Unwanted action is a frequent worry that comes from uncomfortable saddle fitting. A horse could behave badly without apparent cause or refuse to loosen even after being warmed up. When you ride, he could exhibit diverse behaviors, such as pinning his ears or waving his tail. The horse may even protest being saddled and/or act delicately while having his back stroked or trimmed. Continue reading to learn how to tell if a western saddle fits a horse.
READ MORE:
- How To Ride A Horse Without A Saddle Or Bridle
- How To Get A Horse To Move Forward Under Saddle
- How Long Does It Take To Saddle A Horse
Feeling Unbalanced When Riding
If you continuously feel like you’re struggling to maintain balance while riding, it’s another sign that your saddle doesn’t fit. If you frequently feel unbalanced, it may be the saddle and not you because a saddle that is too wide for the horse will frequently tip forward.
Hot Spot
It’s possible that you’ve observed a horse with sparse white hair growth on his back around the saddle and/or withers. This is a dead giveaway that the horse has previously worn an ill-fitting saddle. White areas, sometimes known as “hot spots,” show that the saddle tree exerted so much pressure in the area that the hair follicles were injured or died. If a horse’s saddle creates pressure points that are severe enough to harm hair follicles, it is obvious that the horse is in great agony. A poorly fitting saddle can create wear or rub marks on the horse’s back in front of the hips and/or at the withers, even if the hair has not turned white
Check Saddle Fit
Without a pad, place the saddle on your horse’s back to make sure it fits. Wherever you plan to ride it, it should sit there. It features “bars” along the length of each side and is supported by a “tree.” When a saddle is properly adjusted, the bars make contact with the horse’s back all along, distributing pressure over the weight-bearing region. As previously indicated, unpleasant pressure points can result from uneven bar contact since the rider’s weight is concentrated in a smaller region. The bottom of the saddle should, in other words, roughly resemble the contour of your horse’s back. The back of the tree’s bars should be entirely flat with no shaking.
Saddle Pad Fit
Even a saddle can become unfit due to a pad that is too thick. Saddle sores can develop as a result of the saddle wobbling. When the saddle is what’s hurting the horse, people will try to make it fit by purchasing an expensive pad when what they really need to do is get rid of it.
Conclusion On How To Tell If A Western Saddle Fits A Horse
Keep in mind that a horse’s back varies with age based on his weight and health. This means that a saddle may not always fit the same horse, so keep that in mind and periodically check for the correct fit. Finding a saddle that fits properly will help to make riding fun and comfortable for both you and your horse.