Saddles
A poorly fitting saddle can make your horse uncomfortable and cause pain, pressure points or even alter their gate and could lead to lameness. It can also be uncomfortable for the rider and unbalance them or cause them pain.
Weight gain or loss, the amount or type of work they do, the age of your horse and the time of year can all have an impact on your horse’s size and shape and therefore the way their saddle fits.
Checking the saddle for comfort
It is important to get your horse’s saddle checked at least twice a year or when you feel there may of been a change. Has your horse been out of work? gained or lost weight?.
In between visits from the saddle fitter, there are signs to look for as you tack up to check how the saddle is sitting on your horse’s back. Is your saddle sitting level, does it rock when you put pressure on the pommel and cantle?. Has it dropped at the front and not giving clearance over the wither and possibly restricting shoulder movement?.
Finding any professional is a minefield, there are lots of qualifications around and there are differences between them.. so make sure you check ..
One of the best places to check for a saddle fitter is the Equine Fitters Directory
This site is great for being able to search by area or by specific name, it will then list qualifications and details of each saddle fitter in your area, you can then read a little about them and see their websites too!
If you want to read a little more about saddle fitters and also bridle fitters you can research more about them here