How to Assess your Saddle Fit

It’s always recommended that you seek professional advice on your horse’s saddle fit, where possible. However, the following information can assist you in not only assessing your saddle fit, but understanding when simple adjustments should be made. In order to check the clearance, bearing and balance of a saddle it is important that the saddle is initially positioned correctly.

Ensure your horse is standing square and is on level ground. In order to check the clearance, bearing and balance of the saddle, it’s important the saddle is initially positioned correctly. Locate your horse’s shoulder and check to see that the nail of the saddle is approximately three fingers distance from the edge of your horse’s shoulder.

Checking for sufficient clearance

Sufficient clearance of your horse’s wither across the width and length of the spine should be maintained at all times. Check to see that the channel of the saddle is clear of your horse’s wither and spine through the length of the saddle.

Checking for even bearing

Your saddle should bear evenly on your horse’s back, providing a close fit. Run your hand between the horse and the panel of the saddle to check for even bearing.

If your saddle features the CAIR® Cushion System it’s important that a rider sits in the saddle to check the bearing, as the air panels become dynamic under the riders weight.

Checking for balanced seat

Check that the deepest part of the saddle is central and level to ensure perfect saddle balance.

Should your saddle require further adjustments to your saddle, select the optimal combination of EASY-CHANGE® Risers to achieve sufficient clearance, even bearing and perfect balance.