Right Saddle Size for a Horse

 

Author: HorseSaddleStore.com

 

The Importance of the Right Saddle Size for a Horse

 

To get the most enjoyable experience out of horseback riding, it is important that you have the right saddle size for a horse. This could be interpreted in two different ways, one relating to the rider being properly fitted to the seat of the saddle, and the other to how well the saddle actually fits on the horse. For our purposes here, we will be discussing choosing a saddle that is best suited for the horse it is to be used with.

 

 

This question is relatively easy to answer, and there are even very good human analogies that demonstrate what we are trying to say. If you don't have the right saddle size for a horse, it will either fit too tightly and be very uncomfortable, or fit too loosely and be difficult to keep in place. Imagine trying to wear a pair of shoes that is a size or two too small, and the pain you would experience if you were forced to wear them anyway. Similarly, a pair of jeans that is several sizes too large will keep falling off, causing annoying and painful chafing. Choosing the right saddle size for a horse avoids causing this discomfort to your trusty steed.

 

What Determines The Right Saddle Size For A Horse?

 

There are three primary factors that are considered when deciding on the right saddle size for a horse. The width of the horse's back, above the area the cinch strap will go, is the first, and the second is the width of the horse's withers, the prominent ridge above the horse's front shoulders, where the neck becomes a true backbone. The final consideration is that the saddle will rest along either side of the spine, but will not put pressure directly on it. These factors are not the only things to be taken into consideration, but they are the critical aspects of choosing the right saddle size for a horse.

 

Will It Affect A Horse If You Don't Use The Right Saddle Size For A Horse?

 

IF you do not use the right saddle size for a horse, it could result in everything from injury to erratic behavior. The horse may constantly kick upwards as though the strap were cutting in, or could even prance around uncontrollably or even begin outright protest through bucking and rearing. For yourself and those around you, this behavior could result in severe injuries, and an extremely poor fitting saddle could even result in serious injury to the animal, as well. Having the right saddle size for a horse ultimately prevents injury to both the horse and the rider.

 

How Can I Tell I Have The Right Saddle Size For A Horse?

 

If you have the right saddle size for a horse, you can usually tell by close inspection. The right saddle size for a horse will not extend over the haunches, usually stopping the width of an adult hand or more before reaching them, which reduces the saddle inhibiting natural movement. On the front of the horse, the saddle should not extend over the bony part of the withers, nor should there be any contact with them. The addle blanket will often cover the hindmost portion of this bone, but the saddle should up above and behind it. This is not a definitive method to know that you have the right saddle size for a horse, but it should do for an approximate assessment.