Fitting Guide
Wither Clearance
Wither clearance is a key indicator of proper panel alignment along the longissimus muscle and plays a crucial role in ensuring that the tree points do not interfere with the horse’s shoulder movement. Adequate wither clearance allows for freedom of movement and helps prevent discomfort or restriction in the shoulder area.
SADDLE BALANCE
A saddle that is too high at the pommel and too low at the cantle can create an imbalanced fit, leading to excessive pressure on your horse’s back. This imbalance can restrict the horse's ability to properly engage his back muscles, as too much of your weight will be concentrated on the last two floating ribs, which can cause discomfort and hinder performance.
Tree Sizing
Three Key Features to Consider on a Saddle Tree:
Gullet/Arcade (Dot-to-Dot) Width
Determines saddle fit, impacting spine comfort and clearance.
Material (Composite, Wood, & Others)
Affects saddle flexibility, durability, and weight based on riding style.
Tree Length (Long vs Short)
Influences contact area; long trees suit longer-backed horses, short trees are ideal for shorter-backed horses.
Pannel Contact
As the panels sit along the horse's back muscles, the goal is to achieve full contact from the front of the tree point to the back of the seat for optimal saddle fit. To ensure your horse’s comfort, it’s crucial to avoid bridging in the center of the saddle, as this can create pressure points and disrupt the even distribution of your weight.