Saddle issue?

[slumdog]

Can a poorly fitting saddle make a horse knock jumps?

He's not showing any other signs of a poorly fitted saddle, his flat work is good and he doesn't have any bad habits, it doesn't slide backwards or forwards but someone mentioned it could be a contibuting factor. (I've done pole work, grid work etc)

He has poles regularly and we had a bad fall on Sunday because of it. Going to have his back and saddle checked to rule out anything physical before I enlist the help of a trainer (or stick him on horsemart lol) but just wondered if anyone has noticed a significant change in their horse when changing a saddle?
Thanks

 

[slumdog]

Just to add- I've already booked him in for Thursday but just wondered about other people's experiences

 

[JillA]

Yes, in a word. To jump well he needs to bascule, or arch his back over the jump and if he is ouchy with a saddle that will cause him to tighten up and not jump well. Good luck with the fitting/back check

 

[slumdog]

Thank you, I'm half hoping its saddle related because this will explain why he doesnt seem to be progressing although on the other hand obviously I hope I've not been riding him in a badly fitting saddle. If its not saddle I'll be looking for a good trainer, I'm not risking another fall like that, I feel like I've been hit by a train!