Where should a saddle be positioned on a horse?

How do I place a saddle on my horse?

This picture shows a saddle placed properly on the horse. Note the position of the scapula bone and the corner of the saddle tree. It doesn’t matter the horses conformation, the saddle is always placed behind the shoulder bone. Download the templates from the Saddle Shop. Transfer the templates onto a piece of cardboard.

How should a western saddle tree fit?

Western saddle trees are made to sit right behind the shoulder blade, which puts the skirts just over the back of the shoulder. 3.) If the tree fits at all, the saddle will move to the correct position unless you keep it out of position with a breast collar, crupper or britching.

What is the correct position to sit in a saddle?

It should be used to train horses on the flat, for Dressage and while you are undertaking dressage movements. You should be sitting upright (no slouching), your head should be looking forward with your shoulders square , you should be positioned in the lowest point of the saddle with even, balanced weight over the saddle .

Where is the proper place to mount a saddle tree?

So where is the proper place? A western saddle tree is designed to fit right behind the shoulder blades of the horse in what is often called the “wither pocket” area. To a lot of people, this appears to be too far back, but that is only because they are used to seeing malpositioned saddles.

What size saddle tree do I need for my horse?

A very wide tree will have an angle of 94 degrees plus or minus 3. Very wide trees are often used on large horses such as drafts. When all else fails, the best and easiest way to determine Western saddle tree sizes is to contact the manufacturer of the saddle and asking them.

Where can I find information about trees and saddle fit?

With the rise of the internet, they continued to share their knowledge about trees, horses and saddle fit on their website: www.rodnikkel.com. This information is the result of decades of education and practical experience – both formal and informal – about horses, trees and saddles, from people who know them all from the inside out.

How should a saddle sit on a horse?

This picture shows a saddle tree, sitting in the correct position on the horses back. Note it is sitting, back behind the shoulder bone so the horse has free movement of his shoulders. It is also sitting level on his back. This picture shows a saddle placed properly on the horse.

What is the correct rider position for a horse?

Riders Position – the seat, hips, and thighs. The rider should keeps his weight toward the pelvis, and suspended in the air over the saddle (not on the horse’s back). This allows the horse to bring his back up over the fence (bascule).

How should the bars of the tree fit on a saddle?

The bars of the tree should be resting along the back of the horse or mule with little or no gap, as seen in photos A,B & C. The bars of the tree are sitting on the horse’s back making full contact along their entire length. When considering the fit a finished saddle you can put the saddle on the horse or mule with a light blanket under it.

Can You mount a horse holding the cantle of the saddle?

Everyone knows that you don’t mount a horse holding onto the cantle (back) of the saddle! The saddle tree twists and the risk of damaging the horses back increases. In addition, if the horse moves off as you release your hand to swing your leg over then you could asking for trouble if he moves off and you lose your balance.

Do I need tree sizing for my treeless saddle?

Ansur treeless saddles fit all horses, so there is no need for tree sizing. With our FlexCore support system, however, it is very important for you as the rider to order the correct seat size for propper balance and rider position. What size do I need?

What is the angle of a wide tree saddle?

A saddle that has full quarter horse bars, also known as a wide tree, generally has a measurement of 90 degrees, plus or minus 3. A very wide tree will have an angle of 94 degrees plus or minus 3. Very wide trees are often used on large horses such as drafts.

What are the 14 essential points for Correct saddle fit?

The 14 essential point for correct saddle fit are these:: The tree angle must be the same as the angle of the horse’s shoulder at a point 2 to 3 inches behind the rear edge of the shoulder blade. This is determined by doing a wither tracing at this point and matching it to the angle of the tree of the saddle.

Why is tree width important on a saddle?

This tree width is important, as the horse must be able to rotate the shoulder backwards without the tree being in the way. On a wide shouldered horse, the ‘Wide’ saddle in the centre would prevent all rotation.

How do you find the tree angle of a saddle?

Saddle Tree Angle The tree angle must be the same as the angle of the horse’s shoulder at a point 2 to 3 inches behind the rear edge of the shoulder blade. This is determined by doing a wither tracing at this point and matching it to the angle of the tree of the saddle.

Do I need saddle pads for my horse?

A properly fitting saddle should be able to sit comfortably on a horse’s back without any saddle pads. But, there are reasons that saddle pads are important. Not every rider can afford to have custom made saddles for each and every one of their horses. So, sometimes saddle pads can be used to correct a fit that may not be perfect.

What is a 2 point position on a horse?

This position, also called “two-point,” gets the rider’s seat out of the saddle and more forward over the horses’ shoulders. Seat slightly out of the saddle. Balance forward in a “bent” position. Weight in your lowered heels.

What is correct position in horse riding?

Correct position is the basic skill riders must master in order to progress up the riding tree. Unless you correctly position your own body, you cannot influence your horse to use its body correctly.

How does body position affect a horse’s behavior?

Body position influences your horse whether you are standing still or moving. Correct position is the basic skill riders must master in order to progress up the riding tree. Unless you correctly position your own body, you cannot influence your horse to use its body correctly.

What is the rider’s position?

The riders position is a seat position used by equestrians when jumping a horse over an obstacle. It normally involves the forward seat, first developed by Captain Federico Caprilli and commonly referred to as the caprilli technique.

What do the bars do on a saddle?

The bars are the only thing that should be touching your horses back during use, so the bars are what determines how the saddle will fit the horse.

Why are my Tree Points different on each saddle?

This discrepancy could be because the length of tree points and their angles vary between saddle models and makes. Also, the shape of a tree affects the angle of the points. Under the saddle flap near the stirrup bar, you should see a pocket into which the points are fitted.

Does tree width matter for a good saddle fit?

Tree width does not necessarily ensure a proper saddle fit. For example, a wide tree in one saddle may be appropriate for a certain horse, but a wide tree in another saddle may be inappropriate for the same horse. This discrepancy could be because the length of tree points and their angles vary between saddle models and makes.

What is a cantle on a saddle?

Cantle {\\ˈkan-təl\\} : n. The back of the saddle seat, which provides a backrest and support, keeps the rider in the saddle, as well as anchoring the bars of the saddle tree. Cantles come in different heights, angles, and shapes.

Is there a weight limit on a treed saddle?

For the majority of all horses and ponies there is a weight limit. No matter if it’s a treed or treeless saddle. I’ve worked with Veterinarians, Osteopathic Vets, Chiropractors and master saddle fitters around the US and Europe – and we all agree on the following recommended weight limits: