Tips on fitting a horse saddle

Home -> Articles -> Tips on fitting a horse saddle

Whether you have just bought a horse or you have lessons at a riding school, finding out how to fit a horse saddle is one of the first things to learn. By saddling up a horse, you provide a secure and stable seat in which you can ride and which, if it is a good saddle, will distribute your weight correctly.

It is important to know how to fit a horse saddle because if you incorrectly saddle up a horse, it is likely to be uncomfortable for one or both of you and it has the potential to cause long-term damage to the horse's back.

Step by step guide to fitting a horse saddle

Check the horse saddle is in good condition and doesn't have any lumps

Brush your horse's back, smoothing down the hair and ensuring there is nothing that the saddle could rub against and irritate your horse's skin

If you wish to use a numnah or saddle pad, place it on the horse's withers and then slide it down its back to ensure the hair lies flat

If you are not using a numnah, lift the saddle up above the horse's back and place it on the withers, then slide it down its back. If you are using a numnah, lift the saddle and place it slightly forward, then slide it down a little

Check the horse saddle is not pinching the horse's spine by looking for light showing between the saddle and the back

Remove the girth from the top of the saddle and ensure any numnah that is being used is not wrinkled or caught up

Bring the girth under the horse and fasten the straps gently, attaching the numnah if necessary

Flex the front legs of the horse to ensure that there are no wrinkles of skin underneath the girth

A range of premium horse saddles at Dogwood

At Dogwood we offer the very finest in horse saddles and are pleased to be able to offer leather and synthetic saddles from the respected manufacturers Bates and Wintec. We have a whole range of saddles that are designed for a specific purpose so that you can find exactly what will suit your horse riding habits best. For example, if you often compete in dressage events, you may wish to consider the Bates Caprilli Dressage or perhaps the Wintec 500 Dressage.

As well as horse saddles and tack, we also have a superb range of outdoor wear that will keep you warm and dry, whatever the weather. Choose from our fine wellington boots, shooting jackets, jumpers, trousers, and other fine country clothing.

If you wish to discover more about a horse saddle at Dogwood or you wish to find out more about any other of our products, please telephone 0845 30 10 365.

Site Design by