A well-fitting saddle is so important for your horse’s comfort and physical health, as well as your safety as a rider. Symptoms of an ill-fitting saddle range from a shortened stride to bucking and permanent scarring on the horse’s back. Although it’s tempting to buy a saddle based on price, style, or comfort for the rider, it must fit the horse, too.

Saddle fitting clinic in Johnstown in 2009

I can check the fit of a saddle you already own, or help you find one that meets your needs and fits within your budget. If your current saddle doesn’t fit your horse but isn’t far off, I can recommend other less-expensive solutions such as changing pads or making you a wool insert to tweak the fit.

If you decide to buy a different saddle, I can meet you and your horse at a tack shop, or bring saddles to you. I do not work for, or are endorsed by, any tack shop or saddle maker. Therefore, I can give you an objective evaluation of any saddle you’re considering. A thorough fit check requires a ride or two in the saddle, so don’t expect the first saddle you see to be “the one.” Saddles are too big of an investment to buy without a thorough trial.