Western Saddle Auctions

How to fit saddle to horse is vital for any owner

The beat and easiest way to check if a saddle fits the rider is to have her sit in it. You will be looking to fit and flat hand between her and the horn and a flat hand between her butt and the cantle.

It is also equally important that the saddle fits the horse and can be a little difficult for the novice. A good eye for saddle size comes with experience.

On the most basic level, you want to put the saddle on the horse and try it for size, (most good tack shops will allow saddles out for a trial with a deposit or valid credit card on file). Put the girth on, just as if you were tacking him up for a ride.

Then slip your fingers down the shoulders beneath the withers. You should be able to put your hand under the saddle near the shoulder blade. It should be snug, but not so tight that it feels pinched. You also need adequate room for the withers and to make sure that the back of the saddle is sitting level on the horses back (you should not be able to see under it).

Obviously this can be a little difficult if you are buying a saddle online

Buying a saddle is a very big investment, and I would highly recommend having a saddle fitter come out. For the inexperienced it is well worth getting an expert in for a check. It usually costs $50 to have them come out, sometimes it’s free depending on how many people at your barn are interested.

It could be $50 well spent if it saves your horse some pain. If you choose to do that, skip all of the steps I listed and call him first! He’ll be able to tell you where to start, recommend a make that will fit best and you can be guaranteed a well-fit saddle that will last.

While he is around ask him how to fit saddle to horse and you will learn what he looks at, it’s all good stuff to know.