Fitting A Saddle

Annette Gavin BHSii QSF

"A Fitting Formula"

Choosing your saddle carefully means making sure the saddle is:

• Comfortable for you
• Comfortable for your horse
• Value for money
• The correct tool for the job you want
• Able to be reflocked and it should have "real wool" flocking
• Come with a guarantee and customer service

Employing a SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter gives you a quality of fit assurance and gives you an umbrella association to alleviate problems.

The comfort for you should include the right seat size, the correct riding position, good flap length for your leg, and a comfortable feel. However, beware the extra cushy and soft leather on seats. These don't stand up to leather chaps or full seat britches and the very soft layer will mean your seat will crinkle or distort.

Comfort for your horse mans a good fitting process which should include:

• Discussion of feet, bridle, bit, etc.
• A weight record; dated
• A body assessment
• Assessment of other issues effecting fit of saddle
• Good tracings of the horses back and drop

The fitting process should also include a trial ride of any chosen saddles of at least 15/20 mins. You can't decide how it feels to you or your horse until the horse warms up. This process finds the best elements in a saddle or of many saddles. If it is a jumping saddle, you must jump in it. A good fitter will have demos to leave with you. More in depth detail can be found at www.hcsusa.blogspot.com and www.hastilowusa.com.