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Most experienced horse people and riding instructors acknowledge that no matter what discipline or level of training, the horse cannot perform well in poor fitting or incorrectly adjusted tack.  

It is also accepted that some bad habits such as rearing, bucking or jibbing can be traced back to the use of poor fitting equipment that has caused pressure or pain in the early days of breaking or training. Relegating faulty, poorly maintained or incorrectly fitted gear to young horses is false economy and can cause unnecessary discomfort setting up resistance that makes the horse resentful, resulting in a potentially nice young horse acquiring a bad attitude to training and a work ethic that is less than generous. 

Significant research into equine science and expert training methods has resulted in a sound understanding of equine physiology and psychology.  This expanded knowledge has enabled saddle manufacturers to develop advancements in saddletree design and features to enhance the rider’s feel and control.  Perhaps the vast choices can cause some confusion and the inexperienced saddle buyer is well advised to ensure that they ask for help.

Saddle fitting is an area that has enjoyed a great deal of attention and many of the world’s leading saddle manufacturers have modified their designs to ensure that correct fitting can be easily achieved.  In relatively recent times, the move to adjustable gullets and wider weight bearing panels, Y girthing options and other features have been included to facilitate the horse’s comfort and to maximize the rider’s influence. 

Despite theses pro-active advancements, correct saddle fitting is still a mystery to most riders and they will need some expert input if they are sure that their horse is not uncomfortable or hindered by a saddle that does not fit well. 

All Saddleworld Stores are united in their commitment to stand behind the products they sell and offer a range that has manufacturer’s quality assurance and meets the standards expected by Australian riders.

Professional Saddle fitting will involve the accurate assessment of the horse’s conformation, the shape and prominence of the wither, length of back and style of riding along with broader knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology. Expert saddle fitters have undertaken specialist training and are able to offer advice which will help the rider/owner to make the right choice of equipment to ensure that their very significant investment in a saddle, will be made in consideration of individual factors and will give years and years of good service.  The saddle fitter will know how to care for the saddle and can advise if adjustments can be made later in when a horse matures and changes shape.
When you seek the advice of your local Saddleworld store, you can do so with confidence, knowing that they only deal with manufacturers and suppliers who stand behind their product and care that they build a good reputation.  Happy customers are the best form of advertising, and Saddleworld want every saddle sold to fit well and be the perfect choice.

Here are some helpful hints to ensure that the saddle you choose fits you and your horse properly. It really is very important that the saddle is correctly fitted, as a badly fitting saddle can cause discomfort for both horse and rider. A correctly fitted and balanced saddle will make your horse a lot happier and more pleasurable to ride. Please talk to any of our professional sales team and tell them vital information like the size of your horse, the horse’s age, the breed, the rider’s height and the style of riding you would like to do. All of these factors help us in selecting the right saddle for you and your horse. Once you have selected a saddle, you must ensure that it fits correctly on your horse. Our fully trained professionals can come out and fit the saddle with you, however as guide it can be done by following a few of the below steps::

1. Try the saddle on without a saddlecloth to see where the saddle does or doesn’t fit.
2. Sit the saddle behind the horse’s shoulder without girthing the saddle up.
3. Place your fingers under the pommel and on top of your horse’s wither. Ideally, 3 to 4 fingers’ space for new saddles, any less will result in the saddle sitting on your horse’s wither.
4. Place your fingers either side of your horse’s spine at the wither to ensure there is suitable clearance between the spine and the saddle. If it is too tight it will cause a pinching effect, too loose and the saddle will move around.
5. Make sure the saddle panels are sitting squarely and evenly along your horse’s back and that the back of the panel is not “digging” in to your horse’s back.

Finally, make sure that the panels are well away from your horse’s spine and finally check the balance of the saddle.
If you pass all these steps then the saddle should fit your horse, so then all you need to do is jump on and go riding! However remember it is ideal to have your saddle professionally fitted by one of our team members. We will be able to fine-tune the adjustment of the saddle or even come up with an alternative if necessary. Remember if the saddle fits properly, your horse will appreciate it and you will get a better ride.  Safe and happy riding from the friendly team at Saddleworld.

 

TAFE Accredited Saddleworld Saddle Fitters

A saddle that fits perfectly is the first step to success. At Saddleworld, we emphasise the fact that competent guidance from a professional, trained saddle fitter is paramount. TAFE NSW is Australia’s largest training provider and it is among the largest in the world. The letters ‘TAFE’ stand for Technical and Further Education and, for hundreds of thousands of people each year, it also stands for high quality, accessible training. Saddleworld has been working very closely with the Western Sydney TAFE over the last two years to develop a comprehensive Saddle Fitting Course. The Saddleworld Saddle Fitting Course is now fully TAFE accredited and those students who complete the course and pass the assessment will now receive the TAFE Statement of Attainment in Saddle Fitting.

This gives the Saddleworld Saddle Fitting course great credibility, as it is nationally recognised throughout the TAFE education system that now brings a formal, credible qualification that can be attained by Saddleworld storeowners and staff.  For more information and where to find a Saddleworld Saddle Fitter please visit the Saddleworld website at www.saddleworld.com.au

www.saddleworld.com.au