How to Fit an English Saddle To Your Horse

The English saddle was designed to allow maximum freedom and movement of the horse. Varieties of the English saddle have been designed to accommodate jumping, flat riding and dressage.

Things You'll Need

  • English Saddle
  • Saddle Pads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Expect to pay anywhere from $750 to several thousand dollars for a leather English saddle. Purchase a saddle from a tack shop or online once you know what you want. They can be new or used.

    • 2

      Determine which event you will be using your saddle for the most. Jumping saddles have shorted stirrups, and the seat is designed to keep the rider forward and up off the horse to accommodate jumping. Dressage saddles have a deeper seat that allows the rider to be closer to the horse's back so she has a better feel of what is going on underneath her.

    • 3

      Test the saddle on your horse, if possible. It is as important that the saddle fit your horse properly as it is that it fit the rider. Set a saddle pad on the horse's back, just covering the withers. Place the saddle over the pad. Check to make sure the saddle doesn't have any gaps or push into the skin at any points.

    • 4

      Secure the saddle with the girth. Step back and see if the seat appears level. It should not be higher at the cantle than the pommel, nor should it be lower than the pommel.

    • 5

      Try to run your fingers all the way around the edge of the saddle. You should be able to get your fingers underneath without much effort. You should be able to fit your fist in the space between the pommel and the horse's back.

    • 6

      Allow the horse to walk with the saddle on.

    • 7

      Ride the horse. See if the horse moves freely without apparent strain or restriction.