The Importance of Saddle Fit for Riders

When we talk about saddle fit, the conversation often focuses on the horse—and rightly so! A properly fitted saddle is essential for a horse’s comfort and well-being. However, as instructors, we must also consider how the saddle fits the rider. Neglecting this aspect can negatively impact the rider’s position, balance, and ultimately the riders confidence and the horse’s comfort.

Why Saddle Fit Matters for Riders

A well-fitting saddle enables a rider to sit in a balanced, neutral position distributing the rider’s weight as designed. When a saddle doesn’t fit, it can hinder the rider’s safety, comfort, and effectiveness.

Poor balance or instability caused by an ill-fitting saddle can also create physical discomfort for the horse, potentially leading to behavioral issues.

Here’s what to evaluate when assessing saddle fit for rider

Step 1: Start with the Horse

A saddle must fit the horse correctly before considering the rider. While there are numerous resources on horse saddle fitting, enlisting the help of a professional saddle fitter is always a wise investment. At the very most basic level, a well-fitting saddle for the horse should:

• Fall into the correct position on the horse’s back
• Distribute weight evenly without bridging or creating pressure points
• Avoid restricting the horse’s movement
• Have a level seat with stirrup bars that are balanced

If the saddle doesn’t fit the horse, the horse is likely to develop pain overtime, additionally it’s likely the rider’s position also compromised, even if the saddle fits the rider perfectly.

Step 2: Evaluate the Rider

Once the saddle fits the horse, assess how it fits the rider. Have the rider sit in the deepest part of the saddle and check for the following:

• Seat Size: The seat should provide balanced space in front of and behind the rider. While traditional guidelines for jump saddles suggest about four fingers of space behind the rider, modern variations in saddle design such as variations in twists and seat depth mean comfort should take precedence.
• Hip-Heel Alignment: The stirrup bar placement is also something to be aware of. Ideally, the stirrup leather should hang straight down (perpendicular to the ground), placing the rider’s ankle under their seat bones. Incorrect stirrup bar placement can throw off the rider’s balance, tipping their pelvis forward or backward.
• Flap Fit: The saddle flap should extend about one-third of the way down the rider’s calf, ensuring proper leg contact for aids while preventing interference with the rider’s boot. If a rider has a longer femur, consider a more forward flap. Knee rolls or blocks should provide support to the natural leg position.
• Comfort: The twist, seat width, and saddle shape must align with the rider’s anatomy. A poorly fitting saddle can lead to discomfort and instability.

Understanding Anatomical Differences

Historically, saddles designed for astride riding catered to male anatomy. Today, with a large population of women riding, many saddle brands now offer models tailored to fitting the female pelvic anatomy. The pelvis should contact the saddle at three key points: the seat bones and the pubic bone.

• If the saddle is too narrow, the rider’s seat bones may not make full contact, causing side-to-side instability or pain.
• If the rise is too high, it may cause discomfort in the pubic area, prompting the rider to rock their pelvis back to avoid contact.
• If the rise at the front of the saddle is too low, the rider may lack pubic bone contact, leading to instability.

Because every rider is unique, saddle fit should prioritize the individual’s balance and comfort over “gender-specific” designs.

Saddle Fit Solutions for Lesson Programs

Saddle fit is especially important in lesson programs, especially when you have beginner riders that are learning how to balance. The true challenge is presented when multiple riders often share horses and tack. Ensuring that saddles fit your horses properly is the first priority to avoid pain, discomfort, or long-term issues for the horse, however, finding a single saddle that fits every rider perfectly is nearly impossible.

Here are some practical solutions:

• Acquire Options: Aim to acquire two or three saddle options for each horse to accommodate riders of varying shapes and sizes. This practice can be additionally beneficial to adjusting saddles to the horse’s fit through all the seasons. 
• Prioritize horse’s comfort and rider safety. In situations where you don’t have a saddle that fits both horse and rider perfectly but is still a safe option, be mindful of your focus and expectations in the lesson.  
• Consider alternatives, a seat saver or similar can help ease some mild discomfort.
• You could consider not utilizing stirrups on saddles that are too big for the rider
• For committed riders, consider discussing the possibility of purchasing their own saddle. While it’s a significant investment, a properly fitted personal saddle can dramatically improve their riding experience. However, for this, the saddle still needs to fit the horse they ride and that if their mount changes, the saddle may no longer work. 

Knowledge Is Power

Understanding the role saddle fit plays in your riders’ success can save you and your students a lot of frustration. Repeatedly correcting a position caused by a poorly fitting saddle does a disservice to both the rider and the horse. Next time you’re looking to make adjustments to your riders alignment, take a good look at how their saddle fits them before you start correcting. 

Remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal. Use the resources you have, stay curious, and continue learning about saddle fit to improve your program and set your riders up for success.