How to tell if your saddle fits | Kate Ballard, Society of Master Saddlers

[@rachandade]

This is the best saddle fitting video that I've seen on here! Clear and simple instruction, easy to understand and thorough visuals. Highly recommended!!

[@olivialynnbenavides]

I agree ❤

[@ruby2chobe]

Totally agree, very informative. Thankyou

[@Blazewoods]

This was actually very simple, I thought it would be quite more difficult than I thought!

[@laurareagan3268]

This video is awesome. I’ve always had trouble understanding exactly how a saddle should fit and I do not have access to a fitter. This video explained it so well and gave me so much more confidence to make the right saddle fit choice for my horse.

[@Zapporah85]

Thanks for these tips, this is a great explanation and visual!

[@Fahad-uz8uv]

I am truly grateful for those awesome tips. I just need a small clarification if you may. Should the fit of the saddle be 100% all the time because if so, every horse need a custom made saddle. If not, what are the thing we can comprise? Thats for educational purpose no arguing intended. Thank you very much.

[@cantbebothered112]

I've heard people say they use half pads if the saddle doesnt fit 100%. I use a saddle that fits my horse (this is a guess in %) 98% and I use one and it fits him 100% with it on.

[@smartpak]

Hi @F E, in a perfect world every horse would have a custom saddle! However, we know that every rider is trying to do the best for their horse with the tools they have, and we would recommend working with a reputable saddle fitter in your area to determine what’s best for your horse. Often certain pads can be used to help mitigate fit issues, but an equine professional that can put hands on your horse and on your saddle will be the best resource for your specific saddle and horse! -SmartPaker Jenna

[@CP-jh8jl]

I think that wither and shoulder clearance are the most important aspects, but it does depend on the horse and the saddle!

[@redgundogs]

Kate did a saddle fitting on my horse, and he has a Mattes half pad with shims in the summer, and a dressage pad alone in his heavy months. She has seen him twice, once in late winter and once in late spring. The half pad has made it possible for one saddle to fit both of his sizes.

[@Newcards4u]

I have looked into barefoot saddles, as they adjust with the horse.

[@kucyktoledo]

That's the best saddle fitting video I've ever watched, thank you!

[@BlondieLox94]

This video is so helpful - I know it’s slightly different but I am learning how to tack up and never really understood where the saddle should sit, someone would just say “that’s fine” but know I know where and why it should sit where it does - really helpful! Thank you!

[@donnasayers5523]

Kate Ballard I’d the BEST! Love my saddle ❤❤❤

[@megharbour3521]

This video so perfectly summed everything (in an English manner) up for me! I’m a complete beginner and felt like I was falling forward when walking around so now I’m going to check my saddle which supposedly fit, but now I know what exactly I’m looking for!! Thank you!

[@lenaamundsen1938]

Bought several saddles by now, and this have been my go-to for advice each time on proper fitting before calling in my local saddler!

[@Newcards4u]

This was easy and informative.. Very helpful with the green dots..

[@juanitaburt5281]

Thank you for the video, very clear and succinct. Buying and fitting a saddle is a nightmare

[@clegg334]

Best saddle fitting for English I've come across. Thank you.

[@FrankieandFlynn]

Thank you so much for this I have a baby and I need to fit his first saddle correctly . This video helped so much 😊😊

[@mdee860]

Really well done, thank you so much! Very clear explanation. If horses could, they would say this: thank you so much 👏👏👏♥️🐎

[@jacquisims2054]

I’ve been watching saddle fitting videos and this is absolutely the clearest thank you

[@lindseysutherland7779]

Brilliant video. Learnt more from this video than a million others!

[@bayleetorrez7759]

This is one of the best saddle fitting videos I've seen. Well done 👏 ✔️

[@maple1825]

Do these same rules apply to western saddles?

[@smartpak]

Hi @maple 1, thanks for your question! This video is intended to be a guideline for horses using English-style saddles. We would not recommend using the same principles for Western-style saddles as those are intended to fit differently and work differently with horse and rider. We’ll be sure to pass your interest in seeing a video about Western-style saddle fit along to the right team here for future consideration, too! -SmartPaker Jenna

[@mailimarechal9447]

Maple 1 no, western saddles mainly span across the whole back (which you probably already know)

[@laurenhorne3843]

@@smartpak I would be interested as well. I currently have a sports saddle which may fit similar. Thank you for the video on English saddles! It was very informative!

[@laurensims4836]

What are some tips when buying a used saddle online and not being able to try it on your horse first? This video is so interesting and wonderful! Thank you.

[@rachelzurkowski7715]

This is the most informative saddle fitting video on KZbin. Thank you for creating this!

[@daviemcglynn]

Great information thank you!

[@chelseymendez2039]

Thank you, thank you for this explanation!

[@bbartel1978]

This is by far the clearest explanation I've seen. Thanks!

[@crohkorthreetoes3821]

Thank you very much. Concise and to the point with great demonstration.

[@cindyhuang8519]

I have watched several videos, this one is the best!

