Saddle Fit Matters: A Hands-On Lesson from a Professional Saddle Fitter

At Texas Equine, we’re passionate about education that blends both classroom learning and real-world experience. This week, our interns had a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of horse comfort and rider performance with a special visit from professional saddle fitter Julie Whitington.

Julie brought her expert knowledge right to our barn to show our interns how to properly fit a saddle—and it was the perfect follow-up to our recent virtual education series on different types of saddles.

Let’s dive into what makes proper saddle fitting so essential, what we learned from Julie, and what you should be cautious of when fitting your own horse.

Why Saddle Fit is So Important

The saddle is one of the most important pieces of tack you’ll ever put on your horse. A poorly fitting saddle can lead to:

• Back pain and soreness

• Behavioral issues under saddle

• Gait irregularities

• Muscle atrophy or asymmetry

• Rider imbalance and discomfort

A good fit protects your horse’s spine, allows for free movement, and promotes a better experience for both horse and rider—whether you’re schooling in the arena, hitting the trail, or competing.

What Our Interns Learned with Julie Whitington

Julie guided our interns through a hands-on session where they assessed:

• Saddle balance front to back

• Wither and shoulder clearance

• Gullet width and spine channel spacing

• Saddle panel contact and pressure points

• Proper girth placement and symmetry

Interns were able to feel firsthand how a saddle should sit on a horse’s back with no pad—before any correction or adjustments—so they could understand the base fit. From there, they discussed how padding can help (or hurt) the fit.

This type of hands-on training is invaluable—and a great bridge between what they’ve learned in the classroom and what they’ll use in the field.

What to Watch for When Fitting a Saddle

Saddle fitting isn’t just about plopping a saddle on and cinching it up. Here are a few things to be cautious of when checking saddle fit:

1. Pinching at the Withers or Shoulders

• A saddle that’s too narrow can pinch the withers, leading to bruising or soreness.

• One that’s too wide can collapse down, pressing into the spine or shoulder blades.

2. Bridging

• If the center of the saddle doesn’t contact the back but the front and rear do, it creates uneven pressure that can lead to soreness or muscle damage.

3. Rocking

• A rocking saddle doesn’t stay balanced and can cause rider instability and discomfort for the horse.

4. Spine Clearance

• Make sure there’s adequate space along the entire length of the spine, not just at the withers.

5. Improper Gullet Width

• The gullet should be wide enough to avoid contact with the spinous processes and provide room for the horse's back to move freely.

6. Over-padding

• More isn’t always better! Too many or thick pads can alter the saddle’s intended fit, leading to pressure points or instability.

The Role of Saddle Pads

Julie also emphasized the importance of not relying on pads to fix a bad saddle fit. Pads should:

• Support and protect—not compensate for poor saddle structure

• Be used thoughtfully for minor corrections or comfort

• Fit cleanly and symmetrically under the saddle

• Be appropriate for the discipline and horse’s conformation

At Texas Equine, we tailor padding based on each horse’s individual needs, and we always start with the best saddle fit possible before adding layers.

Real Education, Real Experience

For our interns, today’s saddle fitting session was a powerful reminder that every detail in horse care matters—and that knowledge from professionals like Julie Whitington helps build a foundation for responsible horsemanship.

As one intern put it, “It’s one thing to see a diagram in a slideshow, but it’s totally different to feel it on a horse and know what you’re looking for.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Want to Learn More?

If you're not sure if your horse's saddle fits correctly—or if you've noticed behavioral issues, back soreness, or performance changes—don't ignore it.

👉 Reach out to a certified saddle fitter like Julie Whitington👉 Or contact the Texas Equine team for advice and referrals.

Your horse’s comfort and performance start with what’s under your seat.