Isn't there another saddle size? 5 warning signs in horses
A properly fitting saddle is the foundation of healthy riding and a harmonious connection between rider and horse.
However, what was perfectly fitting yesterday may create pressure today.
Since the equipment remains fixed, changes in the horse's back must be regularly compensated and adjusted.
In this article, you will read about how saddle fit changes, what signs can immediately indicate problems, and how to check the saddle's position yourself.
Why does saddle fit change at all?
The horse's back continuously changes due to various factors.
Weight gain often causes the saddle to become unbalanced and its center of gravity to shift.
Additionally, targeted muscle building during training, loss of muscle mass after periods of inactivity due to injury, and also the decline of the back line in older age change the shape of the saddle placement area.
Since the material and structure of the saddle remain constant, it is necessary to adjust its fit at regular intervals by a specialist to match the horse's current body shape.
When the saddle no longer fits: 5 important warning signs Horses often suffer in silence, but when the equipment puts pressure on them, they show clear signs.
Ignoring these signs does not just lead to disobedience but can also result in lasting physical injuries.
An overview of the 5 most obvious signs: 1.
Defensive behavior during grooming and saddling: If your horse flattens its ears at the sight of the saddle, swishes its tail angrily, or tries to bite you when you tighten the girth, this is a clear cry for help.
Restlessness and fidgeting when mounting, or sudden sensitivity to the girth in a horse that is usually calm, are classic signs of pain in the back area.
2.
Change in sweating pattern and appearance of white hairs: After riding, the sweat pattern under the saddle pad provides you with important clues.
A properly fitting saddle leaves a uniform and damp impression, except along the spine, which should remain dry.
If you see dry areas the size of a palm within this pattern, it could be a sign of severe pinpoint pressure or what is known as "bridging" of the saddle.
If white and fine hairs suddenly grow in the saddle placement area, it is almost too late; because the pressure at that point has been so great that it has damaged the hair root and no longer produces pigment.
3.
Sudden problems with mounting and disruption of movement rhythm: Does your horse hollow its back, keep itself tense in the nape area, trip more often, or no longer allow you to sit softly in the saddle?
A saddle that puts pressure disrupts the movement mechanics; a problem that often starts in the shoulder area.
In the worst case, the horse reacts with kicking, rearing, or refusal before jumping.
4.
Muscle atrophy in the back area: A saddle that is too tight in the shoulder or girth area puts pressure on the trapezius muscle.
As a result of reduced blood flow, the muscles gradually atrophy.
This condition can be identified by the deep hollows or "dips" just behind the shoulder blades.
The deceptive thing is that an ill-fitting saddle often falls exactly into these hollows, exacerbating the problem exponentially.
5.
The saddle shifts, bounces up and down, or slips: it doesn't matter how tightly you adjust the girth; does the saddle constantly slide forward onto the shoulder or backward toward the loins while riding?
Slipping of the saddle to the sides or severe bouncing of the back of the saddle during the sitting trot are clear signs that the saddle tree, front arch, or panels are not compatible with your horse's anatomy.
How do you assess your saddle fit in a personal check?
For the assessment, the horse should stand on a flat surface, saddled, and with the girth tightened, but without a saddle pad, and you should check four main points.
There should be at least three to four fingers of space between the withers and the shoulder with the front arch of the saddle.
Then, move your hand flat from front to back under the saddle panel along the back to ensure even pressure and the absence of gaps or pressure points.
What should you pay attention to regarding the balance point and length of the saddle?
The lowest point of the saddle should be exactly in the middle of the seat area, as having it sloped forward or backward disrupts balance.
Additionally, the saddle should not extend beyond the eighteenth rib to prevent pressure on the sensitive lumbar vertebrae of the horse.
Imagine you have to go for a day hike in hiking shoes that are two sizes too small for you.
Every riding session with a saddle that puts pressure feels exactly like that for the horse.
So, we must carefully listen to the signs that our four-legged companions show when they are uncomfortable and in pain.
Michel Debier at Ahursaz says a properly fitted saddle looks like this: a well-fitting saddle distributes the rider's weight evenly across the load-bearing areas of the horse's back without putting pressure on sensitive bones or muscles or restricting their movement.
Shoulder freedom: The saddle should be positioned far enough back from the shoulder so that the shoulder can move freely and without pressure with every step.
Spinal freedom: The channel of the panel underneath the saddle should be wide enough so that the sensitive spine and surrounding ligaments are never under pressure or pinched.
Proper angling: The front panels of the saddle should be positioned at the same angle as the horse's shoulder to distribute pressure over a wide area.
Stability in movement: The saddle should remain calm and stable in place when turning, standing, or changing speed, without slipping or moving.
What physical injuries can an improper saddle cause?
The constant pressure of a saddle that is too tight or does not sit correctly on the horse compresses the blood vessels on the horse's back and disrupts blood flow and tissue nourishment.
As a result, muscle tissue is permanently damaged; a problem that is often seen in the form of trapezius muscle atrophy.
Furthermore, this improper loading causes chronic pain, painful pressure points, and spasms throughout the thoracic and lumbar spine.
How does a poorly fitting saddle change the horse's movement pattern?
To escape pain, the horse automatically adopts a conservative posture and no longer moves correctly on the bit.
This incorrect posture distributes weight unevenly and puts excessive pressure on the tendons and joints of the legs with serious consequences.
What psychological consequences does an improper saddle have for the horse?
Alongside physical injuries, the horse's psyche also suffers from continuous pain during riding, resulting in a loss of trust in the rider.
Initial restlessness when mounting often turns into behavioral disorders and persistent disobedience, such as sensitivity to tight saddling, kicking, or raising both front legs.
When to notify the saddle expert: saddle inspection by a trained saddler or osteopath and saddle adjustment should be done at least once a year.
Appointments should be made immediately in the following cases: after long breaks in training, illness, or weight loss after significant muscle building, or severe changes in the training program for young growing horses; in this case, it is often necessary every 3 to 6 months as soon as any of the 5 warning signs mentioned above appear with any change of ownership or equipment. Are you still in search of your dream horse?
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Questions and answers: No.
A pad makes a saddle that is already too tight even tighter.
This is just like wearing thick socks in small shoes; the pressure on the tissue only increases.
After saddle adjustment, muscle building with targeted training and proper nutrition usually takes a few months to half a year.
The saddler, to assess the mere fit of the saddle, always first examines it without any padding and directly on the bare back of the horse to accurately identify irregularities and how pressure is distributed.
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As a horse expert, she provides exclusive news about this industry and guide articles on all topics related to horses.
You can contact her at m.breitenfeld@ehorses.de.
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