How to Fit a Stubben Saddle to a Horse

Instructions

• 1

  Place a Stubben saddle on your horse's back without a saddle pad. Placement of the saddle is key, and the most common mistake is placing it too high upon the withers, where the neck and back meet.

• 2

  View the saddle from the side of the horse to ensure it is level on the horse's back and withers. A level seat indicates that the saddle is in the proper position.

• 3

  Fasten a girth around the horse's underbelly, which will hold the saddle in the proper position. Have another person mount the horse and sit in the saddle, with their feet securely placed in the stirrups.

• 4

  Check for bridging. Bridging occurs when the saddle is either too far forward or too narrow for the horse's back. If the saddle is too narrow for your horse, it will fail to follow the contours of your horses back. In this scenario, the saddle will sit too high on the back and withers.

• 5

  Use your hand to measure at least three fingers between your horse's withers and the pommel, or the arch in the front of the saddle. Stand behind your horse to ensure that the gullet -- the deep groove underneath the saddle -- clears the spine. Your horse needs freedom to move its spine while performing, and the gullet should not apply pressure. The saddle will fit if you can see a tunnel of light between the saddle and the spine.

• 6

  Instruct a second helper to lift and pull forward one of the horse's front legs -- one at a time -- while the original assistant remains mounted. Place your fingers between the horse's shoulder blades and the pommel of the saddle; this is to ensure that the horse will have movement. It should not be tight. Be sure to do this on both sides.

• 7

  Check to ensure that the saddle is not too long for the horse. The saddle should not pass the back and touch the rear end. The saddle should be level and comfortably located on the withers and spine.