How to tell if your saddle fits | Kate Ballard, Society of Master Saddlers

Рет қаралды 207,430

5 жыл бұрын

www.smartpakequine.com/conten...
Does your saddle fit your horse? Where do you start to figure out if it does or doesn't? We asked professional saddle fitter and member of the Society of Master Saddlers, Kate Ballard, to give us a few tips and tricks to help you figure out if your saddle fits your horse. So if you've ever asked yourself any of the following questions about your saddle, watch this video to get the answers from a world-renowned saddle fitter:
- Is it too long or too short?
- Is it too wide or not wide enough?
- Do the length and width really matter? (SPOILER ALERT: They do.)
- What is bridging?
Still have saddle questions? Check out our handy saddle fitting guide (www.smartpakequine.com/conten...) or give SmartPak's Customer Care team a call at 1-800-461-8898 - they're always happy to help you out.

Пікірлер: 169

@rachandade 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best saddle fitting video that I've seen on here! Clear and simple instruction, easy to understand and thorough visuals. Highly recommended!!

@olivialynnbenavides Жыл бұрын

I agree ❤

@jacquisims2054 3 күн бұрын

I’ve been watching saddle fitting videos and this is absolutely the clearest thank you

@Blazewoods 4 жыл бұрын

This was actually very simple, I thought it would be quite more difficult than I thought!

@Zapporah85 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for these tips, this is a great explanation and visual!

@laurareagan3268 3 жыл бұрын

This video is awesome. I’ve always had trouble understanding exactly how a saddle should fit and I do not have access to a fitter. This video explained it so well and gave me so much more confidence to make the right saddle fit choice for my horse.

@Cheyennezedi 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! I feel like saddle shopping is really hard because you can’t bring your horse to the store to try them out haha

@kucyktoledo 4 жыл бұрын

That's the best saddle fitting video I've ever watched, thank you!

@Esddi2909 6 ай бұрын

Thank you - wonderful video!

@kimoto81 Жыл бұрын

Amazing Video!!! Greetings from Brazil

@juliefox77 Ай бұрын

Very helpful!!!

@clegg334 2 жыл бұрын

Best saddle fitting for English I've come across. Thank you.

@cafevirtualconrociocabrera3692 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this great video

@Galemor1 4 жыл бұрын

This was easy and informative.. Very helpful with the green dots..

@ameliamann5267 6 ай бұрын

Really educational

@TheChunjun 4 жыл бұрын

Wish I had KZfaq in the 80's when I had my first horses. I would've been able to be such a better horse owner. I guess the best thing is to load up your horse and take it to the tack shop otherwise how many times would you be doing returns?

@BlondieLox94 4 жыл бұрын

This video is so helpful - I know it’s slightly different but I am learning how to tack up and never really understood where the saddle should sit, someone would just say “that’s fine” but know I know where and why it should sit where it does - really helpful! Thank you!

@crohkorthreetoes3821 2 ай бұрын

Thank you very much. Concise and to the point with great demonstration.

@bayleetorrez7759 Жыл бұрын

This is one of the best saddle fitting videos I've seen. Well done 👏 ✔️

@lindseysutherland7779 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video. Learnt more from this video than a million others!

@rachelzurkowski7715 Жыл бұрын

This is the most informative saddle fitting video on KZfaq. Thank you for creating this!

@lenaamundsen1938 Жыл бұрын

Bought several saddles by now, and this have been my go-to for advice each time on proper fitting before calling in my local saddler!

@bbartel1978 2 жыл бұрын

This is by far the clearest explanation I've seen. Thanks!

@megharbour3521 4 жыл бұрын

This video so perfectly summed everything (in an English manner) up for me! I’m a complete beginner and felt like I was falling forward when walking around so now I’m going to check my saddle which supposedly fit, but now I know what exactly I’m looking for!! Thank you!

@mdee860 3 жыл бұрын

Really well done, thank you so much! Very clear explanation. If horses could, they would say this: thank you so much 👏👏👏♥️🐎

@juanitaburt5281 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video, very clear and succinct. Buying and fitting a saddle is a nightmare

@bonzaralph 6 ай бұрын

Fantastic very business like brilliant thank you!

@jadecherry7224 5 жыл бұрын

So interesting! Thanks for posting!

@katiewilson7873 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, brilliant video!!!

@thetigerlyon 3 жыл бұрын

This is so helpful, thank you!

@sineadbeel1917 4 жыл бұрын

Really nice and simple! 😊

@benjamintucker1075 3 жыл бұрын

Very good information! Thank you!

@caryulmer7063 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, very clear explanations. Thanks for the tips!

@carriewaugh1005 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Learned a lot

@barbaramongoose9 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. Thank you.

@punkylemons5513 3 жыл бұрын

This was wonderful!

@heikelautenschlager720 3 жыл бұрын

That was really helpful, thank you!

@gemmaross2252 4 жыл бұрын

I found this video really helpful, thank you.

@donnasayers5523 10 ай бұрын

Kate Ballard I’d the BEST! Love my saddle ❤❤❤

@savannahr1874 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks this really helped

@marlyclay 4 жыл бұрын

Great video and very well explained

@clarkosteo 3 жыл бұрын

This is an AMAZING video. Thank you so much!

