Whole Horse Saddle Fit

Sept. 3 traveling from Ball Ground to Homer. Can add clients on this route! 404-590-1064

If you've got a youngster you value, start them right. There are options that won't break the bank! 404-590-1064

'I just used an old cheap saddle for backing'

Something I hear quite often whilst out working is, “I just used an old cheap saddle for backing.”

And I completely understand the thinking. A new saddle is a significant investment, especially when there’s a concern that a young horse may change shape, or damage the saddle.

But I think it’s worth looking at the first saddle experience from the horse’s perspective.

Horses are prey animals, and having something strapped around their body and placed across their back is a completely new experience. If the saddle fits well and is comfortable, the horse has the opportunity to gradually learn that this is something they can relax with.

But what happens if that first saddle is too narrow, too long, the wrong shape, or simply uncomfortable?

What does the horse learn from that experience?

Then we introduce a rider. If the saddle fits, the horse can begin to build a positive association with carrying someone. But if the saddle creates discomfort, the horse may respond. Sometimes subtly through tension, bracing or changes in movement, and sometimes more obviously through bucking, rearing or bolting.

Over time, those experiences can influence how the horse feels about being saddled and ridden, and how they organise their body around the experience.

I’m not suggesting that you need to buy an expensive new saddle for a young horse. The price of a saddle doesn’t determine whether it fits correctly.
What I am suggesting is that the fit matters from the very beginning.

Perhaps instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest saddle I can use for backing?” we could ask:
“What experience do I want my horse’s nervous system to have from the very first ride?”

Sometimes, investing in getting the saddle fit correctly may be one of the most valuable things we can do at the start of their ridden journey.

Best of luck to everybody at American Eventing Championships this week! Refit a few clients' saddles just before the big event, so I expect great things from you all!

Open appointments this week Alpharetta/Canton, Cu***ng, and Dawsonville. 404-590-1064

We had a full day in Powder Springs, our third one in the last 2 weeks! Clients there are all taken care of for a while. I do have some openings next week, so if you are elsewhere and need saddle fitting reach out! 404-590-1064

Today I fit a Schleese, WOW, Amerigo, Prestige, Dover Circuit, Big Horn, JRD, Passier, & Thorowgood. Part of what I love about being an independent fitter is all the variety. So much to have to know but so much fun!

I have so many beautiful monoflaps right now! These are just a few. If you're looking for a monoflap jump saddle, hit me up! Got lots of monoflap dressage too. 404-590-1064