Back issues may develop if the saddle does not fit the horse properly. The horse can become stiff and hollow, or he won’t be able to move through his back at all. The saddle must also fit you well! You won’t be able to sit in a balanced position if the saddle leads you to slide to one side or makes you lean backward, which will affect how your horse moves. Continue reading to learn how to adjust a dressage saddle for the horse.
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Position Of The Saddle
The horse’s shoulder should be able to move freely, thus the saddle shouldn’t be too far forward. The horse’s shoulder blade, which travels back up to three inches, can shift when the animal moves. In order for the horse to move freely, the saddle must be positioned so that it clears the shoulder. When the horse moves forward while the rider is on his back, a saddle tree that is too small for the horse may slide around, causing great agony.
Leveled Saddle Seat
Look at the seat’s deepest area once you’ve positioned the saddle correctly on the horse’s back. The cantle at the back of the saddle should be in the middle of the deepest part of the seat. The seat should be level at its deepest point. By doing so, you can sit safely and effectively without putting undue strain on the horse’s back.
Pommel Clearance
To prevent rubbing, the saddle must provide enough space for the horse’s withers. Slide one of your hands between the withers and the pommel while keeping it perpendicular to the ground. There shouldn’t be any trouble getting two to three fingers in there. A saddle fitter ought to be able to add more flocking to the saddle to balance it properly and make sure that it clears the withers, provided that the saddle tree fits the horse appropriately.
The Panel
Try to rock the saddle by placing one hand on the cantle and the other on the pommel. If the saddle oscillates back and forth like a seesaw, the flocking probably needs to be adjusted. A saddle tree that doesn’t fit properly might also cause rocking.
Saddle Length
Between the horse’s withers and the point where the final rib joins the spine, the surface of the saddle that supports your weight should be. Your saddle will rest on the horse’s lumbar region if it is positioned too far behind this location. The pressure of a rider’s weight on that region, which is the weakest part of the horse’s back, might harm the animal.
Final Thoughts On How to Adjust a Dressage Saddle for the Horse
Dressage girths come in a range of designs and are frequently the most cozy item in a horse’s equipment. To ensure a good fit, precise measurements should be taken.