How should a saddle fit on a high-withered horse?

The saddle should still clear your horse’s withers almost an inch (2-3 fingers). If the saddle is sitting too high on your horse (more than an inch off the withers), the saddle is too narrow. If the saddle is riding down less than an inch or touching the withers, the saddle tree is too wide.

Are flex tree saddles good for high-withered horses?

Though narrow-backed horses and those with high withers may not be the best candidates for a comfy flex-tree fit, horses with an average back and withers and/or those with a well-sprung rib cage might benefit from the flexible tree. Horses with particular conformation problems need with the help of a saddle-fit expert.

What is a high-withered horse?

High Withers The bump where its shoulder blades meet between the neck and the back is taller than average, causing a sharp angle from the tip of its withers to its shoulders. A high-withered horse also has a slightly narrower back compared to a horse with normal withers.

How do I make sure my western saddle fits?

If you can fit three fingers (about four inches) between your thigh and the saddle’s swell, and you can hold your hand vertically between the cantle and your seat, your saddle fits you perfectly.

How far back should a western saddle fit?

Western saddle trees are made to sit right behind the shoulder blade, which puts the skirts just over the back of the shoulder. 3.) If the tree fits at all, the saddle will move to the correct position unless you keep it out of position with a breast collar, crupper or britching.

What saddle is best for high withers?

Cutback saddles are popular for gaited horse breeds but can be used on any horse with a high withers. The cutback design features a section of the pommel that has been cut back by an inch or more to allow extra room for the withers.

How should a western saddle fit the rider?

When you sit in a Western saddle, you should be able to fit two to three fingers between the front of your thigh and the fork of the saddle. You should be able to fit approximately four fingers between the back of your seat and the top of the cantle. Saddles seats also have different widths.

How do you know if your saddle fits correctly?

With your saddle correctly positioned, put your hand underneath and slide your fingers along the panel. If it doesn’t feel equally snug from front to back, it’s “bridging”–and the places where it’s tight will becomes sore from the extra pressure.