[@kimoto81]

Amazing Video!!! Greetings from Brazil

[@bibiliati8832]

Absolutely the very best information with clear instructions! Thank you so very much Kate Ballard❤️

[@celineuironain7567]

Fantastic video - very clear and to the point.

[@glazeddonut1148]

Just checked and ..... HALLELUJAH !!!!! It fits perfectly !! Thanks for the video ❤️❤️

[@tamarawatts7312]

Literally the best video I’ve seen on saddle fitting thanks!

[@rsequestrian3896]

Wow this is an amazing explanation of saddle fitting!

[@Esddi2909]

Thank you - wonderful video!

[@loulou1248]

I appreciate this video greatly ❤thank you

[@Wendy63Lorraine]

Well done and Thank you for this thorough demonstration🌟

[@Livetodaywell]

Thank you very much for this excellent instruction. I really need to call in a saddle fitter. Thank you.

[@gapefuuut]

Can you please explain the “two fingers on either side” part? I didn’t quite get what you mean by that because the angle of the clip was unclear💔 Thank you very much for this video!

[@furraricattery]

same here

[@racinsmart]

this is very helpful! i’m trying a saddle this saturday and will put these tips to use!

[@sarahtaege4582]

Super informative. Thank you so much!!!

[@wajdiamayreh930]

Very useful and informative video. Thank you very much. So the upper part of the saddle should not touch the horse's back? Should it be tried initially on bare skin?

[@equinegamer6532]

Thank you!! this helps so much my horse is a rescue and the saddle I got the rescue fit it on him while he was a little skinny now his saddle is losing its fit and this helped so much to get the right size for him

[@cantbebothered112]

That's what happened to my gelding which is why I had to get a half pad. I would get a new saddle but since it fits perfectly with the half pad I don't see a point in buying another saddle

[@equinegamer6532]

Hannah Marie My saddle fits perfect with a half pad as well but my saddle is 30 years old and need repair is done in those repairs are quite expensive and we don’t have a place where we can get it fixed so instead of spending the money to get mine repaired my parents might get me a new one for my birthday

[@equinegamer6532]

That and my saddle doesn’t have a changeable Gillett and my horse has huge Withers

[@mervee2886]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us, this was such an easy to understand clear video.

[@TheChunjun]

Wish I had KZbin in the 80's when I had my first horses. I would've been able to be such a better horse owner. I guess the best thing is to load up your horse and take it to the tack shop otherwise how many times would you be doing returns?

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Excellent informative video!

[@rachelgill7579]

Very informative video, thank you! I never knew how to fit an English saddle before. I sadly don't have my own horse any more, but maybe some day I can own one again and I will know what saddle to get now.

[@jacquelinemerrick4257]

Excellent thank you ❤

[@debrahenderson6381]

Great video! Very informative.

[@anonimouse3190]

Love this video explanation! I've watched so many, and never found one that gave clear enough details for me to feel confident enough to try it out on my own. What are the chances you've done one for western, too? 😇

[@dymondsdesigns8934]

Awesome video very informative and easy to understand.

[@cafevirtualconrociocabrera3692]

Thank you for this great video

[@candicejohnson5577]

Yes it's clear which saddles fit when the horse is standing squarely on a level surface with all his back muscles at rest, but, does it all still fit and works for him while in motion? When a horse is in motion the shape of their backs can change dramatically.

[@blaisearwyn3405]

I think thats why at the end of the video its mentioned that the next step would be to see the horse in motion with a rider.

[@candicejohnson5577]

That's my point though. If you fit to the horse at rest the chance of the saddle fitting well enough to allow for complete range of motion is unlikely. There will most certainly be pressure points and areas where there is little contact. Add to that the pad and its thickness and you could have a mess. I've learned over the years that fitting my horse to saddle that is a few centimeters wider than their backs and adding a pad with shims to lift the front of the saddle up off their shoulders just enough to allow full range of motion makes a world of difference to their comfort and stride.

[@CP-jh8jl]

These fitting terms were created so when the horse is in motion, the saddle will still fit. For example, the 3 finger wither clearance rule. When the rider’s weight is in the saddle and the horse is moving, there will be less than 3 fingers clearance. But the fit will still be appropriate because this was taken into account during the fitting. Extra clearance was needed when the horse was still to allow for the rider’s weight and the horses movement

[@hettymorgan6333]

so is the same true for fitting a western saddle - ie 8 and 18? this was great by the way

[@gemmaross2252]

I found this video really helpful, thank you.

[@nikolmladkova5977]

This is a very helpful video! I certainly learned something about equine anatomical landmarks ☺️

[@coralmarcin2063]

Could you please do another one of these but for a western saddle? Thank you!!

[@jesstiara4351]

Thank you sooooo much SmartPak!

[@marlyclay]

Great video and very well explained

[@angelinafusato4308]

Does this fitting technique apply to western saddles?

[@steveb4066]

Superb video - so informative! Thank you

[@Birddog1227Blogspot]

Hi Kate @Smartpak Thanks in advance, I have referred to this vid several times! I have a question/comment... So I am to be clear: the saddle size i.e.: 17.5" Wintec 500 CC is not a measurement for the rider; rather it is for the horse weight bearing area for English purposes? Glad to have your services at Smartpak!

