From http://essentialequestrian.wordpress.com:

Saddle fit can be one of the most challenging obstacles we face as horse owners. It is both an art and a science, and if you talk to 7 saddle fitters and you will get 7 opinions. Not only does the saddle need to fit the horse, it needs to fit the rider, and finding a marriage of the two can be a frustrating, expensive, and lengthy process.

In this series I will address some of the main issues I’ve encountered in my own saddle search in an attempt to help others enter into the process more informed.

So how do we know what is right when it come to saddle fit?

Step 1 – Find a Saddle Fitter

A qualified saddle fitter should be a member of your inner-circle, along with your vet and farrier.  It is important to have your saddle looked at by a saddle fitter at least once a year.

To find a fitter that works for you, word of mouth referrals go a long way. Ask several people in your area who’s opinion you value to see if a common name emerges. Saddle fitters typically represent a specific saddle maker, so if you have a saddle you like and want to keep, it may be beneficial to work with a rep from that company who will know the ins-and-outs of that saddle.

Once you’ve selected the fitter you want to come out, here are a few questions you should ask before making the appointment:

• What is the cost of an evaluation? (Some fitters charge for an evaluation, and others only charge if you have a service performed (flocking, repairs, etc.))
• What saddlemaker do you represent? Do you work on other brands of saddles? If so, which?
• How long have you been a saddle fitter?
• Do you have references I can contact?
• Do you have used saddles in your inventory?
• Are saddles available for trials?
• What can I expect during the evaluation? How much time does it take?

If you currently have a saddle that is working, you don’t want to feel like the fitter is trying to sell you a new saddle. Ask for an objective opinion. If it doesn’t seem like you are getting one, you might want to try another fitter.

During the appointment, ask TONS of questions. I’ve learned a great deal during evaluations simply by asking questions every step of the way. Ideally, the fitter will be asking you questions as well, such as:

• Are you having any performance issues?
• What level of work are you doing?
• How many days per week do you ride?
• What are your likes and dislikes of your current saddle?

After the initial evaluation, the fitter will ideally bring out several saddles to try, and he or she should watch you ride in each. It is virtually impossible to determine if you and your horse truly like a saddle after a 10 minute ride during an evaluation, so I will not purchase a saddle I cannot try for at least a week. You and your horse are different everyday, so it is important to ride in a saddle several times before making a decision.

I recently had an evaluation done by a Schleese saddle fitter, which I found to be the most comprehensive evaluation I’ve had to date. Measurements and wither tracings were taken, and I was able to keep those for my records. There is a cost (approx. $140), but I found the evaluation to be well worth it. When it come to saddle fitting, the more information, the better!

Before finishing up this post, I want to stress that your saddle fitter should also be looking at the fit of the saddle for YOU.

• Where does the saddle put your leg?
• Do you feel strapped in or can you move around?
• Can you feel your seat bones?
• Can you get your upper thigh on the saddle?
• Are you pitched forward onto your pubic bone?

Keep these things in mind while you are trying a saddle.

Moving forward in the series, I’ll address fit for the horse, fit for the rider, saddle pads, and how we as riders can regularly assess saddle fit to determine when to call the fitter! I’d love comments on your experiences with saddle fitters positive or negative.

Also, in the interest of full disclosure, I should let you know that I still have not found a saddle.

Stay tuned!