7 steps to check saddle fit

Seven steps to check your saddle fit.
Step 1- how level does it sit?
Step 2- feel under the bars (front, middle, rear)
is there excessive pressure? Is there a gap in the middle? If there is a gap, this is called 'bridging'.
Step 3- with left hand under the front bar (shoulder area) put downward pressure with your right hand. Is the pressure excessive? Or distributed well?
Step 4- does the gullet of the saddle allow space over the withers?
Step 5- Place pad on horse. Does the saddle pad put pressure on the horse's withers? I prefer a contoured pad that does not.
Step 6-Place saddle on pad. Is the pad holding the saddle off the back and putting pressure on the withers?
Step 7- pull the saddle pad up into the gullet of the saddle. Your hand should fit under the pad and gullet, you should be able to feel withers.

[@shannonmugavin]

Great video and great tips. I knew to check the gullet of the saddle but never knew about pulling the pad up to make a gap on the withers. Thank you.

[@stevemcinnes5480]

another good job...I feeling down a few weeks ago and decided to re-watch your video with Popcorn, Vaquero, and the Palomino ( who didn't have a name) in mud. It gave a laugh again, thanks for that!! 👍🍁🤠

[@loribradley5498]

Many Thanks for linking us to your podcast for more on this topic. Sometimes I forget about your podcast series. I need to go there more often for information.

[@StacyLWestfall]

I'm glad I randomly decided to mention that! Sometimes I forget to tell people about the other information I put out there. The podcast is one of my favorite forms of communication...maybe because I can listen while I drive in a car...or ride a horse!

[@julieheyrman]

Thank you so much for your videos! You are very inspiring 🙏🤗

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

This is great - thanks Stacie!!

[@theskirtrider]

Thank you for this!! ❤️

[@tjligouri1794]

This is great! Thanks!

[@johnhall341]

GREAT INFORMATION I DON'T THINK EVERY BODY KNOWS THAT

[@sherylbenkosky5358]

Thank you so much. This becomes harder with an older horse. Any tips on saddle fitting a 26 year old with a bony back and high withers?

[@StacyLWestfall]

The changes with age do cause challenges. The shape of the tree may need to change (hight of the gullet, etc) and/or you may need to change padding to adjust for back changes.
If you want someone to talk specifically to, call Stagecoach West. 800-648-1121 and talk with them.
They make my saddles and I have talked about them in my podcasts on tack (find the podcast by searching my name in your podcast player). They have amazing customer service and will answer your questions even if you don't buy anything.

[@julieheyrman]

What kind of saddle do you use? Have you tried any of the adjustable western dressage saddles? Schleese or DP saddles? I have 2 paints with very different back shapes and am having trouble with saddle fit pinching through the shoulders. What are your thoughts? What are your thoughts on the different saddle pads? So many orthopedic pads to choose from?

[@StacyLWestfall]

Lots of questions! I answer all of this in episodes 53 & 54 of my podcast, totally free info there too.
stacywestfall.com/podcast-show/

[@stevemcinnes5480]

I just re read my comment, an am embarrassed by all the words I missed...oooops !! 👎🍁🤠