Step 1: Position of the Saddle
Place the saddle forward on the horse's withers. Press down on the pommel and slide the saddle until it stops at the resting place dictated by the horse's conformation.
Step 2: Angle of the Points
The tree points should lie within 10 degrees of parallel to the withers.
Step 3: Wither Clearance
There should be adequate clearance between the pommel and the top of the horse's withers, approximately two to three fingers.
Step 4: Pommel to Cantle Relationship
Visualize a straight line parallel to the ground from the pommel to the cantle. In almost any saddle, if the cantle is even or lower than the pommel, the saddle is improperly fitted.
Step 5: Seat Level
Visualize the same straight line parallel to the ground and look this time at the deepest part of the seat. This area should be level.
Step 6: Seat Length
The saddle should never go behind the 18th thoracic vertebra, which is the vertebra corresponding with the last rib.
Step 7: Channel Clearance/Gullet Width
There should be adequate clearance over the spine and connective tissue throughout the channel of the saddle.
Step 8: Saddle Stability
The saddle should remain stable and not shift excessively from side to side or front and back.
Step 9: Panel Pressure and Contact
Place one hand in the center of the saddle and press down to secure the saddle in place; run your other hand between the panels and your horse's musculature, feeling for uneven pressure.
Step 10: Horse Response
Throughout the whole saddle fitting process, monitor your horse's response. The horse is the most honest indicator we have when fitting a saddle.
