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Fitting The Saddle To The Horse

2016/5/3 9:26:50

Proper fit of the saddle to the horse is one of the most important pieces of tack that your going to own for your horse's comfort.

Do not ruin a good saddle fit by using too much padding,use just enough padding to give adequate clearance for the withers and to keep the bars in proper contact with the horse's back. A pad that is too thick or to stiff will create pressure points on the withers and it will change how the tree's bars contact the horse's back. Horse's back varies with age and conformation and some do require more padding than others.

For the rider saddle fit is going to be varied based on whether they want to sit close to the cantle or not. Some may like a shorter seat while others like to be further a way from the cantle, even if the riders are the sam size it all comes down to preference and comfort for the individual.

When placing the saddle on the horse do not place according to where the cinch goes, but instead just back of the withers, this is called the sweet spot, this is where the saddle will fit the best. When placing the saddle on the horse's back, sit on the withers and then slide it back of the withers and this will be where the saddle needs to sit where it is comfortable for the horse. You should never have to over tighten a cinch or use a breast collar if the saddle fits well.

Which tree will fit your horse the best, there is Simi Quarter Horse Bars which is a 6 3/4 gullet, Full Quarter Horse Bars 6 1/2 gullet and Quarter Horse Bars 5 3/4 gullet. The right tree fit is determined by the size of your yours withers and back. For instances if your horse is the wide bulldog type than you are going to use Full Quarter Horse Bars. But if your horse is of medium build then the Quarter Horse or Simi Quarter Horse Bars will be the correct tree to use for your horse. The correct tree should e determined by the width of your horses withers.

Purchasing a saddle is an expensive deal, but if your unable to buy new there are some good used ones out there and you can find what you want for a much cheaper price but still have the correct saddle. Happy Trails