side muscle bulk; this asymmetry becomes apparent, especially along the back. Not only is the saddle likely to lose balanced contact with the rider's seat but also the horse straightness in action, resulting in unbalanced riding. A vicious circle!
Such asymmetry can also arise in horses for physical reasons usually associated with a varying degree of pain and consequent evasion. Back discomfort is a frequent consequence for which the saddle is wrongly blamed. The QSF may suspect this, but in our experience veterinary input should be recommended. Conversely it is not the job of the vet (or other adviser) to blame the saddle; not being qualified to do so. However the vet might be suspicious that there is saddle fault and to then advise that the QSF be called in; preferably in consultation.
Saddlery trade association
The Society of Master Saddlers (CEO Mrs Hazel Moreley) web site address is www.mastersaddlers.co.uk. Membership is by assessment and / or examination by an elected committee, selected panel of senior members and by nominees from related disciplines. Of the several membership classes two are directly relevant to saddle fitting: 1) Master Saddlers: manufacturers and retailers and 2) Qualified Saddle Fitters (QSF): associates by examination and may also be of prior master saddler status. It is usually a QSF who professionally fits (or retrofits) saddles under the authority of the Society’s ruling body. Some are employees of retailers. Others are freelance; access to different manufacturers’ products is thus variable.
The saddle
- Saddle tree
- The basis or foundation of all saddles, except for flat race horses, is the tree. Its function is to provide a framework for the saddle furnishings, thereby ensuring an equal distribution of weight over the bearing surfaces in the final product. This is constructed to meet British Standard specifications as it is an engineered, fixed item. Its form can be specifically designed to meet differing inherent conformation and equine disciplines. Its function is to provide a safe rest for the rider and a balanced interface for the horse by ensuring an equal distribution of weight over its bearing surfaces in the final product.
- Saddle furnishings
- The furnishings of the saddle are of leather, or man-made fibres, which are flexible and variably resilient, so cannot be expected to maintain a quantifiable standard. The flocking of the weight bearing panels will alter with time and use. Conversely they can be adjusted to meet the natural changes in the horse’s condition, its fat and muscle components and the leather’s stretching. They can also be customised in form to suit the rider’s shape and specific equitation expectations.
