Riding chair Norton The Adventure

Para for a saddle to be comfortable for rider and horse it is essential that it is well adjusted, something that unfortunately many overlook.
If a saddle is not the right size for the horse's constitution or is not well fitted, it will become a constant source of problems that we often attribute to other reasons, we think the horse is rebellious or has a health problem, when in fact the only thing that is happening is that we force him to have a bad time when placing the saddle.
But how do we know that the saddle fits our horse correctly? The following points should be taken into account:

• When trying it on, check that the saddle's saddle tree is the right size and shape
• Once in place, the saddle should not put pressure on the horse's spine (with or without the rider), nor should it weigh down the back of the horse. The weight should be evenly distributed over the lumbar muscles
• The saddle should be well seated and level
• The front bridle should never press against the withers. Calculate that there is a space of approximately 4 fingers between the buckle and the withers
• Check that the saddle does not restrict the horse's movements in any way

Defects in the saddle can cause chafing known as mataduras: these are hardening of the skin that normally appear at the withers and in the middle of the back, along the spine.
Of course, if we notice this happening, we must take immediate action, either by changing the saddle or by going to a saddlery to have it fixed and adapted correctly to our horse. It is not a good solution to simply place a thicker saddle pad, it may solve the problem for a while, but it will reappear shortly and perhaps more seriously.

Finally, keep in mind that the fact that a saddle has worked properly with a horse for some time does not mean that it will always do so. The most normal thing is that the horse changes (a young horse can change its physique as it matures, it can become thinner or put on weight) and, in addition, the use of the saddle implies its wear and tear and therefore the adjustment will no longer be the same as in the beginning.
It is advisable that from time to time we take a look at how the saddle adapts to our horse.