@steveb4066 4 жыл бұрын

Superb video - so informative! Thank you

@bibiliati8832 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely the very best information with clear instructions! Thank you so very much Kate Ballard❤️

@jesstiara4351 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sooooo much SmartPak!

@sarahtaege4582 Жыл бұрын

Super informative. Thank you so much!!!

@irockluculent961 4 жыл бұрын

Well done introductory video.

@julieallen1386 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic thankyou 😀

@damaproductions7678 4 жыл бұрын

Such an educational video.

@debrahenderson6381 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Very informative.

@celineuironain7567 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video - very clear and to the point.

@dymondsdesigns8934 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video very informative and easy to understand.

@rsequestrian3896 4 жыл бұрын

Wow this is an amazing explanation of saddle fitting!

@rhythmandblues_alibi Жыл бұрын

Excellent informative video!

@tiajewels2820 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video!

@geminidream4347 4 жыл бұрын

Just happened to find you, great learning video which is what I am looking for. I agree with Zapporah, good explanation with using visuals. Thank you. Liked, subbed, alarmed.

@Rumplezzz Жыл бұрын

This is so helpful thank you!!

@racinsmart 3 жыл бұрын

this is very helpful! i’m trying a saddle this saturday and will put these tips to use!

@Wendy63Lorraine Жыл бұрын

Well done and Thank you for this thorough demonstration🌟

@lyndengeo 4 жыл бұрын

Best one I've seen.

@nadiavaerendonck7603 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks !

@ne8116 3 жыл бұрын

thank you so much for this

@loulou1248 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate this video greatly ❤thank you

@lisajadwin1866 3 жыл бұрын

great saddle fitting video!

@mervee2886 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us, this was such an easy to understand clear video.

@cindyhuang8519 2 жыл бұрын

I have watched several videos, this one is the best!

@nikolmladkova5977 2 жыл бұрын

This is a very helpful video! I certainly learned something about equine anatomical landmarks ☺️

@tamarawatts7312 2 жыл бұрын

Literally the best video I’ve seen on saddle fitting thanks!

@hannahduer 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@kintero27 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!

@shanz.kids1 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, thank you :)

@rachelgill7579 4 жыл бұрын

Very informative video, thank you! I never knew how to fit an English saddle before. I sadly don't have my own horse any more, but maybe some day I can own one again and I will know what saddle to get now.

@Livetodaywell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this excellent instruction. I really need to call in a saddle fitter. Thank you.

@Fahad-uz8uv 5 жыл бұрын

I am truly grateful for those awesome tips. I just need a small clarification if you may. Should the fit of the saddle be 100% all the time because if so, every horse need a custom made saddle. If not, what are the thing we can comprise? Thats for educational purpose no arguing intended. Thank you very much.

@hannahmarie1155 5 жыл бұрын

I've heard people say they use half pads if the saddle doesnt fit 100%. I use a saddle that fits my horse (this is a guess in %) 98% and I use one and it fits him 100% with it on.

@smartpak 5 жыл бұрын

Hi @F E, in a perfect world every horse would have a custom saddle! However, we know that every rider is trying to do the best for their horse with the tools they have, and we would recommend working with a reputable saddle fitter in your area to determine what’s best for your horse. Often certain pads can be used to help mitigate fit issues, but an equine professional that can put hands on your horse and on your saddle will be the best resource for your specific saddle and horse! -SmartPaker Jenna

@CP-jh8jl 4 жыл бұрын

I think that wither and shoulder clearance are the most important aspects, but it does depend on the horse and the saddle!

@redgundogs 4 жыл бұрын

Kate did a saddle fitting on my horse, and he has a Mattes half pad with shims in the summer, and a dressage pad alone in his heavy months. She has seen him twice, once in late winter and once in late spring. The half pad has made it possible for one saddle to fit both of his sizes.

@Galemor1 4 жыл бұрын

I have looked into barefoot saddles, as they adjust with the horse.

@glazeddonut1148 4 жыл бұрын

Just checked and ..... HALLELUJAH !!!!! It fits perfectly !! Thanks for the video ❤️❤️

@Birddog1227Blogspot 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@onlyequines8003 5 жыл бұрын

Learned alot

@arrikairwin8590 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. If horses could talk they would thank you too

@beckyequestrian3891 4 жыл бұрын

very helpful thx!

@naunettemartin7450 2 жыл бұрын

I like this video that you do

@anonimouse3190 2 жыл бұрын

Love this video explanation! I've watched so many, and never found one that gave clear enough details for me to feel confident enough to try it out on my own. What are the chances you've done one for western, too? 😇

@coralmarcin2063 2 жыл бұрын

Could you please do another one of these but for a western saddle? Thank you!!

@imjustahallucination8257 4 жыл бұрын

Helpful👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@Birddog1227Blogspot 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Kate @Smartpak Thanks in advance, I have referred to this vid several times! I have a question/comment... So I am to be clear: the saddle size i.e.: 17.5" Wintec 500 CC is not a measurement for the rider; rather it is for the horse weight bearing area for English purposes? Glad to have your services at Smartpak!

