How do you know if a saddle fits properly?

[ponies-R-gr8!!!]

Question in the title, dont worry, im not going to try and fit one !

 

[galadriel]

It's not easy.

To provide an introduction to the whole idea, I wrote a whole *book*. Tips that you find online or that you might get in a post just won't be nearly complete enough.

 

[ponies-R-gr8!!!]

Ok thanks, (silly me feels embarrassed for asking silly question ) i will read your saddle fitting site! Thanks

 

[galadriel]

It's not a silly question. In fact, many people feel competent at checking saddle fit after reading a few of these tips I mentioned. The problem is, it's a LOT more complicated than that. It does take study and experience, and one or two checks to see if a saddle fits just can't give you everything you need to know.

 

[Kazzie]

I recently bought a new saddle. The saddler came out with various trees.. Stubben, Jeffries, etc and placed them on William's back. It was obvious which didn't lay correctly. Then we tried the actual saddles of those which were the best fitting trees. The saddle I eventually bought was from a maker I hadn't heard of.

I wanted a Stubben or a Keiffer - neither fitted correctly and when I tried them out the one that fitted William was also the most comfortable for me too.

If I were you I would get expert help.