December 2004

Saddle Fit For Riders

Saddle selection is more than choosing a seat size.

This saddle is too small. The rider can’t fit four fingers behind her seat before the end of the cantle, and the rider’s seat is forced onto the upward slope of the cantle.

It’s not hard to find information on how to help determine if your saddle fits your horse, but your saddle should fit you, too. If you’re beyond a beginner level, and maintaining the proper position is the primary focus of each and every ride chances are your saddle may not fit you well.

Let’s assume that your saddle fits your horse well—after all, that is the most important element—and focus on how your saddle fits you. With all the available saddle choices, you should find one that helps you with your own particular position flaws. …