Two Principles to Saddle Fit

Theoretically, with an ideal fit the whole underside of the bar should contact the horse’s back at all times with an even pressure.  In practice, this is impossible, since we are dealing with a rigid system on a flexible, mobile back.  (The idea of flexible bars, while sounding good, has its own set of problems.)  We know that the shape of the horse’s back changes not only with weight, use and time, but also with every movement he makes. 

So there are basically two rules for well-designed trees: 

Principle Number One – “No Poking”.  In other words, don’t dig in anywhere.
Principle Number Two – “Distribute the Pressure”.  Have as much surface area as possible on the horse without breaking Rule Number One.

There is a fair amount of leeway within Principle Number Two, but you can’t break Principle Number One without consequences for the horse.  To follow these principles, the shape of the bars must match the shape and size of the horse with enough edge relief that there are no pressure points.  When this is correct, the pressure under the saddle will change its area of distribution on the back throughout each stride the horse takes, but it is always disseminated over a wide enough surface area that the pressure in any one spot is low.  This is why a well designed tree will fit a range of horses.  While it will use more or less of the surface area available (the middle of the range using the greatest amount of surface area), with well designed edge relief it won’t break Principle Number One until it is put on a horse with a very different body type than what it was made to fit.  How much of the available surface area needs to be in contact to avoid problems depends on weight of rider, duration of ride, roping use, etc. ​

On Sale

On Sale

Saddle Fitting Service

NZ$150.00 NZ$120.00

Saddle fitting service, Try before you buy.

Bring your horse to us – was $150, now just $120.

We can come to you – $120 + mileage (to cover travel cost and time).

Michelle has heard countless stories of riders spending thousands on saddles that end up not fitting properly. A poorly fitted saddle can cause endless problems — for both horse and rider. That’s why we offer our “try before you buy” saddle fitting service.

You’ll be able to:

• Sit in the saddle first and adjust the stirrups.
• Fit the saddle to your horse and check how it sits.
• Ride in it to make sure you feel comfortable and your horse is moving freely.
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It’s a simple way to be confident that your saddle truly fits — before you commit to buying.

To make an appointment, call or text 022 502 4013.

About our Saddle Fitting Service

Michelle has years of hands-on experience fitting both English and Western saddles. She can show you exactly how to fit your western saddle, bridle, and breastplate correctly – passing on all the tips, tricks, and “do’s and don’ts” to make sure your horse correctly fitted. Michelle can also take detailed measurements of your horse, giving a more accurate picture of fit. From those tracings, we can even custom-make a saddle to suit.

We also offer a “try before you buy” service that takes around an hour and a half.

• You’ll have the chance to sit in the saddle first and adjust the stirrups.
• Then we’ll fit the saddle to your horse, so you can see how it sits.
• Finally, you can ride in it — making sure you feel comfortable and your horse moves freely and happily too.

Before we book a visit, we’ll ask you a few simple questions. This helps us figure out whether we already have a saddle that’s likely to suit you and your horse. It saves time, keeps costs down for everyone, and gives you the best chance of finding a saddle that truly fits.

Please send us photos of your horse as well as you with your horse along with answers to these questions.

1. Horses breed type
2. Horses age
3. Horses height
4. Your height and weight
5. The inside measurement of your leg
6. Is your horse in work and well saddle trained?
7. Has your horse had a western saddle on before

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