21/07/2025
What does it mean when a saddle lifts up at the back?
And what should you do?
Well, if your saddle looks like the one in the photo, lifting at the back and tipping the rider's balance forward... it can mean a few different things - with the most common being:
⚠️too wide a tree
⚠️wrong shape tree (often too curved)
⚠️not enough depth of panel at front gusset
⚠️muscle atrophy behind scapula
⚠️using a point strap when it's not needed
What can you do about it?
Very often I see people padding out the back of the saddle where the gap is - this is wrong, this might help stop the flapping, but if the back is lifting, it's just going to fix it there. And tip the rider onto their, erm, more delicate body parts.... and their weight over the horse's wither. ❌
Obviously the answer is, you need to get your saddle fitter out. ✅
They'll determine what is causing the issue - whether it's the wrong width, wrong tree shape or something they need to flock or shim to fix.
In the meantime, whilst you're waiting for your fitter, it can be worth:
✅Making sure you're not using a point strap when you don't need it
✅Adding a little extra padding/shim/riser at the front
But... for your horse's sake (and your delicate front areas....), get your fitter to fix it asap. Or pop them a message/photo/video and ask their advice.
Having the rider tip onto the wither can not only cause pain and sores (and white hairs and permanent damage) it can also make them trip and stumble... and it will affect their performance. How can they lift 'up' underneath you if you're cramming down onto their wither/shoulders? And how are you going to ride like the QUEEN* 👑you are, if you're slumped forward?
*or king 👑
Have you padded out the back in this situation? You'll be surprised how common that is!
Can you see now how that's not the correct thing to do?
