The proper placement of your saddle while riding is a very important aspect to horseback riding. It can make the ride more comfortable for you and the horse. Whether you are just a beginner or a professional, knowing your saddle placement options is important.
Bridle placement on a horse is one of the most important things when learning to ride. It helps both you and your horse have a comfortable ride. Conversely, saddle placement can also be used as a communication method. If done correctly, saddle placement can have your horse listening to you more than ever before.
Before you can saddle your horse, you need to know the proper saddle placement. It is important to learn about how to saddle a horse before you start for any length of time in the saddle. And why wouldn’t you want to spend as much time in the saddle as possible? There are so many things to do on horseback – from trail riding and showing, to actual ranch work and fox hunting!
Horse riders have been placing saddles on horses for many years. With the advent of formalized training and use of equestrian science, riders are learning more and more about the proper placement of these saddles. As you would expect, saddle placement is impacted by many factors including horse temperament and rider experience. From a scientific standpoint, saddle placement is an element of science that relies heavily on horse body geometry, rider preference, and riding discipline.
Proper Saddle Placement On A Horse
If you are a horse owner or rider, one of the most important things to consider is proper saddle placement. The saddle should be placed directly on the horse’s withers, which are located just above where the neck meets the shoulders. This is also known as the “point of shoulder.” The saddle should not be placed too high on the back or too low, as this can cause discomfort for both you and your horse.
When you are placing your saddle on your horse, make sure that it is positioned right over his withers. The point of shoulder is where your stirrups should be attached to the saddle, so make sure that when you put your feet in them, they are resting directly over this area (not behind it).
Proper saddle placement on a horse refers to how the saddle is placed on the horse’s back. A saddle that is placed properly will allow for proper distribution of weight across the horse’s spine and distribute pressure evenly, which helps prevent injury and discomfort for both the rider and the horse.
The first step in proper saddle placement on a horse is to ensure that the girth (or cinch) is tight enough to hold the saddle in place. This can be done by checking that there are no gaps around the cinch area and making sure that it’s not too loose or too tight. If it’s too loose, it can slip off; if it’s too tight, it can cause injury or discomfort for both you and your horse.
Next, make sure that your stirrup leathers are adjusted so that when you stand up in them, your feet touch just behind where the stirrup attaches to your boot or stirrup iron (depending on which type of saddle you have). This allows you to easily maintain balance while riding and prevents injury from occurring due to improper placement of your foot in relation to where it should be while riding
Proper Saddle Placement On A Horse
If your blue jeans were two sizes too small, it’s likely your body would show signs of (major) discomfort, such as pinching and red marks. Now, unless they’re the last pair to your name, you’re likely not wearing those jeans again, let alone tomorrow, the next day, or for days to come.
Now, imagine how your horse might feel, if he is consistently ridden in an improperly fitted saddle.
How Does Your Saddle Fit Your Horse?
Your horse’s comfort, happiness and your proper positioning as a rider all weighs on your saddle’s fit. An improper saddle fit causes your weight to be distributed unevenly, which can result in pressure points, rub marks, soreness, or the development of white saddle spots on your horse. Monitor your horse’s attitude and behavior while riding, which can clue you in on a painful saddle fit, but keep in mind: some horses are more stoic than others. It’s best that you take a step back and take a close look at your horse while he is saddled to determine fit.
Your saddle fits just right if it sits level on your horse’s back and the bars of the tree do not pinch. The front of your saddle should be positioned behind your horse’s shoulder blade, allowing him freedom of movement.
Your saddle is too narrow if the front of the saddle sits high. When the saddle is sitting directly upon the horse’s withers, pinching can often occur.
Your saddle is too wide if the front of the saddle is low. This also results in pinching but at the top of the saddle’s bars. In this scenario, the gullet of the saddle may be too low and rest on your horse’s withers causing pain and discomfort.
Learn more about the saddle that is pictured on the right, crafted by internationally renowned trainer and clinician, Julie Goodnight, and tune into this video below as she shares insights on saddle fitting.