Saddle Panel Design

The fitting of the panels of the saddle are vitally important, as these have a direct contact with the horses back, and badly fitted or maintained panelling are a common cause of sore backs and other more serious back problems in the horse. Points that will be observed when assessing the saddle are:

• Does the saddle fit close and level?
• Does it inhibit the rotation of the scapular?
• Is the croup high?
• Has the horse/pony got a dipped back? If so, does the saddle bridge in the middle?
• Are the girthing lines vertical?
• Is the rider too heavy for the panel area in contact with the back?
• Has the horse/pony got hollows each side of the withers?
• If so, does the saddle panel design accommodate and give sufficient lift?
• Are the stirrup bars too tight when saddle is girthed up?
• Does the saddle length extend beyond the 18th thoracic vertebrae?

Details of the horse

Standard key points to observe:

• Cob/Arab – Does the horse have a short back?
• Thoroughbred – Does the horse have high withers?
• Warmblood – Does the horse have a large shoulder?
  
• Age, height and sex.
  
• Muscular development – Is it even on both sides of the neck, shoulder, withers, back and quarters?
• Assess condition – Is there any injury tissue on body or legs?
• Check for lameness
• Check saddle and girth areas for tenderness or reaction.
• Work and fitness level; now and in the future.

All observations are recorded inclusive of scars and blemishes, markings and freeze mark for future positive identification.

Details of the rider

It is also important to have an understanding of the rider, as having direct contact with the horse, the rider has a great influence on the movement and comfort of the horse. We will observe the height and weight of the rider and whether he/she is experienced or novice. If the horse can be seen ridden, this will determine the riders' style, and may affect the fitting of the saddle.

Conformation and related saddle fitting problems

Over the last 20 years, the horse (and the human) has changed. 30 years ago, the most common waist size for jodhpurs was 24/26 inches, but nowadays, this has changed to 28/30 inches. A full size bit was 6 inches and cob size was 5.5 inches. No person had told the horse that in the future it also was required to have a metric sized mouth and not imperial.

Saddles used to fit a different type of horse. We now have many types that have derived from the introduction of continental horses into discriminate breeding programmes. The result of this is that the saddle manufacturers using traditional patterns were, and some still are producing saddles that do not fit the modern horse. In particular, the wither and the position of the rear edge of the scapular alignment make correct saddle fitting more important now than previous times. Incorrect girth alignment can cause the saddles to move forward onto the horses shoulder or possibly to one side as the rotation of the scapular acting on the front edge of the panel pushes the saddle over.

These phenomena can sometimes be related to the time of year and is usually rectifiable. Some mares can be difficult when in season. Their ovaries become enlarged and tenderness in the back can occur. Also, if turned out with geldings, back problems can be related to mounting.

As part of a saddle fitting consultation, we must make an assessment of the horse and rider. Many of these are observations, and some are questions we will ask the rider.

Correct saddle fitting is not about condemning every saddle that is seen, only self appointed (and usually unqualified) persons without any technical knowledge will do this. Correct saddle fitting is about being skilled and knowledgeable, to assess and accurately interpret visual information and to be able to benefit the horse and rider.