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

www.smartpakeq...
Does your saddle fit your horse? Where do you start to figure out if it does or doesn't? We asked professional saddle fitter and member of the Society of Master Saddlers, Kate Ballard, to give us a few tips and tricks to help you figure out if your saddle fits your horse. So if you've ever asked yourself any of the following questions about your saddle, watch this video to get the answers from a world-renowned saddle fitter:
- Is it too long or too short?
- Is it too wide or not wide enough?
- Do the length and width really matter? (SPOILER ALERT: They do.)
- What is bridging?
Still have saddle questions? Check out our handy saddle fitting guide (www.smartpakeq...) or give SmartPak's Customer Care team a call at 1-800-461-8898 - they're always happy to help you out.

[@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 ❤

[@Zapporah85]

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

[@Blazewoods]

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

[@Galemor1]

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

[@chelseymendez2039]

Thank you, thank you for this explanation!

[@jacquisims2054]

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

[@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.

[@hannahmarie1155]

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.

[@Galemor1]

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

[@clegg334]

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

[@crohkorthreetoes3821]

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

[@mdee860]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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!

[@lindseysutherland7779]

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

[@bbartel1978]

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

[@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!

[@julieallen1386]

Fantastic thankyou 😀

[@rsequestrian3896]

Wow this is an amazing explanation of saddle fitting!

[@donnasayers5523]

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

[@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.

[@bonzaralph]

Fantastic very business like brilliant thank you!

[@tamarawatts7312]

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

[@Esddi2909]

Thank you - wonderful video!

[@Livetodaywell]

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

[@racinsmart]

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

[@naunettemartin7450]

I like this video that you do

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Excellent informative video!

[@dymondsdesigns8934]

Awesome video very informative and easy to understand.

[@arrikairwin8590]

Thank you very much. If horses could talk they would thank you too

[@gemmaross2252]

I found this video really helpful, thank you.

[@sineadbeel1917]

Really nice and simple! 😊

[@debrahenderson6381]

Great video! Very informative.

[@lyndengeo]

Best one I've seen.

[@loulou1248]

I appreciate this video greatly ❤thank you

[@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

[@hannahmarie1155]

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

[@lisajadwin1866]

great saddle fitting 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.

[@marlyclay]

Great video and very well explained

[@kintero27]

Awesome video!

[@tiajewels2820]

Excellent video!

[@jadecherry7224]

So interesting! Thanks for posting!

[@punkylemons5513]

This was wonderful!

[@mdee860]

In England, the saddle fitters come to you! They also have better all in one truck/trailer combos. America is waaay behind. 🤔😢

[@thetigerlyon]

This is so helpful, thank you!

[@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

[@clarkosteo]

This is an AMAZING video. Thank you so much!

[@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.

[@barbaramongoose9]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@caryulmer7063]

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

[@shanz.kids1]

Wonderful, thank you :)

[@kynancapybarafan9964]

Very helpful!

[@ne8116]

thank you so much for this

[@hannahduer]

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.

[@onlyequines8003]

Learned alot

[@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? 😇

[@carriewaugh1005]

Thanks! Learned a lot

[@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?

[@do3aalghamdi228]

Amazing 🤩

[@coralmarcin2063]

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

[@beckyequestrian3891]

very helpful thx!

[@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!

[@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?

[@Birddog1227Blogspot]

Thanks!

[@debbief2274]

9 Steps of Saddle Fit (Compilation) by Schleese Saddlery . The best , please watch and you will see what i mean .x

[@payntpot7623]

Agree wholeheartedly.

[@imjustahallucination8257]

Helpful👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@hettymorgan6333]

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

[@lysrothman]

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

[@AmandaAylwin]

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

[@leahderby6093]

Is any of this different for fitting a mule?

[@patriciabautista4492]

Does this work for western saddles too?

[@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?

[@marymccarthy3738]

What do you mean by “2 fingers either side on the deepest part of the seat” the camera angle does not let me get a good look

[@haleynyce535]

What happens when you need a seat size that’s too long for your horses back?

[@maddie._equestrian]

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

[@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.

[@maryannlyons9690]

i just don't understand the two fingers on each side of the gullet to allow horse to turn. i could only see you putting one finger on each side. is that what you mean?

