Saddle fit

[taceann]

How do you check a saddle is still fitting ? Horse is fine ridden but is throwing head up and down when you get on board. Have had back checked last week - no probs - and teeth done only 6 months ago so not due again till around August.

With rider on board, the saddle is well clear of withers and doesn't move, can see down gullet from pommel to cantle - but how do you check if it is too tight / pinching anywhere at all ? It was only fitted two months ago.

Also how tight do you girth up (am using humane girth) - would over tightening contribute ... or perhaps placing saddle incorrectly, not far enough back ? Help !

 

[Breezesbenefactor]

Might be you need to take on some practical advice. You need to know these basic if you own and ride a horse

 

[VictoriaEDT]

I think that may be why pacer is asking for advice?!

Check for any balding hair patches under the saddle and after you have ridden and check if there is one area on the back that is sweating more or looks like it has been rubbed more. Try gently palpating the back after riding too. Your horse will dip his back if in pain. Another good trick is to ride in a white saddle cloth - when you have had a good long ride; check the under side of the cloth (works better with a dirty horse!). The sweat/dirt marks should be symetrical. If not the saddle/rider sits too much to one side.

This is a personal thing but I think many riders put their saddles too far forward - inhibiting free shoulder movement. Make sure you place the saddle so it clears the shoulder (but not too far back that the cantle is behind the last rib).

If your still in doubt it will be worth getting a second opinion on the saddle fit from a reputable master saddler.

Hope this helps!

 

[dieseldog]

If his back was checked last week the back person would have said if your saddle didn't fit as it would cause sore points etc. So personally if the back person said it was fine I would agree with them, maybe give them a ring to check.

 

[hunteress]

If your horse will take a 18 inch then get one my bum not big but always had a 17 1/2 but tried an 18 and its so comfortable and deep try one you will not be dissapointed.

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

I would ver on the side of caution and get saddler out, not worth taking the risk with something as important as his back.

Mine went through a stage of that when ever a contacy was taken, he got used to it though and has calmed down, not fully gone though yet. He only did when hackeing, so was twined with excitement

 

[taceann]

Thank you - I have a clean white saddlecloth and will leave him a bit on the dusty side and look on the underside afterwards - he is a piebald, mostly white though so not really able to see much on his back/coat if he is clean !

Think I am just not used to wide cobs so that's why I am wondering if the saddle is impeding his shoulder where I am placing it. Have never had problems with my other horse who is a bit more on the refined side in his build.

I don't think I am overtightening his girth but have not used a humane one before, have always had normal non elasticated and I had been told that the humane ones can be over tightened which was why I was asking.

Have also got a sheepskin pad as a next experiment though am not sure if I should use it as the saddle was fitted without it. If he still does it after all experiments this weekend, will get saddle checked - by somebody other than the place that fitted it originally.....