Fitting saddles

[RuthnMeg]

OK, iam about to go and fit my saddle onto a friends new horse. I have fitted quite a few saddles to horses over the years, but not done much recently. For some reason Iam a bit nervous, I don't want to cock it up! Trouble thats bugging me more than anything is that said horse is 17hh - a few hands bigger to what Iam used to!! lol
Anyway, I will try, but have you lot got any advice on how to manage my task? Friend doesn't want to sit on as she hasn't ridden the horse and has no idea when he was last worked or how he will behave. I don't mind taking my hat for a sit on - is this a good idea? If i do a sit on first to 'test' the horse, do you think friend will follow as she has to like the saddle too - right??
He is from Ireland, 12year old chestnut gelding, and they call him 'Irish Sport Horse'.
Opinions and ideas welcome.
Coc Chip Cookies for all!!

 

[Hoppa]

Do it after hes been turned out/ lunged, so hes not fresh..

Then tack up, get someone to hold him and have a good look from the ground, if it all looks promising.. lunge him with the saddle on. You will be able to get a good idea if it is flopping around, tilting etc. It will also give him some time to accustom to it.
Then get someone to hold him and mount, check the clearance above the withers etc.
If he still seems ok, get someone to lead you around a few times and if all is well, then they can let you go.
I wouldn't try and do too much more than that if I were you, bearing in mind you have no idea about his behaviour etc.

 

[PurplePickle]

To fit it properly it needs to be sat in yes, as said above the wither clearance will change once mounted. it would ideally be a good idea to see him in at least walk and trot in it to see how he goes and to make sure its not moving or doing anything it shouldnt. However if you dont know the horse then a sit might be all you would really want to do.

But as soon as shes comfortable with him it will need asessing again