What Does a Saddle Fitter Do?

On the surface, what saddle fitters do can come across as pretty one-dimensional. The reality is that it involves far more than meets the eye. Throughout this blog, we will tell you what a saddle fitter does, what duties their job may include as well as how to spot a good saddle fitter if you’re in the market for hiring one.

What is a Saddle Fitter?

A saddle fitter is a professional fitter qualified to fit horses with suitable saddles based on a series of assessments and observations. They are known to drastically help riders with control of their horse and improve their riding. A saddle fitter can do many jobs on top of their initial fitting of the saddle, so they’re worth their weight in gold to horse owners.

What Makes a Good Saddle Fitter?

A good saddle fitter will take into account multiple factors when fitting saddles for riders. They will have a series of different criteria to assess and then will take action on their findings. On the whole, the process a good saddle fitter follows is likely to be similar from fitter to fitter. Below are some of the duties you should expect from a saddle fitter and things that ensure they know their stuff.

Equine Evaluation

The first step of effective saddle fitting begins with evaluating the horse. At the end of the day, the saddle is just as important for them as it is the rider. A good saddle fitter will take into account body shape, muscle development as well as how the horse moves. 

Current Saddle Assessment

Most horse owners and riders will already have a saddle in use. They can be expensive to replace, so many choose to have theirs adjusted to fit them and the horse. A good saddle fitter will check for proper fit in all areas, to maximise efficiency and comfort.

Rider Consultation

The rider is just as important in the saddle fitting equation as the horse is. Saddle fitters must undertake some sort of consultation with the rider to establish pain points, riding style as well as find out what sort of discipline the horse is likely to be used in.

Modification, Maintenance and Repairs

Where a good saddle fitter really justifies their fee is with the effectiveness of the modifications. These are in theory what make all the difference for both horse and rider. If for some reason your saddle becomes damaged and is in need of repair, your chosen saddle fitter will know just what the fix will be, without compromising ride quality.

Who Benefits from Saddle Fitting?

Put simply, both the horse and the rider benefit from a saddle fitting. A poor or improper fitting saddle can cause discomfort for both horse and rider as well as affect performance of the horse. The horse will appreciate a properly fitting saddle, reducing chance of any injuries occuring due to improper fitting as well as freeing up all the necessary muscles to improve ride performance. The rider will of course find their ride is considerably more comfortable. They will also benefit from increased balance and control, something that is vital for safe riding. 

When Should I Get a Saddle Fitting?

You should get a saddle fitting as soon as you become the owner of a new horse with intentions to ride. This will mean you have the correct fitting from the get go, giving you more opportunity to focus on other areas of your training. 

After your first fitting, it is recommended that you get your saddle fitting checked every 3-6 months. This is because with the changes in season, usage of the saddle as well as the change in stature of your horse (if it is still growing) can cause measurements to become out of plumb. It is perfectly natural for things to move and adjust as the saddle is used, but it is important for them to be checked regularly to ensure no harm is being done to rider or horse.

If you are looking to change the discipline in which your horse is being used, we would recommend getting another fitting to reflect this. Different disciplines demand different characteristics from the saddle, which is why it may need adjusting if you’re considering the change.

Fancy Becoming a Saddle Fitter?

If you love working with horses and are looking to turn your passion into a career, why not take up saddle fitting? Here at the International Academy of Saddle Fitters, we help turn passionate people into qualified, fully-fledged professionals who are ready to take on the world of saddlery.

To find out more about what a career in saddle fitting is like and how to get there, please visit our get certified page. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.