Does Your Saddle Meet These Criteria?

If your saddle is fitting correctly then it should comply with the following criteria:

- The width and length of the saddle must be suitable for the horses shape.
- Your saddle must have total clearance of the spinal process through the gullet.
- Is your saddle positioned correctly? It should ideally be placed three fingers width behind the
   horse's scapula (shoulder).
- The bearing area (panel) should be in contact all the way along the back.
- The saddle should be balanced, you should be sitting centrally in the seat any tipping forward
   or back can cause pressure points and ultimately - soreness.
- Your saddle should be suited to your horse and you; generally a smaller rider on a big horse
   isn't a problem within reason, whereas a larger rider on a small horse can cause your saddler
   a multitude of problems. The horse will always be our priority & worse case scenario is that a
   more compatible horse is sourced.
- Your saddle should remain central on your horses back whatever his/her paces, it shouldn't
   swing from side to side or lift off the back too much, although there is an acceptable amount of
   movement and some horses just have a more bouncy action.
- Your saddle panels should be completely symmetrical unless a qualified saddle fitter has
   flocked it to match your horse's asymmetry.
- The flock in the panel of your saddle should be soft and free from lumps if it feels hard then it
   probably needs a re-flock, something only a qualified saddler can do.

If your saddle fails in any or all of these criteria then you need to get in touch we can help you.