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Saddle fit and Rider Position
Your saddle is the sandwich between you and horse horse. It is very important that you saddle correctly fits both you and your horse so that you are in the correct position and can communicate effectively with your horse!
In today’s KZfaq video, I interview Sarah Boothe from Custom Saddlery about saddle fit and rider position!
Horses are athletes and every every horse has a different shape and size back. It is important that your saddle fits correctly on your horses back. An ill fitting saddle will not only make your horse sore in the back but it also can put the rider out of balance and in a compromised position!
Here are some things you should know about saddles and saddle fit:
Saddle size:
A saddle that is too big may cause the rider to be in a chair seat
A saddle that is too small might pitch the rider forward
Knee rolls:
The length and angle of the knee roll depends on the riders leg length and personal preference.
The knee roll should be a guide and not a brace for your leg position - your leg should stay BEHIND the the knee roll and when you ride a half halt or when your horse pulls on you, then you should feel your seat deeper into the saddle.
Saddle fit can effect your alignment:
Saddle too narrow it can pitch you to the back of the saddle and into a chair seat
A saddle that is too wide can tip you forward forward
Stirrup length:
Ideally when you drop your stirrups, your stirrup should hang at the same level as your ankle bone.
New riders may need a little shorter stirrup length - that’s ok for comfort and safety. It is better to have your stirrups a little on the shorter side than to be reaching for them.
Saddle Symmetry:
The saddle should sit straight on your horses’ back. It is very important that the gullet of your saddle is over your horses spine. If your saddle sits crooked on your horse and the panel of the saddle is on your horses’ spine this will be very uncomfortable for your horse!
A correct saddle is key to you being effective in the saddle and to helping you maintain the correct position and alignment in the saddle. I am a frugal person, but investing in a good saddle is well worth your money. As Sarah mentioned in the video, there are a LOT of really good used saddles on the market, just make sure they can be adjusted and have a certified saddle fitter come and make sure that the saddle fits you and your horse!
Happy Riding!
Amelia