Get Started with Saddle Fit

There are a thousand things that affect saddle fit, but the team at Tacktical can help make it simpler.

The easiest way to fit your horse for a saddle at home without specialized tools is with a wire hanger. Bend the hanger in half and manipulate it until it will fit over your horse’s withers.

Start at your horse’s withers and set the bent hanger three to four inches back to find where saddle will rest. Spread the hanger apart until it sits evenly over his withers lip it down over your horse’s back leaving just a little bit of clearance, then put your finger where it first makes contact on both sides of the horse. Remove the hanger and measure the distance between those two points to determine the optimal bar size for your horse.

You can also measure your current saddle’s gullet to give insight on the ideal bar size you’re your horse. A standard gullet is measured from concho to concho on the inside of the saddle, so it can be a little tricky to measure accurately at home.

For more details on saddle fitting at home, check out this video with Fallon Taylor, pro barrel racer and founder of Tacktical.

Shimming a Saddle

The same measuring technique can help you figure out what size shim you need to use a saddle with bars that are too big for your horse. If you know your saddle has standard quarter horse bars, and your horse measures six inches from point of contact to point of contact, you will need an inch shim to achieve proper fit.

A simple saddle shim (or even a towel) can help you switch between horses without the need for a custom fitted saddle. Another option to consider is using a Tacktical Balanced Buildup Pad to help improve fit. This pad is ideal for those horses with narrow shoulders or a high, hard-to-fit wither. They work well under your favorite treeless saddle but can also fit under any western saddle.

These pads are designed to give your horse relief from the rigging placement and help a hard-to-fit horse get more comfort and balanced weight distribution.

Why Saddle Fit Matters

You might wonder if properly fitting your horse’s saddle is really that important. Consider it this way: when your horse runs freely in the pasture or roundpen, his shoulder muscles move back and forth with every stride. A poorly fitting saddle can restrict movement in that area, which can result in short, choppy strides or inconsistent movement.

If a saddle’s gullet is too big for your horse, the saddle will shift forward onto his shoulders, hindering movement. If the saddle rocks back, it can create pressure in the back on the lumbar.

That’s not even taking into consideration the pressure that may be on your horse’s back from the saddle’s rigging. Not all riggings are created equal. The Tacktical rigging distributes the pressure of the latigo and off billet evenly on both sides. Tacktical’s variety of skirt options, including the spin relief skirt, can also help your horse’s balance and overall performance.

Other signs of poor fit include dry spots when you remove a sweaty pad and depression of the wither muscles. Improper fit can be the cause of a horse’s inability to perform at his highest level.

The goal is for your saddle to sit evenly with zero play in the front or the back. This can help eliminate performance issues, from stride limitations to attitude issues caused by your horse feeling uncomfortable.

Shop Tacktical’s full line of stock saddles and check out Tacktical’s custom line.

The post Finding the Perfect Saddle Fit for Your Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Tucker Ergobalance Standard Trail Glide Stirrups

The angled cone keeps the rider’s foot flat to decrease knee and ankle fatigue; also includes a thick rubber foot cushion. $77.95; www.tuckersaddlery.com

Veredus Carbon Gel Vento Boot Colors

Anatomic dual-density shell is engineered for high-level leg protection, while allowing freedom of movement. Technical materials provide shock absorption and impact protection, while a double ventilation system channels heat away from the horse’s leg. $279.95; www.veredususa.com

Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Cinch

Intelligent design allows full range of shoulder motion, without interference from the saddle tree. Removable felt, fleece or neoprene liner options. $139.95-$179.90; www.totalsaddlefit.com

SmartPak Harwich Ergonomic Bridle

Anatomic contour monocrown is designed to reduce pressure around the poll and ears.Padded, contoured ergonomic noseband is made with equine comfort in mind. $169.95; www.smartpakequine.com

Spursuader

Cue your horse with a gentle nudge thanks to the broad contact surface area of the Spursuader. Created with sensitive horses in mind, the Spursuader is also a useful tool for amateur riders. Available in English and western styles. $45.99; www.tapestryequineproducts.com

Ecogold Secure XC Saddle Pad

Designed to keep your horse’s back cool and comfortable while holding your saddle securely in place. Breathable, high-density foam offers impact protection where it’s needed while ultra-thin flaps eliminate bulk and enhance rider communication. $170; www.ecogold.ca

Ecogold Calmatech High Performance Western Saddle Pad

Soft, dense medical-grade fleece reduces friction and pressure against the horse’s back while Ecogold’s nonslip system keeps the saddle securely in place. A layer of 3D air flow spacers improves ventilation while adjustable inserts provide impact protection $300; www.ecogold.ca

Total Saddle Fit Stability Stirrup Leather

Wide-body design is smooth and flat under your leg. Broader contact area on the saddle flap promotes a secure, stable position. Jump or dressage. $139.95; www.totalsaddlefit.com

Tapestry English Comfort Girth

Designed with the anatomy and physiology of the horse in mind, the Tapestry Comfort Girth features elastic placement that hugs the rib cage, allowing the horse to breathe easier. From $119.99; www.tapestryequineproducts.com

This article on products designed using equine ergonomics appeared in the February 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Products for Equine Ergonomics appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.