How to Tell If a Saddle Fits a Horse

Before mounting a horse, take a look at the saddle to make sure that it fits properly so that you and the horse will have a safe and pain-free ride. For proper saddle fit, focus on four key areas of a horse--withers (the highest point on the back on the ridge between shoulder blades), shoulders, the spine and back, and the hip area. A saddle that doesn't fit properly will cause pain for the horse. All discomfort should be corrected immediately.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look closely at the hair under the saddle. White hairs are damaged hair follicles. Pressure from the saddle causes loss of pigmentation. Also determine if hair has been damaged from too much friction. The pressure has done more than just discolor the hair. It has damaged tissue and possibly the sweat glands.

    • 2

      Look for sores. These will develop under the saddle. Scars and hardened areas also might form. Dry patches, which are linked to white hairs, develop even when the rest of the saddle area is moist from the horse's perspiration.

    • 3

      Identify muscle issues. Swelling of muscles and ligaments can occur after the saddle is removed. The horse may cringe or drop its back due to soreness when it is touched in certain areas under and around the saddle. This can be associated with a poor saddle fit.

    • 4

      Determine what causes a horse to stumble. Horses don't want to fall. They closely watch where they step and determine if the ground is stable. Frequent stumbling could be caused by a saddle that places pressure on shoulder blades or the spine. Have someone check for saddle pressure on the spine when you are on the horse.

    • 5

      Evaluate behavior issues. Some are related to other matters that may disturb a horse, but many are associated with a poor and painful saddle fit. These include excessive head shaking, refusal to walk, refusal to turn sideways, moving away as a rider tries to mount and moving quickly downhill. Behavior issues should be corrected during training of the horse, so any obvious poor behavior could be caused by the saddle.

    • 6

      Decide if the saddle fits the rider. The seat must be appropriate for the rider also, or it will cause the rider to alter positioning that could cause injury to the horse. If the seat is too small, it will force the rider to sit on the back of the saddle and place pressure on the horse's back.