Saddle fitting assesses the saddle on the horse, both at rest and ridden, while also considering the rider's balance, comfort and position. A successful saddle fitting is a two-part process. The saddle needs to fit the horse correctly and suit the rider. The right saddle creates harmony between horse and rider, allowing both to move comfortably and perform at their best.
That is the standard a thorough saddle fitting works towards. Assessing horse and rider together before buying helps avoid choosing an unsuitable saddle that later needs to be resold.
How can you tell if your saddle doesn't fit?
Changes in your horse's comfort, behaviour or way of going are all good reasons to review saddle fit. None of the signs below is proof on its own, but each deserves careful attention:
- White hairs under the saddle area. New white hairs may follow sustained pressure on the coat and skin. They are not diagnostic by themselves, but they have usually developed over several months, so they are a useful prompt to arrange a check.
- Uneven sweat patterns. After work, the sweat under the saddle should be reasonably even. Dry patches within an otherwise wet outline may indicate pressure concentrated in the wrong places. This is worth investigating, although it is not proof by itself.
- Uneven muscle development along the back, or signs of a sore back during grooming.
- Behaviour under saddle. This may include flinching when the girth is done up, reluctance to move forward, or a horse that was working well but gradually is not. None of these signs is specific to saddle fit. Training, teeth, soreness elsewhere and general health can produce the same signs, so persistent problems deserve both a fit check and a conversation with your vet.
A thicker saddle pad or saddle cloth cannot correct a saddle that is the wrong shape for the horse. Padding may shift the pressure points, but it does not remove them.
It is also helpful to remember that saddle fit changes. A saddle that fitted last winter may not fit now, because horses change shape with condition, age and workload. A horse returning to work after a spell rarely has the same back it went out with. Reviewing saddle fit periodically, and after any substantial change in condition, workload or way of going, protects your horse's back and your investment. The right interval depends on the horse.
Can you fit a saddle yourself?
You can carry out some useful screening checks at home. Look for clear space between the wither and the front of the saddle, a channel that remains clear of the spine along its whole length, and a saddle that sits level and balanced. The panels should bear evenly, without bridging in the middle or rocking on a central point, and the points of the tree should sit behind the horse's shoulder blade rather than on top of it. Check again with the rider aboard, because clearance and balance change under weight.
Understanding the saddle tree is especially useful here. The tree is the rigid frame inside the saddle that gives it shape and spreads the rider's weight. Its width and shape at the points need to match your horse's shoulder and wither. Some trees can be adjusted and some cannot, while a saddle with a tree that is the wrong shape for that horse cannot be padded or flocked into fitting. This is one of the most valuable things to understand before spending money.
These basics can help you recognise a clear concern. Choosing the right saddle from a large range for both your horse and you, however, requires a more detailed assessment.
Seat size is a good example. It depends on your build, leg length, saddle model and discipline, and the same rider may need a different size in a dressage saddle than in an all-purpose. We do not publish a height-to-seat-size table because it cannot replace an individual assessment. This is best discussed with a fitter rather than decided with a tape measure.
What happens during a saddle fitting at Ascot?
A successful saddle fitting is a two-part process, which we follow in a considered order.
We begin with a static fitting in store, where you can sit in and compare a range of saddles. This allows you to assess differences in seat shape, size, balance, flap position and support, and identify what feels comfortable. Moving easily from one saddle to another and back again makes the comparisons more meaningful.
Completing this stage in store also means different saddles do not need to be placed repeatedly on your horse, which some horses may find frustrating or unsettling. It gives you plenty of time to consider each option without feeling rushed.
Ideally, you then select up to three preferred saddles that we have also identified as most likely to suit your horse. A saddle fitter visits you to assess each shortlisted saddle on the horse, and you ride in the suitable options so the fitter can evaluate horse, rider and saddle together. Any necessary adjustments can then be made to achieve the best possible fit and balance before you make your final choice.
This approach finds a saddle that fits the horse while also creating the best possible partnership between horse and rider. If the best saddle for your horse happens to be a more affordable model, we will let you know. Our focus is helping you find the right saddle, including when it differs from the brand you first had in mind.
What if you are not near Melbourne?
Our saddle fitters cover most areas of Victoria in person. For riders elsewhere in Australia, we can provide remote fit guidance using a series of photographs and videos. This works well for many horses, and we will always advise you if we believe your horse requires an in-person fitting or more precise fine-tuning.
How much does it cost to have a saddle fitted?
Fitting fees vary according to the distance travelled and the type of appointment, whether that is a fitting for one particular saddle or a broader range fitting in which several saddles are assessed and trialled. Ring us on (03) 9376 5444 and we will discuss your horse, location and the type of fitting required, then confirm the cost when arranging your visit. Bookings are made by phone.
Every saddle we sell ships free Australia-wide, and flexible finance options are available.
Is a saddle fitting worth it?
A saddle is one of the largest purchases most riders make, and it is the one piece of gear that acts directly on your horse's back during every ride.
A professional saddle fitting service helps you make a more informed decision before investing in a saddle. It can also identify when an existing saddle needs reassessment or adjustment rather than replacement. Flocking and balance can often be adjusted as your horse changes shape, well before you need to buy anything new. Many saddle-fit problems can be addressed without purchasing a new saddle.
It also makes choosing easier. Whether you are a Pony Club rider considering something like a Wintec 500 all purpose or competing at FEI level in a PDS dressage saddle, you can choose from a shortlist that already suits your horse, with a fitter beside you. We fit across PDS, Bates, Wintec, Arena, Thorowgood and Trainers, so the shortlist is tailored to your horse rather than limited to one brand.
We have been fitting saddles in Melbourne since 1977, and we were named PDS, Pessoa and Trainers Dealer of the Year in both 2024 and 2025. Browse the saddle range or the all purpose collection, then call (03) 9376 5444 to book a fitting. Everyone is welcome, whatever their level of experience.
Quick answers
How do I know if my saddle fits my horse?
Look for even sweat patterns, no new white hairs, clear wither and spine clearance, and a saddle that sits level. Any changes in behaviour or way of going are worth investigating.
Can I fit a saddle myself?
You can carry out the basic screening checks, while choosing between saddles and fine-tuning the fit are best handled by a fitter.
How often should a saddle be checked?
Arrange checks periodically and after any significant change in your horse's condition, workload or way of going.
How much does saddle fitting cost?
The fee varies with the distance travelled and appointment type. Call us and we will confirm the cost when arranging your visit.
Do you fit saddles outside Victoria?
Our fitters cover most of Victoria in person, and we can provide remote fit guidance elsewhere in Australia using photographs and videos.