[@OliveDeuce]

Is that at equine affair 0:44 ??

[@ebonypegasus9864]

But don't you have to have longer, or shorter saddles according to your OWN seat? what if you need a 17.5" saddle and it's too long for your horse?

[@amberboston3154]

I have that problem with my horse but I found a way around it. I've been riding my horse in a 17.5" dressage saddle instead of my 17.5" all purpose, I found that because the dressage seat points upward it dramatically changes the length on the horses' back. A stock saddle would be good too, since the are designed to be more 'snug' on your legs.

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@NatalieMiller19]

What do you actually 'do' when your saddle is bridging in the middle and the cantle is too low? I have an adjustable Wintec tree. I have tried various half pads with no avail. My horse has a swayback. Right now I can't get a new saddle.

[@epona9166]

Great video but it leaves me wondering about Western saddles. There's probably not a western saddle out there that would conform to the T8-T18 guidelines.

[@lexxistillson1790]

Would it hurt the horse if the saddle was only slightly too big or small? I know you can try to even it out with different pads but what would be the worst outcome of a wrongly fitted saddle besides like rubbed hair?

[@smartpak]

Hi @Lexxi Stillson, thanks for your question! An ill fitting saddle has the potential to cause back issues and can be uncomfortable for the horse. We have a great Ask The Vet Video you might find helpful titled “Behaviors in horses with poor fitting saddles”: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z36Vm2CcaqmtjZo . We also always recommend working with your local saddle fitter as they would know your horse personally and be able to identify any potential issues! -SmartPaker Jill

[@mohammadbinsabir5786]

How can a fit a saddle on a sway back horse?

[@scarletbishop6289]

Don't, just don't ride it

[@candicejohnson5577]

That depends on if the horse is truly sway backed or if they just simply have weak posture resulting in a dropped topline. A truly swayed horse has a conformational deformity of the spine which causes the dropped topline, however the majority of horses I have seen that people describe as swayed actually are caused by poor posture due to weak back and core muscles. Many horses that have proportionally long backs can tend to have weaker core muscles. Also horses ridden in saddles that are too small and /or bridge, and/or rock due to contact at the center of the saddle but not also the front and back, often will cause the horse to tighten and drop it's back in effort to avoid the painful pressure. I have a mare that has a somewhat long back in relation to her overall frame who was considered to be swayed by my vet when I got her. After 2 years of ground work and saddle that fit her much better with a little room to spare, she became stronger through her core and topline ultimately gaining and maintaining a much healthier posture. Now at 22, she is ridden regularly by me and by children. She does need a little extra help maintaining her posture but that's just a few simple exercises daily to keep her strong and limber. By no means am I saying this is true for all horses. Every animal is an individual and as such should be treated on an individual basis. That said before looking into a saddle I'd suggest working on improving your horse's posture as much as you can and then assessing whether or not it is best for the horse to be ridden before searching for a saddle. Riding a horse while has poor posture will only make it worse as will riding a swayed one. If you are able to post a picture of your horse that would helpful.

[@candicejohnson5577]

A good place to look for information about how to improve your horse's posture is Natural Horseman Saddles

[@nsc217]

She didn’t say anything about the front cushioning

[@EldaDXiloj]

what if youre at the tack shop and you have to buy a whole bunch of saddles cuz you dont know what fits

[@pninnabokov3734]

Please explain "and to fingers either side to allow for your horse to turn" as all I see is your hand and your fingers splayed which doesn't tell me much. Sorry. Thank you!

[@mattekaserar6889]

Unfortunately this is a bit too simplified.

[@friedeborg]

But no, the dressage saddle she says is good is not good enough. You can se that its not fitting the horses back, the panel is wrong that saddle Will push were the panel stops. And one thing more is that the saddle has the riders point behind and you want to have the point as far forward as possible. :)

[@emeelaankatt9785]

Matilda what time?

[@horselover5941]

Damn I thought it was also western style

[@lorrainemartin2869]

A pony is 14 hands or less. Not 15.

[@LadyShire]

Oh my word, this is why people waste (spend) so much money on fitters. This can also be achieved with a good fitting pad. Stop believing these promotional videos.

[@imissbrookie]

thank you very helpful :)

[@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.

[@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

[@kucyktoledo]

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