01/21/2025
The 4 Ps of Western Saddle Fit
1.POSITION- the western saddle tree is designed to sit BEHIND the shoulder, not on it. This is a very difficult concept for a lot of people to bite into, but it makes perfect sense when the saddle is seated properly and full contact can then be made by the bars on the back muscle (longissimus). This muscle is the only place the saddle should make contact with the horse’s back. When the saddle is placed on the shoulder, bridging occurs. When placing the saddle on the horse’s back, feel under the front of the saddle to find where the tree begins, then feel for your horse’s shoulder. Make sure the beginning of the tree (not the skirt) is behind the shoulder.
2. PRESSURE- the pressure of the tree bars should be distributed evenly along the horse’s back and to the loins. EVENLY is the key word here. High pressure in one area and no contact in another area is a sure sign that the tree shape and the horse’s back shape don't match. It’s also important that the bars of the tree are long enough- that’s right, LONG enough. Many people are sold on the idea that we can’t place weight beyond the last thoracic vertebrae (T18) but that just isn't so. I admit that I was one of those people for a long time until I began to study Western Saddle Fit under some of the best tree makers out there. We also have those who think a smaller saddle feels better because there is less of it to bother the horse. Not so. The tree bars (again, not the skirt) should come to within a couple inches of the hip bone.
3. no POKING- As in the above point, high pressure areas can be dangerous to muscles and ligaments beneath. White hairs pop up, atrophy occurs, and posture, performance and gait are affected.
4. Padding- The type and thickness of your pad is significant to how your saddle fits and how comfortable your horse is. Felt and wool are always at the top of the list for materials. Western saddle tree makers agree that western saddles are designed to be used with 3/4” pad or thicker. Be careful with gel pads. Some are much better than others. If you can squeeze the pad between your thumb and forefinger and your fingertips meet, then it’s not a good idea to use that pad. If your fingertips can meet, then a high pressure area will surely compress the pad and then what is left to protect your horse? Nothing but the material holding the pad together. Quality gel pads have a good layer of felt or wool (possibly other materials) on both sides of the gel layer, assuring that there is some protection even if all the gel has been squeezed away.
Happy riding! ☺️
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