A horse's behavioral problems and performance problems may also be present due to an improper fitting saddle. If your horse shows any of the physical signs listed below your saddle is most likely to blame.

Physical Evidence Indicating a
Poor Fitting Saddle:

• Obvious sores
• White hairs
• Temporary swellings after removing the saddle
• Scars or hard spots in the muscle or skin
• Muscle atrophy on the sides of the withers
• Friction rubs in the hair
• Suspect dry spots under the saddle

Some riders and trainers believe that all horses resist work at different stages in training and that some horses are just resistant by nature. This is simply not true. There are times when the horse may not know how to respond correctly. When the messages or aids given by the rider are not clear or when the horse is so sore that he refuses to move forward when asked. It is not the nature of the horse to resist constantly. To be able to perform as their riders or trainers wish, they must be unimpeded by pain.

Many horses are sore in their backs or hampered in their movement due to a poorly fitted saddle. A saddle must fit the horse without pinching, rocking, creating pressure points or pressing on the horse's spine. A saddle must also allow for proper movement. For example, if the front third of the saddle restricts the horse's shoulders or withers, he/she will be reluctant to stride out. Frequent or obscure rear leg lameness or stiffness can occur because the hind legs cannot engage or come underneath the body with normal, strong movement. Instead the hind legs tend to trail behind the horse. This causes excessive stress and concussion on the hind leg joints. Reluctance to use the back and hindquarters properly is caused by too much pressure from the back third of the saddle.

A proper fitting saddle, though often overlooked, is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself and your horse. It connects you together and allows for communication. The saddle may be considered an extent ion of you and an ill fitting saddle has the potential to damage your relationship with your horse. It also has the potential to cause misalignment and injury throughout your horse's body. If you suspect your saddle of fitting poorly I will gladly examine and test the saddle fit and work towards finding a saddle that is right for both of you.