Your saddle, new or second-hand, should be fitted by a PROFESSIONAL SADDLE FITTER. Their first consideration will always be the WELFARE OF THE horse.

Ideally each horse should have its own saddle as the saddle will adapt to the contours of the horse. If you intend on using it on more than one horse then you fitter will be able to advise the best pad & shim combination for the comfort of the horse and balance. 

Having a correctly fitting saddle is just as important for a young horse as an older one. These initial years in training are crucial to their physical and mental development. Discomfort or pain from poor saddles can cause costly problems in the future.

It is recommended that you only ever use a thin cotton saddle pad under your saddle. If you intend to use anything else you must inform the fitter as this will affect the overall fit and balance of the saddle or a new one being ordered.

Always use a mounting block. Pressure testing highlights the extremes of diagonal pressure across the spine when mounting from the ground. Not only the long term damage to the tree and panel.

Ideally your saddle should be checked twice a year as your horse’s shape can change regularly. Keep your own eye on your saddle fit and be aware of training & management changes they may have effects.

An independent professional saddle fitter will not always want to sell you a new saddle – you may be surprised your existing one may be able to be altered to fit.

Condition your saddle as if it were your own skin. Clean when dirty and replenish with a conditioning balsam or cream. Do not over treat the leather as this can weaken fibers and stitching.

It is good general practice to swap over your stirrup leathers left to right on a regular basis, as many riders are also a little asymmetric.

Never stack on top of others and avoid tubular frames that may indent panels in a short period of time. Fleece lined saddle cover help to avoid moisture content in damp conditions.

Wool flocking is proven to be the best material used in panel construction for compression and heat absorption. Monitor the condition of your saddle panels, any unevenness can be addressed by your saddle fitter.

Templates/tracings should be taken after exercise, as muscles can expand during work and this is the most appropriate time to assess and take measurements.

When girthed the balance point should be in the centre of the seat. An ‘uphill’ or ‘downhill’ position will cause the rider inbalance and probable back pain.

The gullet should provide ‘adequate’ clearance both front and back and not impinge on the spine (spinous processes)in anyway. It is not essential for the old ‘3 fingers’ rule with modern trees and panels.

If your saddle is subjected to trauma from a fall, it is important to have it checked by a qualified saddler. By dropping the panel the tree can be inspected and possibly loose rivets can be easily replaced that otherwise will lead to long term damaged if not attended to.

Never have a just statically fitted. The horses back is a complex structure and can change considerably when in motion. A saddle should always be assessed being ridden.

Bliss of LondonLiberty House, 222 Regent St,

W1B 5TR London, United Kingdom

www-bliss-of-london.com

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