Does my saddle fit me?

In this article we will discuss all things does my saddle fit me and why your saddle fit is so important for you as well as your horse.

A saddle is probably the most important piece of equipment for horse and rider. It helps distribute weight evenly across the horses back. However, a poorly fitted saddle for both horse and rider can be costly to your riding and the horse’s performance. How your saddle suits you can play a huge part on how you sit and therefore how the saddle sits on your horse.

We all know how vital it is for the saddle to fit the horse correctly. And sometimes (ok, most times), our animals take all our attention. But, having a saddle which fits the rider is equally as important. Afterall, the rider and horse must work in unison! Us riders are important, even if we do spend all our time running around after our Kings or Queens!

If by the end of the article you are not still not sure the best way to  measure your saddle's seat size , why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team via phone 01733 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.

How should you as a rider sit in the saddle?

To ensure you maintain the ‘perfect posture’, here are some rules for you:

• Your weight needs to be evenly distributed over your seat bones,
• Your legs should be down and around your horse, with weight in your heels,
• Rider should sit tall and relaxed, with shoulders back,
• Knee should not be gripped onto the saddle,
• Straight line from ear to shoulder, to hip, to heel (easier than it sounds),
• The rider should look straight in front of them, past the horses ears. Not down on the ground (if you look down, you might end up there!).

The signs your saddle doesn’t fit you:

Do you struggle to ride correctly? This may be a good indicator that your saddle doesn’t fit. If you automatically want to go into a ‘chair seat’ position, the twist on your saddle could be too wide. If the twist is too narrow, you may feel your thighs aren’t supported enough, this can cause a problem, particularly in the jumping disciplines. If the saddle is too big for the rider, the rider will not be secure enough. This may cause too much movement from the rider. Causing the horse to be unbalanced.

Similarly, if your saddle is too small for you, this will double the weight on the horses back. This could cause back problems. Getting the right seat size for your horse is important.

Rule of thumb... (well, actually fingers) you should be able to fit at least 4 fingers width between the end of your seat and the cantle. If you feel confined in a deep seated saddle, try the next seat up.

There are many reasons if you struggle to sit upright and symmetrical. Many riders blame themselves, but it could be the saddle! If you are tipping forwards, or if you are sitting too much at the pommel of the saddle. Or, if you feel you are pushing back towards the cantle, then this could mean the saddle doesn’t fit you.
Saddles other than endurance are not designed to be ridden in for long periods of time. However, you should not be in pain or feel uncomfortable during your ride.

Fun fact: Your knee should hit the top point of the flap with at least two fingers to spare, if it doesn’t then your saddle might not fit you.

How to get the right saddle for you:

Now, let’s talk measurements. Find the perfect saddle for you!

The best way to measure for your seat size is to take a seat and grab a tape measure! Ok, so it’s not as easy as that, but not far off! Sit in a chair so your knees are at a 45-degree angle, with your feet flat on the floor, your bum should be touching the back of the chair. Take the measurement from the front of your knee to the back of you bum.

So now you have this measurement what does that mean?

Points to remember, we are important too! Having a poorly fitted saddle will have a negative impact on your performance. You need to be able to move with your horse, you two are a pair. Particularly for the dancing friends, you need to be able to feel every single movement beneath you. Each rider is different, so ensure you are getting the saddle to fit YOU.
Our advantage, here at The Saddle Bank we offer 5 day UK trials when you purchase one with us. So you will be 100% certain that your new saddle is perfect in every way!

We have over 1200 saddles currently for sale. We stock new, ex demo and second hand saddles, so grab yourself a bargain buy clicking here!

Learn more about how saddles should fit….

Are you a horse owner/rider who would like to learn more about saddle fitting? Or learn how the saddle can impact your horses performance and welfare?
Click on the link below to learn more about how to recognise signs of a poor fitting saddle.