WESTERN SADDLE FITTING

This is a topic that leaves a lot of us scratching our heads at. Personally, I have been through 7 saddles looking for the "right one". Rein It In is a way for me to share my personal findings of the western saddle fitting world, so that others can also benefit. How so? Well, we dug up some basics of saddle fitting which indicate what you can do and what you probably should not to do. Full disclosure, I (we) am (are) not a western saddle fitter...but fantastic news...we have one available by appointment! So here goes...

You know you have the proper saddle fitting when:

• Your horse is relaxed and willing to obey commands easily
• You spend far more pleasurable hours in your saddle – as opposed to fighting with your horse to comply with your commands
• Your saddle feels comfortable and fits like a worn glove
• You’re able to sit in the seat comfortably without struggling to find a spot that allows you to relax and keep your balance
• Your horse moves freely and with an easy stride

Congratulations! Now measure every inch of that saddle and jot it down or better yet, contact the manufacturer and request the specs. Remember, our best buds will change over time and so do we. Read on if you start experiencing different behaviors than above.

You know you have a saddle that doesn’t fit your horse properly when:

• You have to fight to keep your balance in the seat
• Your body is in pain because the saddle puts you in the wrong position
• Your horse doesn’t respond to your commands because he’s in pain
• Your horse bucks or shifts constantly when you try to saddle him
• Your horse hits the ground harder with his feet, which increase stress and soreness on his lower legs

Maybe you’re thinking, “But what if some of the horse’s behaviors and symptoms you mentioned are par for the course? Doesn’t everyone get sore when riding their horse at some point?”

The simple answer is, yes. But since you’re still not convinced that your saddle is the problem, here are more obvious signs your saddle is definitely the problem.

These are the 6 direct and obvious signs and symptoms your horses saddle is definitely the problem:

• Sores
• White Hairs
• Temporary Swelling after Saddle Removal
• Scars or Hard Spots in Muscle or Skin
• Muscle Atrophy on Sides of Withers
• Friction Rubs in the Horse’s Hair

Here are 3 signs your horse’s behavioral problems are due to back pain:

• Objects to being saddled
• Doesn’t stand still when you try to mount
• Hypersensitivity to brushing

In conclusion, no matter what type of Western riding discipline you’re engaged in, proper Western saddle fit is crucial to your horse’s comfort and ability to respond to your commands.

Proper saddle fit will also decrease your own physical pain and soreness as well as your frustration with your best bud.

Now the fun begins! Time to consider whether you want a custom saddle, a brand new saddle, or a used western saddles and that's where Rein It In comes in. There are so many options out there and we would love to help you navigate your saddle fitting!