How do I Fit David Brooks Custom Saddles?

Even custom-made horse saddles will periodically need to be fitted to meet the needs of the horse and rider they were designed for. Custom saddles, such as those made by David Brooks or any saddle maker, are like any other saddle in that they change shape as they undergo continual use. Leather will break in and stretch, flocking on the bottom of western saddles can wear thin, and the horse's body shape and musculature can change. Periodically refitting David Brooks saddles and making small adjustments will be necessary as time passes.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Horse
  • Lunge line or round pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the saddle on the horse's back without a saddle pad underneath it. You should set the saddle in the same location you normally set it when preparing to ride.

      Check to make sure the saddle's gullet--the raised center of the underside of the saddle--is sitting slightly above the horse's backbone and allows for adequate clearance of the spine. The gullet should be wide enough that the saddle sits slightly above the spine, with its weight on the muscle and fat, not the backbone.

    • 2

      Check the pommel area and make sure there is adequate clearance for the pommel and it is not going to pinch, rub or constrict the horse's movements. The pommel should not be lying against the horse's back or withers.

    • 3

      Confirm that the angle of the saddle tree follows the angle of the horse's body. Some types of saddle trees can warp, so stand directly behind the horse--out of kicking range--and make sure the saddle sits straight on the horse's back. The seat of the saddle should be fairly level when viewed from the side.

    • 4

      Attempt to slide the saddle back. It should slide no more than a hand's width and then stop on its own account. Do not force the saddle back. If the saddle slides too far back with little or no resistance, it can be a sign the saddle tree is too large for the horse.

    • 5

      Make sure that the saddle's weight is evenly distributed across the horse's back. The saddle should not tip, tilt or lean without significant rearranging. The saddle should be wide enough to provide a solid basis of balance, and all parts of the saddle that are supposed to touch the horse's body should be touching evenly without exerting unnecessary pressure.

      Check the flocking on the saddle, if applicable. The flocking should not be lumpy or poorly distributed, as it can cause pressure points and uneven weight distribution.

    • 6

      Tack up the horse in the saddle without the saddle pad and lunge the horse at a trot until it breaks a sweat. This should take about 15 minutes.

    • 7

      Remove the saddle and observe the size and shape of any dry spots. Dry spots are a sign that the saddle is not fitting the horse's back properly and may need corrective padding to do so.

    • 8

      Determine where any fit problems are occurring and make necessary adjustments to the saddle pads; this may include purchasing specialty pads. If you are unsure what changes should be made to your David Brooks custom saddle, you should contact Brooks at 919-732-1908 or email DDBCUSTOMS@aol.com.