14/05/2026
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY SADDLE FITTED?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we are asked. The answer is, whenever you recognize significant changes, and that depends a lot on your horses management, workload, the season and environment.
We understand that’s not the answer you were hoping to hear, but let’s take a look and assess how frequently your horse may need a saddle fit assessment and/or adjustment.
There are many variables that influence your horses posture and shape and the way your saddle fits over time. These variables dictate how often your horse may require a saddle fit and adjustments. Below are our top ten main influences and factors to evaluate:
1. Horse Age - young growing horses under 7 years old will require more frequent checks, as their back and posture change frequently. When a horse is first started under saddle we often see them every 2-3 months.
2. Training & Workload - changes in riding frequency and/or coaching will affect your horses posture, topline, muscle development and overall fitness. Changes in disciplines from say dressage to jumping will require different saddle equipment and requirements.
3. Illness, Injury & Time Off: If your horse has had any significant period of time out of work or not been ridden due to illness or injury, they should have a saddle fit before returning to ridden work.
4. Hoof Changes: Change of farrier and any changes to trimming or shoeing, or types of hoof boots can alter the balance and change your horse’s back profile and conformation.
5. Nutrition & Feed Changes: Significant changes in diet, supplements, or medications can majorly impact body condition, posture and musculature.
6. Environment & Turnout: Changes in turnout duration, terrain, seasonal conditions, or herd dynamics influence back development and muscle use. If you have recently relocated your horse or acquired a new horse, consider that any significant change in their environment and friends can greatly impact their nervous system, weight, posture and saddle fit.
7. Competition & Travel: Heavy competition schedules and extended travel can impact your horses weight, posture and saddle fit.
8. Change of Rider: a new rider or trainer riding your horse can majorly affect saddle fit. Every horse and rider combination is unique and the saddle and equipment needs to be assessed so it works for both the horse and rider. A rider in a saddle that is too small will not distribute the weight of the rider evenly across the horse’s back and it will be uncomfortable for the horse.
9. Bodywork & Biomechanic Adjustments: Any regular interventions such as an equine osteopath, massage, PEMF treatments, myofacial treatments, physiotherapy and chiropractic work can alter your horses body shape and posture.
10. Seasonal Adjustments: Seasonal changes in pasture turnout or routines may alter how the saddle sits. In Australia, horses tend to be leaner at the end of Winter and heavier in Summer after good Spring pasture.
As a general guideline, horses that are fully grown (7 years +) with consistent care and work should have a saddle fit assessment every 6 months or annually as a minimum. Late Summer and Winter are usually good times in Australia.
Horses experiencing significant changes should be assessed as they change and again around 2-3 months later.
Saddle fitting is as important as all your other professional equine services, but often gets overlooked or forgotten.
Be proactive and anticipate upcoming changes with your horse and schedule regular assessments with your saddle fitter rather than waiting until you have an emergency situation right before a competition.
Saddle fitting is not a one-off event and should be top of mind in your horses management plan. Research has shown that the number one cause of lameness in horses is equipment failure including incorrect saddlefit.
Remember, regular saddle fit assessments keep you and your horse comfortable, safe and sound and performing at your best.
So, even if your saddle was adjusted just a few weeks ago, the question isn’t “when?” but rather “what has changed?”
To book a Saddle Fitting Assessment click the ‘Make a Booking’ button or send us a message or call mobile 0411 808 825
Stay safe and happy ridding 😊🐴🥰
