Choosing the Right Saddle and Accessories for Your Horse

Choosing the right saddle and accessories for your horse is essential to ensure comfort and safety for both you and your horse. This guide is designed to help novice and experienced horse owners make informed choices that suit their riding discipline and their horse's anatomy.

Selecting a Saddle for Your Riding Purpose

Your first consideration should be the type of riding you intend to do. Saddles are specifically designed for different disciplines, so choosing one tailored to your activity will improve both comfort and performance.

• Dressage Saddles: These have a deep seat and long flaps to support a straight leg position, ideal for flatwork and precision. Perfect if you want to focus on dressage training and competition.
• Jumping Saddles: Designed with a forward seat and shorter flaps, these allow more freedom of movement for the rider during jumps.
• General Purpose Saddles: Suitable for hacking and a bit of everything, these combine features to work comfortably across disciplines.

Choosing a discipline-specific saddle is best if you are committed to one style, whereas a general purpose saddle offers versatility for riders wanting to enjoy several activities.

Fitting the Saddle to the Horse

A properly fitting saddle protects your horse’s back and promotes better movement. Key points include:

• Balance and Coverage: The saddle should sit evenly on the horse’s back without rocking or tipping.
• Pommel Fit: The pommel should provide enough clearance over the withers — you should be able to fit two fingers vertically between the pommel and withers when the saddle is in place.
• Spine Clearance: The saddle must not rest on the horse’s spine; there should be clear space along the gullet (channel running front to back).
• Leather Maintenance: Keep the leather supple and clean to avoid discomfort or injury from hard or cracked surfaces.

Consult a professional saddler if you are unsure about fit issues, as a poorly fitting saddle can cause pain or injury.

Fitting the Saddle to the Rider

Comfort is paramount for you as the rider to stay balanced and effective. Consider:

• Seat Size: The seat should accommodate your size comfortably, allowing you to sit in the deepest part of the saddle without slipping.
• Flap Length and Knee Position: Your legs should lie comfortably against the saddle flap, with knees resting naturally on knee rolls or panels.

Trying saddles before purchase, ideally on your horse, helps ensure both horse and rider fit well.

Stirrup Leathers and Stirrups: Safety and Comfort

Quality stirrup leathers are crucial for safety and rider comfort. Look for:

• Durable Stirrup Leathers: Soft, supple leather that resists stretching and cracking. Well-maintained leathers reduce the risk of pinching and chafing.
• Safety Stirrups: Options include stirrups with curved outer branches or elastic bands that allow your foot to release easily in a fall.
• Safety Bars: Most saddles include a safety bar at the stirrup attachment to release the stirrup if pulled backward, further preventing accidents.
• Stirrup Treads: Rubber treads improve grip and stability and are widely recommended.

The Girth: Securing the Saddle Safely

The girth holds the saddle in place and needs a careful fit:

• Place the girth about 4 inches behind the horse’s forelegs for comfort.
• It should be snug but not tight; you should comfortably fit three fingers between the girth and the horse.
• Be cautious with elastic-ended girths; while they offer flexibility, riders often overtighten them, which may cause discomfort.
• Keep the girth clean to prevent chafing and girth galls. Leather girths need regular cleaning to remove sweat residue, while fabric girths should be washed and dried thoroughly.
• Always check the skin between the girth and the horse’s legs isn’t pinched during fastening.

Numnahs: Extra Comfort for Your Horse

A numnah is a saddle pad that provides extra cushioning and absorbs sweat, improving your horse’s comfort. Usually made of sheepskin or cotton, a numnah should be sized to fit the saddle properly and lifted slightly at the front so it does not press on the withers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right saddle and accessories requires attention to fit, purpose, and quality to ensure safety and enjoyment for both rider and horse. Consult professionals when in doubt, maintain your tack well, and always prioritise your horse’s comfort. With the right equipment, your riding experience will be more rewarding for both of you.