Buying a new saddle can be a very overwhelming and daunting task as there are so many types available on the market today. The most important thing when looking at new saddles is the fit on your horse. Then, it has to fit you, the rider, and then, it has to fit your budget. Yes I am putting budget last because I honestly believe that if you find a saddle that fits both you and your horse, you should stretch yourself financially because a quality saddle will last you decades and getting the right saddle from the start will save you huge dollars over the years in fittings and replacement saddles as well as all sorts of other mental grief.

The fit on your horse: Does your horse buck, bolt, rear, or have a soar back? Does he have trouble getting the right lead in a certain direction? Is he slow to warm up or is he resistant to ride and gets progressively worse through the ride? When tacking up does he pin his ears or swish his tail? When riding does he pin his ears or swish his tail for no reason? Is he happy only going in one direction? Or maybe he just shuts down after you have been riding for a while. Does he refuse jumps or take off after them? There are so many issues that are caused by an ill fitting saddle and a soar back. If you horse is exhibiting one or more of the above symptoms you may want to check your saddle fit. The best way to assess your saddle fit is to get a respected saddle fitter to come and do a fitting for your horse.

The saddle fitter will watch your horse move under his saddle to assess if anything is hindering his movement. They will take into consideration any a-symmetries of your horses back and body. Make sure you make them aware of any injuries in either you or your horse. They will then assess your current saddle to check for any faults or problems is affecting its use. The saddle fitter will then suggest other more suitable options that they feel will work for you and your horse.

Usually the saddle fitter will have several saddles on hand for you to try. They will know what will work on your horse, and what size of saddle you should be riding in based on your height and weight. Take your time trying each saddle. Warm yourself and your horse up properly and make everyone wait while you do so. You are about to spend a lot of money and you won’t get the best feel for each saddle until your horse is warmed up and moving as free as possible. I also recommend having your trainer watch you ride in each saddle and assess your position. While one saddle may feel just fine, another saddle may put you in a much better position so you need some good, qualified eyes on the ground.

Most saddle retailers will let you try a saddle for a week or so. So now you have narrowed it down to a couple saddles. Keep one or both of them for a week so you can really feel confident that you are making the right purchase for you and your horse.

Lastly, have your saddle checked at least once a year. Horses in training and young horses that are growing change shape. What may have fit your horse 2 years ago may be bothering him now. I recommend to get a saddle that can be adjusted by a saddle fitter.