'Fitting' a saddle...

[Tickles]

Back lady says share horsey's posh saddle needs readjustment (lumpy flocking & chubbier ned in summer) and for the moment he is to go back in his wide-gullet Wintec.

We're supposed to walk-hack him in straight lines for a few days and I'll be first to ride...Know I have to change stirrup leathers & girth over from posh saddle so guess she didn't look at him in the Wintec(?)

Will be looked at properly the next day but for this one hack what should I check before mounting?

- plenty of space over spine
- doesn't rise/lower much at back or front
- sits centrally...

Cd maybe walk out in hand(?) if too risky but doubt can lunge as that isn't exactly a straight line!

 

[scribble]

It should be level front to back when looking at it from the side ie; not sloping back or forwards, it should support the saddle and therefore your weight on the saddles pads underneath either side of his spine. the front of the saddle should have a sideways (put fingers together and turn hand on side so little finger on withers and thumb/index finger on underside of saddle. this is clearance reqd from withers to saddle, saddle should not be too high or too low on withers, should not interfere with should movement or flapos too big for horse.

 

[Tickles]

Thanks Scribble!
I'll take a copy of the check-list with me