Hrimnir Icesaddles

Fitting the Saddle

Place the saddle on the withers, and slide it backwards to its correct position (see picture 1). The saddle should not restrict / hinder the backward movement of the shoulder (scapula) when the horse moves its front feet forward. See difference in the position of the scapula in picture 2. Place your hand sideways (not flat), under the pommel to see if there’s enough clearance over the horse’s withers.
Direct pressure on the withers will cause pinching and distress to the horse. Slide your hand flatly under the front of the saddle (from the pommel and downwards), to feel if there are pressure points on the trapezius area, which will cause pinching and limit blood circulation. The front of the tree and points have to be at a similar angle as the trapezius area upon which they will rest (tolerance of max 10 degrees).
This can be adjusted in saddles with a changeable gullet system. Some saddles without changeable gullet systems can be widened by a saddlemaker, but it is usually not recommended to have this done by more than one size (i.e. medium to medium-wide), and never narrowed.

• Check the contact of the panels by running your flat hand (palm down) along the underside of the panel (between the horse and the panels of the saddle) to check for tight spots, or if the saddle is bridging (no pressure under the middle of the saddle). This is especially important on saddles that have saddle trees that are less flexible.

• Make sure that the spine has sufficient space between the panels (about three fingers) to allow total clearance of the horse’s dorsal spinal process. You should also be able to fit two fingers between the top of the spine and saddle at the back (below the cantle). A horse needs to keep the longissimus dorsi muscle loose so that its back can rise, the hindquarters can come under, and the forehand lighten. This is important when riding in all gaits, but especially in tölt.

• Remember that a good saddle pad can sometimes accommodate for some of the imbalance in the muscles or outline of the horse, as well as for slight tight spots, or bridging of the panels.

• Now you should girth up the saddle and look at the previous points again.

• The girth should lie in the girth groove (about the width of a normal hand) behind the front leg.

• A girth system with a balance strap (pointing towards the back of the saddle) will increase the stability of the saddle. It prevents saddles from bouncing up and down on the back, as well as swinging from side to side.

• The girth and the stirrup leathers should align (have the same vertical angle).

• Sit in the saddle and have someone check again the previous points for you.

• Finally, you should walk the horse and consider if the fit is still OK for the horse and the rider.

At the end of the day, remember that a horse’s performance depends on numerous factors, and the saddle is just one of them. What is most important is that the horse performs well, and that you feel good in the saddle.
Enjoy the ride!



This article is written to broaden riders’ understanding of the saddle and its function.
If a horse is tender, sore, or lame, you should consider contacting a vet.
If you find a problem with the saddle, you should contact the dealer who sold it to you, or a saddlemaker. If the horse doesn’t have a balanced outline, you should consider contacting a vet, or a professional trainer.