2009-11-23

Saddle Fitting Checklist

(these notes are a blend of OEF Schleese Saddlery notes and a great Greenhawk brochure that I picked up the other day in cardstock. i don't think its available on their website)

before you start, think about your priorities. use, budget, new/used, synthetic/leather

[ ] place saddle on the horse's back without a girth or saddle pad
[ ] ensure horse is standing square, on level ground

[ ] balance and straightness
the centre of the seat of the saddle, the so-called sweet spot, should be parallel to the ground and the saddle should sit evenly viewed from the back
- also check rider balance seated in the saddle, to ensure it fits rider also. shoulder, hip, heel alignment with centre over horse's centre
[ ] wither clearance
ideally 1 to 3 fingers above and 1 to 2 fingers on each side (low withers will have more clearance and high withers will have less)
[ ] legnth
the saddle should not extend past the horse's last rib [ ] panel contact
panels should contact the horse's back evenly without bridging or rocking
[ ] channel width/gullet
should clear spine
[ ] shoulder alignment
tree points should allow scapula and muscle to move freely, less contact at top
- a horse's shoulder rotates upwards and backwards 4-8inches in motion
[ ] billet alignment
the billets should hang perpendicular to the ground one hand behind the elbow

i think it interesting that it says head tossing and won't stand for mounting can be signs that a horse may benefit from a saddle fitting consultation.