In principle, we always recommend that the saddle be checked by trained professionals. However, to find out if a saddler appointment may need to be made, you can check a few points yourself:
1. do the shoulder and loin remain free?
The shoulder and lumbar spine should not bear weight. In order for the shoulder to rotate backward in motion, the saddle must be behind the shoulder blade. Also, the angle of the tops of the places must be parallel to the angle of the horse's shoulder. To check, place your hand between the saddle and the horse's shoulder. The saddle should be girt up when you do this. You should be able to move your hand along the front under the saddle with a slight resistance. If this is not the case, or if you feel pressure at specific points, we strongly recommend that you check the saddle.
The rear end of the saddle position is determined by the 18th thoracic vertebra. To find it, feel the last rib and follow it upward. If the saddle extends beyond this imaginary or drawn line, it is too long.
2. is there still air upwards and to the side?
At the withers, the horse needs three to four fingers of space to the saddle, as this area is very sensitive. There should also be two to three fingers of air to the side of the withers so as not to irritate the sensitive nerve and muscle plexus. If the saddle presses here, the horse will only move with restraint and will not be able to arch its back. 3.
3. Does the panel lie evenly on the horse?
The panel should lie evenly on the horse's back. You can check this by running your flat hand along between the saddle and the horse's back from front to back. It is also important that the center of gravity of the saddle is parallel to the ground.
If you are unsure about the fit of your saddle, contact us as soon as possible.