The Importance of Correct Saddle Fit – For Every Horse and Rider
When it comes to riding, the saddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll invest in - and getting the right fit matters more than you might think. A poorly fitted saddle can lead to discomfort, restricted movement, uneven pressure distribution, and even long-term physical issues for your horse. It can also affect your balance and position as a rider, impacting both your performance and your partnership.
A correctly fitted saddle promotes freedom of movement, proper muscle development, and a more responsive ride. Whether you're schooling at home, competing, or hacking out, the right fit supports your horse's wellbeing and helps you ride in better harmony.
Over time, a poorly fitting saddle can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage.
Common issues include muscle atrophy, particularly behind the shoulder; sore or bruised withers; spinal pressure or nerve impingement; and behavioural problems like bucking, hollowing, or reluctance to go forward. Even subtle signs - such as uneven sweat patterns, girthiness, or resistance to being tacked up - can indicate underlying discomfort caused by poor fit.
And it’s not just your horse that suffers. An ill-fitting saddle can throw the rider completely out of alignment. If the saddle is too wide or narrow, pitched too far forward or back, or unstable side-to-side, the rider’s balance is compromised. Over time, this can lead to poor posture, muscle fatigue, and even injury - especially in the lower back and hips. A crooked saddle can force riders to compensate unknowingly, leading to a chain reaction of issues that affect performance, comfort, and connection with the horse.
At Canterbury Saddlery we offer a range of adjustable and high-performance saddles to suit a wide variety of horses and disciplines. Saddles like Bates and Wintec are particularly popular thanks to their innovative, customisable features - including the EASY-CHANGE® Fit Solution and CAIR® Cushion Panels - which allow adjustments to better match your horse’s shape as it changes throughout the year. We also carry trusted brands such as Pessoa, Trainers, and others that combine quality craftsmanship with performance-driven design.
Saddle fit isn’t something that should be left to guesswork. Horses change shape with age, training level, condition, and even seasonal factors, so it’s important to check saddle fit regularly.
We strongly recommend working with a qualified saddle fitter who can assess the saddle both statically and in motion.
If you're unsure about the fit of your current saddle, or you're looking to upgrade, we’re here to help. Our experienced team can walk you through the available options and help you find the right fit—for both horse and rider.
A saddle that fits well isn’t just more comfortable - it’s essential to your horse’s soundness, your own position, and the success of every ride.
