Saddle Fitting Services - Expert Fit for You & Your Horse

Saddle Checks and Saddle Fitting

Following your saddle fitting enquiry.

We will send you a list of fact finding questions prior to our visit to understand the current circumstances that have led you to requesting a saddle fitting and so that we can consider designs and sizing that will be more relevant to your needs for your chosen discipline.

Having taken comprehensive details of you and your horse, our first visit will involve a full assessment of your horse both in hand and under saddle.

In order to carry this out please make sure the following requirements, where possible, are met:

In Hand Assessment

Please present your horse groomed and ready to be ridden.

Make sure that the main rider of the horse is present as a saddle needs to be suitable for both horse and rider.

We will need a flat level surface to assess your horse standing "in hand" and in walk and trot.

Templates will be taken to record shape and condition on the day of fitting.

The following aspects of saddle fit will be checked.

Examination of the horses confirmation and skeletal Structure.
Riders physique and needs.
Fit of tree ,width, and shape.
Saddle length
Saddle design
Panel Contact
Saddle balance and stability
Clearance of Spine and withers
Position of girth straps in relation to the saddle and girth groove.

Ridden Assessment

We fit saddles for the horse when under movement and so the ridden assessment is essential to understand how the saddle will perform under ridden conditions, and the rider can assess leg position and comfort.

A safe level area to ride, ideally a riding arena.
All riders must wear a riding hat that meets current British standards.
Show jumps available for jumping saddle enquiries in order to assess a saddles performance over a fence if necessary.
Your normal girth, stirrup leathers and saddle pads so these can be discussed and checked for suitability with a new or existing saddle.

Once the assessment has been carried out our findings will be discussed with you as to what is required so that you and your horse’s needs are fully met.

Saddle Check

An existing saddle check will involve the above considerations and assess such things as flocking distribution and volume, saddle tree damage, girth strap wear, and fit on the horse and rider.

If your saddle is slipping to one side, or backwards this is indicative of a saddle fit or girthing problem. If the saddle is lifting at the back, again saddle fit needs looking at.

The saddle fit over the withers is extremely important as the shoulder can become impinged if it is too tight and reduce free movement of the shoulder, or if the fit is too wide the saddle will tend to drop and lift at the back preventing the saddle sitting in balance. If the saddle gullet is too narrow it will impact on the horses spinal areas.

Horses that are being ridden in a saddle that is not fitting correctly can become injured and swelling or rubs may appear.

Horses that are growing, changing weight, developing or losing muscle, will change the saddles fit and this can cause problems of saddle stability and the development of discomfort due to possible pinching, rubbing, compression of soft tissues, and riders weight being distributed badly causing pressure on spinal processes, muscles and soft tissue areas.

The horses shoulder freedom is extremely important for expressive movement, and so we have to ensure that there is adequate support while maintaining the shoulders freedom to move as intended.

Regular saddle checks are an essential part of your saddle maintenance routine and help reduce the need for remedial physio of chiropractic visits. It is a good idea to discuss this with the saddle fitter for your particular circumstances and agree a maintenance check period and visit cycle.

Think about this.

With the enormous amount of hard work and expenditure that goes into getting a horse to a competition fit and ready to perform, it never ceases to amaze us just how many horses are working in badly fitting saddles.

Saddles that are either shimmed or padded which were never bought or fitted for the horse in question.

Why would you not go the extra mile and make sure the saddle fits for maximum comfort and freedom of movement so that the rider can get the best performance from the horse or pony and in some cases less attitude or back chat from your equine partner.

The old adage, of a runner with a pebble in the shoe is not likely to win the race, seems very appropriate here.

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Why Proper Saddle Fitting Matters

An ill-fitting saddle can cause serious issues for your horse. Pressure points, restricted movement, soreness, and behavioural changes are all common signs that something isn't right. Over time, poor saddle fit may contribute to long-term musculoskeletal problems, reducing your horse’s comfort and performance.

Correct saddle fitting not only prevents these problems but also allows your horse to work freely and willingly. It supports the rider’s position, improves balance, and allows effective communication through the seat and legs. Our goal is to create harmony between horse and rider by making sure the saddle is tailored to both.

A Personal, Professional Approach

At Ian Taft Saddle Fitter, we offer a calm, professional service based on many years of experience with horses of all types. Every fitting is tailored to your horse’s unique conformation, age, workload, and saddle history. We take the time to listen, observe, and explain the process clearly, so you feel confident in every decision made.

Whether you are dealing with a new horse, a change in condition, or recovering from injury, our detailed fitting sessions help ensure the right outcome. We work with riders from all disciplines and experience levels, and we’re proud to have built a strong reputation for attention to detail, honesty, and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at appointments@iantaft-saddlefitter.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What Should I Expect During a Saddle Fitting?

Our saddle fitting sessions usually begin with a discussion about your horse’s history, workload, behaviour, and any current issues. We then carry out a thorough assessment of your horse’s back, paying close attention to muscle tone, symmetry, spinal health, and movement.

Next, we evaluate your current saddle, or begin selecting from our stock if you're looking for something new. The saddle is assessed for balance, tree width, panel contact, and clearance at key pressure points. We then ask you to ride, allowing us to see how the saddle performs in motion and how your horse responds under pressure.

Once the best fit has been found, we will advise on any necessary flocking adjustments, gullet changes, or padding to fine-tune the fit. If you are purchasing a new saddle, we’ll make sure it suits your riding discipline and future goals.

What Are the Signs My Horse Needs a Saddle Fitting?

Many horses show clear signs when something isn't right. If you’ve noticed any of the following behaviours, it may be time to arrange a professional saddle fitting:

Unexplained resistance under saddle
Bucking, rearing, or tail swishing
Uneven sweat patches or sore areas
Stiffness, reluctance to bend, or lack of engagement
Behavioural changes such as biting when saddled
Asymmetry in movement or saddle slipping

Even small changes in your horse’s body shape can affect saddle fit. Gaining or losing condition, changes in training routine, or simply growing older can all shift the fit significantly. That’s why we recommend having your saddle checked at least once or twice a year.

Can I Also Buy a New or Used Saddle?

If you’re looking to buy a new or second-hand saddle, our saddle fitting service can help you make the right choice. We stock a wide range of quality saddles to suit all budgets, breeds, and riding styles. From dressage to jumping and general-purpose use, we only recommend saddles we believe in.

We are also happy to assess saddles you already own or are considering purchasing elsewhere. It’s important to remember that a brand-new saddle still needs to be fitted correctly to your horse and rider combination. Our focus is always on what fits best, rather than simply selling a product.

Is the Saddle Fitting Service for All Types of Horses?

Every horse deserves a comfortable saddle, whether it’s a high-performance sport horse or a happy hacker. We have experience working with all types of horse and pony, from young stock to veterans, from natives to thoroughbreds, and everything in between.

Special attention is given to horses with physical challenges, including high withers, flat backs, asymmetry, or previous injuries. We offer practical, sympathetic solutions and always prioritise your horse’s long-term comfort and health.

Do you Offer Follow-Up Appointments?

Saddle fitting is not a one-off event. Horses change with time, and so should the fit of their saddle. We offer regular check-ups and ongoing support to keep your saddle performing well. Whether it's routine maintenance or adapting to new circumstances, you can count on us for clear, honest advice.

We also work alongside other equine professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, and vets, ensuring a team approach to your horse’s welfare when needed.