05/04/2023
With the amount of misinformation floating around, this post is especially important in determining the saddle needs of your horse.
We've seen several fitters use the topline to determine whether the horse is uphill, downhill, or neutral, ignoring the spine and structures the saddle actually needs to sit on. A lack of understanding of equine physiology as applicable to saddle fitting is what is causing horses to become saddle-lame, something that is completely avoidable.
Flat, Straight, Sway, Uphill, Downhill or Neutral?
A common misconception when it comes to determining the curvature and tendency of the back is to look at the topline, however when you think about it, the saddle itself doesn't (and should never) sit on the spine, so to follow the exact curvature of the spine will lead to problems. When evaluating a horse, we need to consider not the curve of the entire back or the shape of the topline, but rather what the curvature is inside the Saddle Support Area only. Looking at the concavity of the back well into the lumbar doesn't serve any purpose in helping to determine what type of panel curve is needed.
It's also easy to fall into the trap of looking at only a handful of areas to determine saddle fit, when in reality there are more than 80 points that need careful consideration to identify the unique saddle needs of that horse (and rider!) so as to not cause discomfort or injury.
Additionally, a tree or panel that is too curved will not cause the saddle to be pushed forward or backward, these are the result of a completely different issue. Also, it is NORMAL to see a little bit of lift in the rear of the saddle, especially without a rider.
