After checking the fit of your saddle, have you found that your saddle is just a little bit too wide for your horse? While having a saddle that’s a bit too wide is not ideal, it’s actually better than having a saddle that is too narrow for your horse. When a saddle is too narrow, there is nothing that can be done to improve its fit; adding saddle pads will only tighten the already too-small fit, making your horse uncomfortable.

Luckily, if your saddle is just a bit too wide for your horse, there are a number of things that you can do to improve its fit. A saddle that is slightly too wide may sit too low in the front, and you may find that the saddle bars begin to press on your horse’s shoulders. If a saddle is dramatically too wide for your horse, then it is best to find a new saddle which fits better. But if only a slight change is needed, the following tips can help to improve the saddle’s fit.

Consider Your Horse's Condition

Before you set out to create a pad system or buy a new saddle, remember that your horse’s body condition can change the shape of his back, altering saddle fit at the same time. A horse who is out of condition will have a narrower back than one who is actively fit, so if your horse is coming back after a layup or time off and your saddle is loose, don’t fret. You will certainly want to make sure that your horse is comfortable in the meantime, but there is also a chance that as your horse regains body condition, the fit of your slightly too-wide saddle will improve.

Invest in a Thick Saddle Pad

When a saddle is just a bit too wide all over, using a thick saddle pad can improve the fit. A thicker pad will help to fill in the space between your horse’s back and the saddle, resulting in a snugger, and usually more even fit. However, when using a thick pad, be sure to monitor your horse’s back for any areas that may be pinched or rubbed.

Use a Correctional Pad

If simply padding up the saddle does not correct the saddle’s fit, you may need to use a riser or correctional pad. There are a wide variety of correctional saddle pads available today, and many of them use a shim system or an air bag system which allows you to custom-fit the pad’s size to your saddle and your horse’s back.

When using a correctional pad, patience is key, especially if there are many changes that you can make to the pad. Be sure to check how the saddle fits with the pad both without the girth and then again once the girth is tightened and your weight is in the saddle. If possible, have a friend who understands saddle fitting watch you as you saddle your horse and ride. An additional set of eyes on the ground can make the process easier.

While nothing beats a saddle that’s an excellent fit for your horse, you can improve the fit of a saddle that is just a little too wide.

Photo source: ingimage.com

Original source: How to Fix the Fit of a Saddle That’s Too Wide