Saddle fitting question. Please advise....

[ZondaR]

I tried a Thorowgood saddle on my horse and it fits him perfectly when standing. It is sitting nicely along the slope of his shoulders and there is nice clearance over his wither and the back sits snugly too. So I sat up on it and when he walked forward and his shoulder blade(?) moved, a gap appeared between him and the top of the padding of the saddle at each side of the channel, then the shoulder blade moved back in place and filled the gap again. Is this normal?

I have never used a saddle without a saddlecloth so maybe this happens with all saddles, I don't know. Can anyone shed some light? Have I explained this in a way that anyone can understand?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Joeyjojo]

Hi - its a bit difficult to tell from yur description, but it sounds like might be sitting too far forwards. It should be behind the shoulder blade so it can move forward and back without interference from the saddle.

Can you put up a picture maybe?

 

[ZondaR]

Thanks Jjj. I don't have a video. I know the description is difficult, sorry. I don't think the saddle is too far forwards, it is certainly on the correct part of his back. The shoulder blade is moving without interference from the saddle. When it moves forward, that is when the gap appears and it moves back easily. I won't be back with horsie until tomorrow and I will certainly double check where I am putting it on his back.

 

[sbloom]

Can you take two photos - one from the front, stood right by his head, including from the pommel almost to the bottom of the flap, well lit so that all saddle parts can be seen. The another of the whole horse, on level ground, conformation shot style. The saddle needs to be girthed up firmly with no pad.