western saddles

1. A professional runner would never enter a marathon in shoes that didn’t fit just right. Nor would a football player line up, block and tackle in a helmet that leads to soreness and discomfort. Like any other athlete, horses need equipment that is not only functional for the task that they are performing but pleasant to work in. western saddles Finding the right western saddle is as much about fitting the horse as it is about fitting the job that the horse will perform. A solid understanding of saddle fitting principles ensures the safety and success of both horse and rider. western saddle pads Whether you're looking to purchase a new saddle or trying to gauge the saddle you currently have, understanding how to properly fit a western saddle ensures a better experience for you and your horse. Fitting a Western Saddle Much like trying on a pair of shoes at the store, you should try a saddle on the horse's back before you swing a leg over or expect that horse to start working. western saddles for sale near me 1. Start with a Clean Horse When trying a saddle on your horse, ensure that the back and withers where the saddle tree will rest is free of any debris that could cause discomfort. reining saddles for sale 2. Skip the Saddle Pad Instead of placing a saddle pad on the horse as you would when riding, put the saddle so that it is in direct contact with the withers and back. You are evaluating how the saddle interacts with the horse’s

2. conformation and movements and using a saddle pad could result in a poor reading and a poorly fit saddle. saddle and tack 3. Properly Place the Saddle Ensure that the saddle is placed properly by centering it over the withers and girth as you would when riding. This will help indicate any pressure points when using the saddle on your horse. 4. Check for Movement Once you have placed the saddle, you should start your evaluation by trying to rock the saddle. Place your hand on the saddle horn and try gently but firmly rocking the saddle back and forth. You should do this both front to back and side to side. If you notice a lot of movement there is a good chance that the saddle does not fit that particular horse. The saddle should fit like a glove without being tight. 5. Search for Pinch Points If the saddle appears snug after trying to move it, you should now search for any possible pinch points. Slide your palm between the shoulder of the horse and the saddle and feel for any pressure. Your hand should fit easily beneath the saddle when on the horse's back while still remaining secure. Rock the saddle back and forth as well as side to side with your palm still below the saddle and take note of any pinching or discomfort that you might experience. Any of these issues could indicate that the saddle does not fit the horse properly or that the horse may require a blanket with special padding in those tight or loose areas. 6. Look for Balance After assessing the saddle’s fit up close you should take another broad look at how it sits on the horse. Step back and gauge whether the saddle looks even and comfortable on the horse and that it stays in the proper position. 7. Listen to The Horse

3. Throughout the entire process you should listen to the horse. Take note of the horse’s expressions and movements as you test out and observe the fit. If the horse pins its ears, bites, stomps or shies away when the saddle is on its back there is a good chance that the saddle does not fit properly.