Finding the right saddle is about more than choosing a make, model or size. A correctly selected and fitted saddle needs to accommodate the horse's individual conformation, allow appropriate freedom of movement and support the rider in a balanced, comfortable position.

At Ian Taft Saddle Fitter, I take an individual approach to saddle fitting, combining technical assessment, practical riding experience and knowledge of saddle design to help identify the most suitable solution for each horse and rider.

Whether you require a new saddle, advice on saddle selection or a check of your existing saddle, the process begins with understanding your horse, your riding requirements and any concerns you may have about your current equipment.

Following your saddle fitting enquiry, I will send you a series of questions to establish the circumstances leading to your appointment. This information helps me understand your horse's current situation, your chosen discipline, your riding requirements and any concerns relating to the fit or performance of your existing saddle.

Taking these details in advance allows me to consider potentially suitable saddle designs, tree shapes and sizes before the visit, helping to make the assessment as relevant and productive as possible.

To help the appointment run smoothly, please arrange the following wherever possible.

• Prepare your horse: Please ensure your horse is groomed and ready for assessment.
• Have the main rider present: Saddle suitability needs to be considered for both horse and rider, so the person who normally rides the horse should attend.
• Provide a suitable assessment area: A flat, level surface is required to assess your horse standing in hand and moving in walk and trot.
• Make your horse's current saddle available: If you have an existing saddle, please have it available for inspection and assessment.
• Provide relevant equipment: Your usual girth, stirrup leathers and saddle pads should be available so their suitability can be considered.

Where appropriate, templates and measurements will be taken to record the horse's shape and condition at the time of fitting.

A comprehensive saddle fitting assessment considers the relationship between the horse, the saddle and the rider. Important factors include:

1. Horse conformation and skeletal structure – assessing the shape of the back, shoulder, wither profile and other relevant anatomical features.
2. Rider requirements and physique – considering the rider's build, leg position, balance and chosen discipline.
3. Saddle tree design, width and shape – evaluating whether the tree is appropriate for the horse's individual back shape and conformation.
4. Saddle length – checking that the saddle is an appropriate length for the horse's back and weight-bearing area.
5. Saddle design – considering the seat, flap, knee-roll and overall design in relation to horse and rider.
6. Panel contact – assessing how the panels make contact with the horse's back and whether pressure appears appropriately distributed.
7. Saddle balance and stability – checking how the saddle sits and whether it remains appropriately positioned.
8. Wither and spinal clearance – assessing clearance and the relationship between the saddle, withers and spinal area.
9. Girth strap positioning – considering the position of the straps in relation to the saddle, the horse's natural girth groove and the girth itself.

These factors are assessed together rather than in isolation. A saddle that appears suitable when standing still may behave differently once the horse begins moving, which is why the ridden assessment is an important part of the process.

Saddle fitting must consider the horse in movement, not simply how the saddle looks when the horse is standing. The ridden assessment helps establish how the saddle performs under working conditions and allows the rider to assess comfort, balance and leg position.

Please arrange the following for your appointment:

• A suitable riding area: A safe, level surface is required, ideally a riding arena.
• Appropriate riding headwear: All riders must wear a correctly fitted riding hat meeting the applicable current safety standards.
• Your usual riding equipment: Please have your normal girth, stirrup leathers and saddle pads available for inspection.
• Show jumps, where relevant: For jumping saddle enquiries, access to suitable jumps may be required to assess the saddle's performance over fences, where appropriate and safe.

The ridden assessment allows me to consider the saddle's stability and balance during movement, while the rider can provide feedback on comfort, support and freedom of movement. These observations help inform the overall assessment and the recommendations made.

Once the assessment is complete, I will discuss the findings with you and explain the options available for your horse and riding requirements.

Depending on the individual circumstances, this may involve considering a different saddle design or tree shape, an adjustment to an existing saddle, or further investigation where a suitable fit cannot be established.

The aim is to identify the most appropriate practical solution for both horse and rider, taking into account conformation, saddle design, rider needs and the intended use of the saddle.

An existing saddle check follows the same fundamental principles as a new saddle assessment. A saddle that fitted well previously may no longer be suitable if the horse's shape, musculature, condition or workload has changed.

During a saddle check, I will assess the saddle in relation to the horse and rider, paying particular attention to:

• Tree integrity and any signs of damage.
• Flocking distribution, volume and condition, where applicable.
• Panel contact and the relationship between the saddle and the horse's back.
• Saddle balance, stability and positioning.
• Wither and spinal clearance.
• Girth strap condition, wear and positioning.
• Rider balance, comfort and position.

The type and extent of any adjustment required will depend on the saddle's construction, condition and suitability for the horse.

Changes in saddle position or behaviour can indicate that the fit needs to be assessed. If you notice any of the following, it is worth arranging a professional saddle check.

Saddle slipping sideways: This may be associated with saddle fit, girthing, the horse's conformation, asymmetry or other factors that need to be investigated.

Saddle moving backwards: Excessive movement may indicate that the saddle's shape, balance or girthing arrangement is not appropriate, although the horse's conformation can also influence saddle position.

Saddle lifting at the rear: This can be associated with a saddle that is not sitting in appropriate balance, but the cause needs to be assessed rather than assumed.

Insufficient wither clearance: A saddle that is too narrow or otherwise unsuitable may place excessive pressure around the withers and surrounding structures.

Excessive saddle width: A tree that is too wide for the horse may allow the saddle to sit too low at the front, potentially affecting balance and clearance.

Pressure around the spine: The saddle's gullet and panel arrangement need to provide appropriate clearance for the horse's spinal area. Insufficient clearance or unsuitable panel contact can contribute to discomfort and pressure.

These signs do not necessarily point to one specific cause. A thorough assessment of the horse, saddle and rider is needed to determine what is happening and identify the most suitable next step.

The horse's comfort and freedom of movement are central to good saddle fitting, but the rider must also be accommodated correctly. A suitable saddle should allow the horse to move appropriately while supporting the rider's balance, position and individual requirements.

By considering conformation, tree design, panel contact, saddle balance and rider suitability together, I aim to help you make an informed decision about your saddle and your horse's needs.

If you have concerns about your existing saddle or are looking for a new saddle, please get in touch with Ian Taft Saddle Fitter to discuss your requirements and arrange an appointment.