11/04/2026
๐ฟ๐ค ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐ข๐ฎ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ค๐ง ๐จ๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ?
The short answer to this frequently asked question is - ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐!
Many people ask whether someone else can have a sit and ride for them instead, perhaps this is a yard owner, trainer or friend.
A saddle fitting is not just all about how the saddle sits on the horse, whether this be statically or on the move. It is about how the combination of the horse, saddle and main rider all work together.
Before you ride we ask the relevant questions to find out if either the horse or rider have an physiological weaknesses or injuries that may effect the way they move and contribute to how the saddle may sit.
Whist you ride we then assess how the riders position and biomechanics may influence the saddles balance and stability. We take into account how the horse moves - does it canter croup high, do the hind legs have equal push. The saddle is there to support the rider, so they are able to support the horse, and together achieve optimal performance in whichever discipline they choose.
The combination works in motion which is why it is important to see the saddle on the move. A unique feature of the air flocking system is that the balance can be adjusted whilst the rider is on board, providing a real time fitting as it does not need time to bed in or circulate.
Two riders can look very similar in height, weight and build yet feel completely different in the same saddle. Individual comfort and stability are not just influenced by outward appearance but the internal structure and proprioception. Pelvis shape, hip socket angle, femur length and overall skeletal make-up all affect how a rider sits and moves. Different pelvis shapes will naturally suit different seat profiles. So even if someone else rides very well in a saddle on your horse, it does not necessarily mean it will feel right.
What one bottom finds comfortable, another may not!
๐๐ฐ ๐ค๐ข๐ฏ ๐ด๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐ณ๐ช๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐ช๐ฏ๐ด๐ต๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ?
If you are injured so unable to ride, nervous or the horse is very green another rider can help us during the fitting but wherever possible we will always want to see the main rider ride before making the finial decision.
Sometimes there are exceptions to not seeing the horse ridden, for example if the horse is unbroken or coming back into work from rehab. We work within the horse and riders capabilities and limits to achieve the best possible outcome and fitting.
The best saddle is not one that just fits the horse... it is one that fits the partnership.
