Good Saddles for Narrow Horses

While saddles with semi-quarter horse bars or full quarter horse bars will fit the majority of horses, horses with more thoroughbred blood or those of saddlebred heritage will often find that these saddles sit too low on the withers, causing pain and sores. In addition, saddles that rub the withers can cause behavior problems as the horse tries to avoid being ridden.

  1. English Saddles

    • English saddles with regular trees will fit most horses, although saddle tree widths will vary from brand to brand. In many cases a saddle that is too wide and sitting too low on the horse's withers can be re-stuffed if it has wool flocking. This re-stuffing will help the saddle conform to the horse's back. Those saddles that are foam stuffed will usually conform to the horse's back with use. A few brands also offer adjustable trees that may work for some hard-to-fit horses.

    Saddle Seat or Cutback Saddles

    • Most gaited horses are known for their high withers and narrower backs. The saddle seat or cut back saddle is specifically designed for them since the saddle has an opening over the withers to give relief from chafing or rubbing. This type of saddle is also used for horses with high foreleg action to give more freedom through the withers, thus helping with their stride. While this type of saddle can be used for pleasure and trail riding for most horses, it is only used in the show ring by gaited horses.

    Western Saddles

    • Most of today's Western saddles are designed for horses with low withers and a flatter back. However, some saddles offer the option of adjustable or flex trees that can be made to fit the high-withered, narrow backed horse. In addition, many saddle makers will offer the option of a custom saddle designed for a specific horse or type of horse. While these saddles tend to be more expensive, they do solve the problem of a hard-to-fit horse. Saddles made for cutting or barrel racing often come with higher forks to aide the rider as the horse performs rapid turns; these saddles will usually fit higher withered horses.

    Treeless Saddles

    • While treeless saddles tend to fit a wider variety of horses than more traditional styles, these will also vary by brand with some fitting narrower horses better than others. While most treeless saddles will require special pads, those with a weight distribution system will require less padding. As with any other saddle, try to find a dealer who will let you try out the saddle.

    Pads

    • While it is best to find a saddle that fits the horse without extra padding, cutback saddle pads are often good choices for the rider who rides many horses of different body types. In addition, young horses or horses in poor condition often exhibit the same high withers and narrow back of horses with Thoroughbred lineage. Since this body shape often changes as the horse matures or puts on weight, a cutback saddle pad is often a good choice.