A proper fitting saddle is extremely important for many reasons. An unbalanced saddle can throw the rider off balance causing the horse to be unbalanced. In addition, a poor fitting saddle can cause an array of other problems and pain.
PHYSICAL evidence of Poor Saddle Fit
* obvious sores
* white hairs
* temporary swelling after removing saddle
* scars or hard spots in muscle or on skin
* friction rubs on hair-saddle moves side-to-side too much
* behavioral issues
BEHAVIORAL problems related to back pain
* objects to being saddled
* unable to stand still or relax when being mounted
* hypersensative to brushing
* bad attitude
* difficult to trim feet or shoe
* bucks or rolls excessively
PERFORMANCE
* slow to warm up or relax
* resists work
* front and/or hind leg lameness
* inability to travel straight
* unwilling or unable to round back or neck
* bucks or rears under saddle
* increased resistance as riding session progresses
All of the above can be caused by an improperly fitting saddle and can also lead to misalignments in the horses vertabrae, shoulders, legs and pelvis.