@wajdiamayreh930 Жыл бұрын

Very useful and informative video. Thank you very much. So the upper part of the saddle should not touch the horse's back? Should it be tried initially on bare skin?

@do3aalghamdi228 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing 🤩

@laurensims4836 9 ай бұрын

What are some tips when buying a used saddle online and not being able to try it on your horse first? This video is so interesting and wonderful! Thank you.

@equine1235 5 жыл бұрын

Tysm

@mdee860 3 жыл бұрын

In England, the saddle fitters come to you! They also have better all in one truck/trailer combos. America is waaay behind. 🤔😢

@lisafoster4468 2 жыл бұрын

I need one of these for Western saddles

@hettymorgan6333 Жыл бұрын

so is the same true for fitting a western saddle - ie 8 and 18? this was great by the way

@dorothytenute2710 Жыл бұрын

Informative but I woud also like to see added onto this making sure the saddle fits the rider. What do you do if the saddle fits the horse but not necessarily the rider

@equinegamer6532 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! this helps so much my horse is a rescue and the saddle I got the rescue fit it on him while he was a little skinny now his saddle is losing its fit and this helped so much to get the right size for him

@hannahmarie1155 5 жыл бұрын

That's what happened to my gelding which is why I had to get a half pad. I would get a new saddle but since it fits perfectly with the half pad I don't see a point in buying another saddle

@equinegamer6532 5 жыл бұрын

Hannah Marie My saddle fits perfect with a half pad as well but my saddle is 30 years old and need repair is done in those repairs are quite expensive and we don’t have a place where we can get it fixed so instead of spending the money to get mine repaired my parents might get me a new one for my birthday

@equinegamer6532 5 жыл бұрын

That and my saddle doesn’t have a changeable Gillett and my horse has huge Withers

@ellaequine6925 2 жыл бұрын

This is a super good video! I kind youtuber named Elena Angel showed me this, I definitely think this video will help me out :))

@candicejohnson5577 5 жыл бұрын

Yes it's clear which saddles fit when the horse is standing squarely on a level surface with all his back muscles at rest, but, does it all still fit and works for him while in motion? When a horse is in motion the shape of their backs can change dramatically.

@blaisearwyn3405 4 жыл бұрын

I think thats why at the end of the video its mentioned that the next step would be to see the horse in motion with a rider.

@candicejohnson5577 4 жыл бұрын

That's my point though. If you fit to the horse at rest the chance of the saddle fitting well enough to allow for complete range of motion is unlikely. There will most certainly be pressure points and areas where there is little contact. Add to that the pad and its thickness and you could have a mess. I've learned over the years that fitting my horse to saddle that is a few centimeters wider than their backs and adding a pad with shims to lift the front of the saddle up off their shoulders just enough to allow full range of motion makes a world of difference to their comfort and stride.

@CP-jh8jl 4 жыл бұрын

These fitting terms were created so when the horse is in motion, the saddle will still fit. For example, the 3 finger wither clearance rule. When the rider’s weight is in the saddle and the horse is moving, there will be less than 3 fingers clearance. But the fit will still be appropriate because this was taken into account during the fitting. Extra clearance was needed when the horse was still to allow for the rider’s weight and the horses movement

@d3DMediaPaintStudio 4 жыл бұрын

I just pick up an Australian saddle from an estate sale that is similar to an English saddle. Would I follow the same method in your video on my horses?

@terezarock8301 2 жыл бұрын

Hello I really liked your video! I have a dressage pony and we noticed that after riding there is no space under the saddle around the shoulder and it moves forward after riding. Our dressage saddle was purchased and fitted just for my pony however now our saddle fitter is not sure what to do and only suggested a tail holder connected to the saddle but wasn’t sure about it either. This saddle was purchased 2 years ago. Would you have any tips? Is there any other way I can contact you? Thank you 😊

@lysrothman 4 жыл бұрын

What about someone that needs a size 18 saddle, but it is too long for the horse? Are their alternatives?

@maple1825 5 жыл бұрын

Do these same rules apply to western saddles?

@smartpak 5 жыл бұрын

Hi @maple 1, thanks for your question! This video is intended to be a guideline for horses using English-style saddles. We would not recommend using the same principles for Western-style saddles as those are intended to fit differently and work differently with horse and rider. We’ll be sure to pass your interest in seeing a video about Western-style saddle fit along to the right team here for future consideration, too! -SmartPaker Jenna

@mailimarechal9447 4 жыл бұрын

Maple 1 no, western saddles mainly span across the whole back (which you probably already know)

@laurenhorne3843 4 жыл бұрын

@@smartpak I would be interested as well. I currently have a sports saddle which may fit similar. Thank you for the video on English saddles! It was very informative!

@NatalieMiller19 4 жыл бұрын

What do you actually 'do' when your saddle is bridging in the middle and the cantle is too low? I have an adjustable Wintec tree. I have tried various half pads with no avail. My horse has a swayback. Right now I can't get a new saddle.