By Abby Stilwell 

As a five-foot-two-inch equestrian riding a massive 17.3-hand Warmblood gelding, finding a saddle that works for both of us has felt like chasing the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It’s been a challenging process, and the right fit remains elusive. On the positive side, I’ve learned a lot about saddles and horse anatomy along the way. 

My biggest takeaways from this seemingly never-ending journey are: 

• Trust your gut and listen to what your horse is telling you. 
• Everyone has an opinion. Do your research so you can form your own. 
• Speak up for yourself and your horse. 

1. Listen to Your Horse 

For the first couple of years, I rode my young gelding in a saddle that wasn’t quite right. Yes, I had it checked and reflocked, and my saddle fitter assured me that it fit both of us. Yet two problems persisted: I was continually being jumped out of the tack, and the saddle kept sliding too far back. 

Having spent a small fortune on it, I was determined to make it work. Then my happy-go-lucky gelding became increasingly agitated when I went to groom and saddle him. At first, the signs were subtle, such as stepping away from me. Eventually, he began pinning his ears, throwing his head up, and dropping his back during body treatments. 

I could no longer ignore what he was telling me. I was also frustrated by my own struggles in the saddle, so I went back to the drawing board. 

I explained the problems to my fitter, but the only option offered was to custom-order another saddle to try. My bank account wasn’t on board with that idea. Instead, I began researching for myself, knowing I needed to take my horse’s reactions seriously.

2. Learn Enough to Ask Informed Questions 

Everyone — and I mean everyone — has an opinion about saddle fit. Many people offer well-intentioned advice based on their own experiences, but I needed to understand more before deciding what might work for us. 

I started by learning as much as I could about the anatomy of the horse’s back. Then I identified a few saddle brands that seemed worth exploring for my particularly challenging gelding. 

Along the way, I discovered that saddle brands have their own systems for coding saddles, trees, and panels. Finding clear explanations of those codes proved surprisingly difficult, and I didn’t always get the clarification I hoped for from the fitters I contacted. Comparing options became a research project in itself. 

One of the most useful skills I’ve learned is how to take wither and back tracings, record measurements, and photograph my horse for remote saddle-fitting consultations. Living in the north, where access to in-person fitters is limited, has made these skills especially valuable. 

I would encourage horse owners, regardless of discipline or location, to learn how to document their horse’s shape consistently. These records can support conversations with a fitter and help track changes over time. 

3. Speak Up for Yourself and Your Horse 

Finding the right help takes persistence. Some saddle representatives and fitters can be difficult to reach. Those affiliated with a particular brand may have a limited range of options to offer, and training, qualifications, and experience vary. 

I’ve learned to ask about a fitter’s background, the brands they work with, and how they approach problems that remain after an adjustment. Technical knowledge matters, but so does finding someone who listens carefully, takes my horse’s comfort seriously, and follows through. 

When something still feels wrong, I need to say so — even when I’ve been assured that the saddle fits. 

At the time of writing, my gelding is seven, and we have yet to find the right saddle. I’m currently riding in one that fits me very well. Several fitters believe it also fits my horse with modifications provided by a Winderen correction half pad. 

Yet I remain concerned. When I ride five or six days a week, he becomes back-sore and irritated during saddling. I also still need a breast collar to keep the saddle from sliding back. Those signs leave me questioning whether our current setup is meeting his needs. 

So, the search continues. To date, I’ve probably spent more than $25,000 buying and trying saddles. That’s a sobering amount, and while I know our current arrangement isn’t perfect, I want my next step to be a well-informed one. 

Finding a saddle that fits both horse and rider is crucial, but the process can sometimes feel lonely and discouraging. If you’re on this journey too, you’re not alone. Keep listening to your horse, keep asking questions, and keep speaking up for what you both need. 

More from North Country Equestrian with Abby Stilwell

Photos are courtesy of Abby Stilwell.