[@Rumplezzz]

This is so helpful thank you!!

[@sineadbeel1917]

Really nice and simple! 😊

[@clarkosteo]

This is an AMAZING video. Thank you so much!

[@d3DMediaPaintStudio]

I just pick up an Australian saddle from an estate sale that is similar to an English saddle. Would I follow the same method in your video on my horses?

[@ameliamann5267]

Really educational

[@caryulmer7063]

Excellent video, very clear explanations. Thanks for the tips!

[@nadiavaerendonck7603]

Great video, thanks !

[@thetigerlyon]

This is so helpful, thank you!

[@AmandaAylwin]

Once we’ve found a saddle that fits well will the saddle pad make it sit differently?

[@juliefox77]

Very helpful!!!

[@lysrothman]

What about someone that needs a size 18 saddle, but it is too long for the horse? Are their alternatives?

[@heikelautenschlager720]

That was really helpful, thank you!

[@geminidream4347]

Just happened to find you, great learning video which is what I am looking for. I agree with Zapporah, good explanation with using visuals. Thank you. Liked, subbed, alarmed.

[@kintero27]

Awesome video!

[@bonzaralph]

Fantastic very business like brilliant thank you!

[@julieallen1386]

Fantastic thankyou 😀

[@kimbourke4775]

Thanks. I always get confused by the size in inches of the saddle, is this for the rider or the horse? I've been told by an instructor that a 19 inch saddle is the best saddle for all riders but I don't understand why. He feels there is more room to move. If you could clarify this would be really appreciated, I'm just learning about horse care.

[@minnimo17]

19 inches is the size of the seat from front to back. A 19 inch saddle is VERY long, most horses this would be well over the last rib and pressing on the kidneys of the horse. My long backed 16.1 horse is has a 17.5 inch saddle any longer would be over her last rib. Seat length does need to take into account the rider as if you put a short person in a 19 inch saddle they may not feel secure, you can use knee blocks to some extent. A tall man wouldn't fit well in a 16.5 inch saddle with his stirrups at a comfortable length his knees may stick over the knee rolls. A 'larger rider' in a short saddle would end up putting too much pressure on the back of the saddle as they are too big for the seat.

[@kimbourke4775]

Mirelle Radley Thankyou Mirelle, so it would be reasonable to measure from the c8 to the last rib for length then go from there?

[@minnimo17]

@@kimbourke4775 Yeah, or you can just try a few varying sized saddles on to see what is the right length, e.g if you are on a livery yard borrow a few of the other liveries saddles just to look at size and fit. But nothing beats a qualified fitter coming to find a saddle that fits you both :)

[@baileyhering5493]

This video is fitting for the horse but saddle fit for you I was always told should be that you are able to fit your whole hand behind your butt. If there's a lot of room left after your hand it's too big. If you can't fit your whole hand it's too small.

[@barbaramongoose9]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@idontlikeformula1]

Wow! I feel like saddle shopping is really hard because you can’t bring your horse to the store to try them out haha

[@R03EY]

That’s why saddle fitters are so common even when you can fit ur own saddle because they bring in a bunch of test saddles

[@lisajadwin1866]

great saddle fitting video!

[@benjamintucker1075]

Very good information! Thank you!

[@leahderby6093]

Is any of this different for fitting a mule?

[@dorothytenute2710]

Informative but I woud also like to see added onto this making sure the saddle fits the rider. What do you do if the saddle fits the horse but not necessarily the rider

[@patriciabautista4492]

Does this work for western saddles too?

[@tiajewels2820]

Excellent video!

[@lisathewhitewolf]

I need one of these for Western saddles

[@damaproductions7678]

Such an educational video.

[@punkylemons5513]

This was wonderful!

[@jadecherry7224]

So interesting! Thanks for posting!

[@keelychaikin4342]

Is it bad to have a high wither clearance if the rest of the saddle fits balanced and has full contact? Or does that mean I need a wider gullet? I have a saddle with the easy change system but I’m unsure if I should go up one size.

[@maddie._equestrian]

If a saddle is too wide, is there anyway to fit it with a half pad? Or shims?

[@Lyndengeo]

Best one I've seen.

[@stlfancy146]

Ok so how would u fit a saddle to a horse and to the rider tho? Does it mean the person is too big for the horse if the saddle is too big?

[@irockluculent961]

Well done introductory video.

[@katiewilson7873]

Thank you, brilliant video!!!

[@nalinweerathunga1355]

I'm from Sri Lanka. I want to sturdy more. So how could u help me..

[@terezarock8301]

Hello I really liked your video! I have a dressage pony and we noticed that after riding there is no space under the saddle around the shoulder and it moves forward after riding. Our dressage saddle was purchased and fitted just for my pony however now our saddle fitter is not sure what to do and only suggested a tail holder connected to the saddle but wasn’t sure about it either. This saddle was purchased 2 years ago. Would you have any tips? Is there any other way I can contact you? Thank you 😊

[@ne8116]

thank you so much for this

[@savannahr1874]

Thanks this really helped

[@hannahduer]

Thank you!