Tips for Saddle Fit

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.

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.

 Three Key Features to Consider on a Saddle Tree:

1. Gullet/Arcade (Dot-to-Dot) Width
   The gullet width refers to the distance between the points of the tree, measured at the withers. It determines how well the saddle will fit your horse's back and spine, affecting comfort and clearance.
2. Material (Composite, Wood, & Others)
   Saddle trees are made from various materials, including composite, wood, and metal. Each material offers different flexibility, durability, and weight, so choosing the right one depends on your riding style and your horse’s needs.
3. Tree Length (Long vs Short)
   The length of the saddle tree affects how much contact the saddle has with the horse’s back. A long tree provides more surface area and is ideal for longer-backed horses, while a short tree offers a closer, more compact fit, often suited for horses with shorter backs.

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.