3. Your saddle, new or second-hand,
should be fitted by a PROFESSIONAL
SADDLE FITTER. Their first consideration
will always be the WELFARE OF THE
horse.

4. Ideally each horse should have its own
saddle as the saddle will adapt to the
contours of the horse. If you intend on using
it on more than one horse then you fitter will
be able to advise the best pad & shim
combination for the comfort of the horse
and balance.

5. Having a correctly fitting saddle is just as
important for a young horse as an older one.
These initial years in training are crucial to their
physical and mental development. Discomfort or
pain from poor saddles can cause costly
problems in the future.

6. It is recommended
that you only ever
use a thin cotton
saddle pad under
your saddle. If you
intend to use
anything else you
must inform the
fitter as this will
affect the overall fit
and balance of the
saddle or a new
one being ordered.

7. Always use a mounting block. Pressure testing highlights the extremes of
diagonal pressure across the spine when mounting from the ground.
Not only the long term damage to the tree and panel.

8. Ideally your saddle should be checked
twice a year as your horse’s shape can
change regularly. Keep your own eye on
your saddle fit and be aware of training &
management changes they may have
effects.

9. An independent professional saddle fitter will
not always want to sell you a new saddle –
you may be surprised your existing one may
be able to be altered to fit.

10. Condition your saddle
as if it were your own
skin. Clean when dirty
and replenish with
a conditioning balsam
or cream.
Do not over treat the
leather as this can
weaken fibers and
stitching.

11. It is good general
practice to swap over
your stirrup leathers left
to right on a regular
basis, as many riders
are also a little
asymmetric.

12. Never stack on top of others and
avoid tubular frames that may
indent panels in a short period of
time. Fleece lined saddle cover
help to avoid moisture content in
damp conditions.

13. Wool flocking is proven to be the best material
used in panel construction for compression
and heat absorption. Monitor the condition of
your saddle panels, any unevenness can be
addressed by your saddle fitter.

14. Templates/tracings should be taken after
exercise, as muscles can expand during
work and this is the most appropriate time
to assess and take measurements.

15. When girthed the
balance point should
be in the centre of the
seat. An ‘uphill’ or
‘downhill’ position will
cause the rider
inbalance and
probable back pain.

16. The gullet should provide
‘adequate’ clearance
both front and back and
not impinge on the spine
(spinous processes)
in anyway.
It is not essential for the
old ‘3 fingers’ rule with
modern trees and
panels.

17. If your saddle is
subjected to trauma
from a fall, it is important
to have it checked by a
qualified saddler.
By dropping the panel
the tree can be
inspected and possibly
loose rivets can be
easily replaced that
otherwise will lead to
long term damaged if
not attended to.

18. Never have a just statically
fitted. The horses back is a
complex structure and
can change considerably
when in motion. A saddle
should always be assessed
being ridden.

19. Bliss of London
Liberty House, 222 Regent St,
W1B 5TR London,
United Kingdom
www-bliss-of-london.com
Thank you