Saddle fitting 101

Getting the fit right is the key to comfortable riding, for you and your horse.

Does my saddle fit?

To keep your horse as comfortable as you are, we recommend having your saddle checked within the first three months after your initial saddle fit.

After that settling period, it's important to check your saddle's fit every six months throughout its life.

With regular checks, you can be confident your saddle will keep fitting well as your horse changes shape with age, fitness and work.

A professional saddle fitter is always the best person to perfect your horse's saddle fit, but these tips will help you check the fit yourself and spot the signs that a simple adjustment is needed.

If you'd like help, contact an Arena Saddles stockist.

Three tips for checking balance, bearing and clearance

Before you start, get your horse and saddle ready so the check is quick and easy.

For your saddle

• Check your saddle is in the right position. Find the slope of your horse's shoulder and look at where the saddle nail sits. It should be about three fingers back from the edge of your horse's shoulder.

For your horse

• Saddle up your horse without a saddle pad* and with the girth comfortably done up, as if you were about to ride.
• Make sure your horse is standing square on level ground.

All fitting adjustments and saddle alterations should be made in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. *For your safety, make sure your horse is happy with you checking the fit without a saddle pad before you try.

Clearance

First, make sure there is clearance across the width and length of your horse's spine at all times.

Check the saddle's channel clears the wither and spine along the whole length of the saddle, including when you are sitting in it.

Even bearing

Your saddle should sit evenly on your horse's back, for a close, comfortable fit.

Slide your hand between your horse and the panel of your saddle and feel for even contact along the length of the panel.

If your saddle has HART, sit in the saddle to check bearing, as the CAIR Cushion System settles under your weight.

Balance

Checking your saddle's balance helps you keep a correct, comfortable position in any arena.

The deepest part of the seat should be central and level.

If your saddle needs a small adjustment, the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System and EASY-CHANGE Riser System let you or your saddle fitter fine-tune clearance, bearing and balance.

Our saddle systems, your comfort

With all the benefits of HART: Horse and Rider Technology, your Arena saddle is as adjustable and practical as it is comfortable.

These systems give you a lot of flexibility to get the fit right, but no one saddle can fit every horse. We always recommend ongoing professional advice on fit, to suit you and your horse.

You're ready

With good balance, even bearing and enough clearance, your horse can be as comfortable as you are and free to move, and you can keep your position with ease.

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