Saddle Fit And Horse Anatomy

There are four critical points of the horse’s anatomy that impact saddle fit.

• Withers
• Shoulders
• Spine/Back
• Point of Hip/Loins

Withers.
Ideally, the withers of the horse are level with, or a little above, the highest point of the rump (or croup). Withers that are higher or lower than this would need special consideration when choosing a saddle.

To check the clearance at the withers, place your hand on edge and slide your fingers between the withers and the gullet (with no saddle pad). You should be able to place between 2 and 4 stacked fingers into this space.

Shoulders.
Large shouldered horses can be constricted by a saddle with a bar width and angle that is too narrow with the saddle forcing the shoulders against the saddle tree bars. On a thin-shouldered horse, a saddle that’s too wide can ride forward onto the shoulder blades causing discomfort and restricting movement.

To check the shoulder clearance, slide your hand between the fleece lining of the saddle and the horse’s shoulder (with a saddle pad). Your hand should be able to slide in easily. Ideally, you should also be able to do this with a rider in the saddle.

Spine/Back.
A horse that has an overly narrow, or conversely, an overly flat back, can find certain saddles to be uncomfortable. A horse whose back is “downhill,” with his rump higher than his withers, can end up with the saddle slipping forward causing soreness.

Saddles are designed with a gullet channel (the open space between the bars) that is intended to bridge the spine. A saddle that’s too wide for a horse can result in weight being placed directly on the spine. Sweat marks are a good way to tell if your saddle is placing weight on your horse’s spine. When you take your saddle off, the entire spine should be dry.

Point of Hip/Loins.
Horses with shorter than average backs can find the saddle’s skirts digging into their loins. The skirt should follow the contour of the horse’s back and not extend past the horse’s loins. With short-backed horses, a round skirt will be the best choice.

When assessing saddle fit, start by evaluating how the saddle relates to each of these four critical points of the horse’s anatomy.

The Western Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle Fit Book

Veterinarian, Joyce Harman’s much-delayed book on saddle fit for the western horse was officially released today, July 2nd.

The Western Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book

Dr. Harman’s earlier books and DVDs have clearly established her as the preeminent expert in saddle fit, but, more importantly, as someone who can make the subject understandable and accessible. Dr. Harman doesn’t unnecessarily complicate this important topic.

Dr. Harman’s newest book is the definitive reference guide on saddle fit for the western horse. From the press release:

“In this most thorough, comprehensive book Dr. Harman, veterinarian and respected saddle-fitting expert, educates the reader about the horse’s conformation—particularly the shape of the back, withers, ribs, and shoulders; saddle construction—the tree, bars, seat, skirts, fleece, gullet, and stirrups; and the rider’s physical build. She explains how all these variables must be considered in order to keep the horse comfortable. In addition, read about correct use of saddle pads; fitting saddles for different sports such as reining, cutting, pleasure, and trail; and how to care for your horse’s back, both over the short and long term.”

This is a book that should be in your library.

The Western Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book

You may want to also pick Dr. Harman’s other books and DVD.

- Western Saddles: Pain-Free Fit[DVD]

- The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book

- The Western Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book