Your Horse's Saddle Must Fit Like A Glove

The main goal of a saddle is to improve weight distribution across a horse’s back. It allows the horse to carry its rider’s weight and it makes the rider’s position more comfortable.

- Izak Hofmeyr

This is according to William Bondesio, a well-known horse trainer, breeder, and presenter of conformation and training clinics.

A saddle consists of a pommel, seat and cantle. The part that rests on the horse’s back is called the bars, which may or may not be stuffed. Together, these parts form the saddle tree.

Because most herdsmen in South Africa use a McClellan-type saddle, this article focuses mostly on this type of saddle.

“When it comes to the ‘English’ saddle, make sure the saddle cushions make proper and even contact with the horse’s back, and that they are intact and stuffed. The leather may wear and form cracks and tears that can cause pressure points. The cushions also wear with time, which means the saddle will have to be restuffed. Do not neglect this aspect,” says William.

Principles of saddle fitting

He emphasises that the starting point when fitting a saddle, is that the horse must be in acceptable condition. Good back muscles form the first padding between the horse’s ribs and the saddle bars. A saddle must not put any pressure on the horse’s spine.

The second principle of saddle fitting is that the saddle should fit evenly across the horse’s back without causing any pressure points. The fork behind the withers must be wide enough so that it does not pinch, and must be positioned in such a way that it does not hinder the moving shoulder blades. A saddle must therefore not be positioned too far to the front, which is often the case with McClellan saddles.