Saddle Fitting

Yes it is important for the saddle to fit the rider, but it is just as important if not more so that it fit the horse.
Imagine trying to carry a backpack full of camping gear, climb and exert yourself, and move balanced under the weight. Now imagine if the frame of the backpack has a point or two which is causing you pain. You will move differently, trying to avoid the pain. And you would not take to kindly to putting it back on the next time you hike.
It doesn't take much pressure to cut off the blood supply to a muscle. Pressure over a period of time of 20 minutes or more is enough time to cause major deep tissue damage.
A bad fitting saddle can cause or
contribute to lameness in a horse. It can also cause many behavioral issues.
· The horse may be cranky towards the saddle or cinch.
· The horse may show its upset by pinning its ears or , swinging its head at the rider, or raise a threatening kick at the anticipation on pain.
· When mounted the horse may try to bite back at the rider, or buck and kick.
· The horse could even start to show resistance to being haltered knowing what comes next; being saddles and ridden– is painful.