Saddle Connection

16/04/2026

Anyone headed to the Kentucky 3 Day next week? I'm excited to be going and to connect with Bliss of London at the Trade Fair.

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the world’s premier equestrian 5* events showcasing the world’s highest level of equestrian eventing.

02/04/2026

This week bit and bridle fitting has come up a lot during my appointments. Here is a resource that I love that has a good overview of English bit and bridle fitting. This doesn't replace working with an expert for complicated horses but it can help you ensure your current tack fits as well as possible and provides an overview of the mechanics of different bits.

This video is now a few years old so please do not use it as a guide for USDF legal bits as it is outdated.

Hilary M. Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, MRCVS is a veterinarian, researcher and horsewoman. For the past 40 years she has performed innovative research i...

26/03/2026

Every time your horse gets body work, you should get body work.
Unpopular Opinion from a Saddle Fitter by Lisa Nelson

We often think of body work for our horses as essential and body work for ourselves as optional. This is not the case. If your horse is crooked, there is a good chance you are crooked. If your horse is sore, there is a good chance you are sore. Your body symmetry, comfort, and alignment is essential to your partnership with your horse and keeping them happy and healthy. So the next time you set up chiro, acupuncture, massage, rolfing, PEMF, etc for your horse, schedule a session for yourself. It will make a difference to you and your horse.

06/03/2026

A well cared for saddle lasts a very long time.

03/03/2026

Wear breeches that contrast with the color of your saddle.
Unpopular Opinions from a Saddle Fitter by Lisa Nelson

Whether you are taking a lesson or in a saddle fitting appointment, it is important for the person on the ground to clearly see you leg position in the saddle. During a saddle fitting appointment I'm watching the position of the riders leg in different saddles. I need to be able to see if a lower leg is unstable or if the angle of block is hindering movement. The changes from one saddle to the next are most easily seen when the rider is in pants that are a contrasting color to the saddle. If the riding is in black breeches and in a black saddle it is much harder for me to see their leg position. When the rider is in black breeches in a black saddle and at the far end of the ring, it is almost impossible to clearly see their leg position. Also, to get the most out of riding lesson, it is important for an instructor to clearly see your leg position. When an instructor can more easily see your position, they can more easily give the necessary feed back to help you become a better rider. So next time you are paying for a lesson, clinic, or saddle fitting appointment, choose breeches that contrast with the color of your saddle.

22/02/2026

Saddles are expensive, but so are vet bills.
Unpopular Opinions from a Saddle Fitter by Lisa Nelson

The saddles I carry are $2000-$10,000. I try to work with brands that have options at different price points to work with many different budgets. So yes, saddles are expensive, but so are vet bills. Last year, when my horse had shockwave, it was $1500 for a series of 3 treatments, PRP injection $700, Lameness exam and ultrasound $250. Not to mention, body work done every 4-6 weeks, $750-$2000 per year.

If you are riding in a poorly fitting saddle, your horse will be more prone to injury, sore muscles, pain, and tension. All of which might require additional interventions. An improperly fitting saddle can cause back pain, SI pain, muscle atrophy, general soreness, and extra tension in the body that changes how your horse moves. This can increase the need for maintenance like shockwave, body work, chiro, and acupuncture. Your horse might need some of these treatments reguardless of saddle fit but having a properly fitted saddle means not causing additional pain. Maybe a properly fitted saddle means half as much body work is needed, the "expensive" saddle might actually save you on vet bills over a few years.

More on the cost of saddles...I often hear that saddles today are so expensive. The last time you bought a saddle, you spent $2000 and that is what you expect to spend today. When was the last time you bought a saddle? Let's say it was 15 years ago. Just looking at inflation, that same saddle today would be $3000. Now add a 10-15% tariff and that saddle is now $3450, the exact same saddle just updated to 2025 expenses. But saddles aren’t the same, they have new technology and better leather, and finer craftsmanship. So yes, saddles are expensive and it is worth it to find a saddle that properly fits you and your horse.

12/02/2026

Need a saddle appointment, fill out our google form and our scheduler will get back to you with a date. Typically booking 3-4 weeks out.
https://forms.gle/mjUxQP8oqMTqezFk9
https://forms.gle/mjUxQP8oqMTqezFk9

12/02/2026

There is no guarantee that your custom made saddle will always fit your horse.
Unpopular Opinions from a Saddle Fitter by Lisa Nelson

I regularly hear that a specific saddle must fit the horse because it was custom made for them. Or that a saddle doesn’t need to be checked because it was custom made. How long ago was it made for that horse?

If you have a custom made suit or dress will that always fit you perfectly? Maybe if your body stays the same size and shape and if you keep the same amount of muscle mass. But if you change, then you might need a new dress or suit. So if your horse changes, they might need a new saddle or a saddle adjustment. Your horse can change shape due to a different feed program, a different training program, an injury, time off, as they age, after pregnancy, etc

So, even if your saddle is custom made for your horse, get it checked regularly.

07/02/2026

More views from the trade show.

06/02/2026

Want to learn more about saddle fit? This is a wonderful book written by Bev Harrison. Bev Harrison was my mentor in saddle fitting for my 3 year long apprenticeship and I feel lucky to have been able to learn from her. I highly recommend this book. I should be a part of every horse person's library.

The untold story of the bestselling children's book author and how her most popular titles came to influence generations of aspiring writers and devoted equestrians. In certain circles, her name inspires immediate recognition and pronouncements of a committed admiration that has likely spanned decad...

06/02/2026

There is a huge trade show happening in Germany. Beautiful saddles on display. I hope to attend some day. :-)

We are nearly ready for tomorrow's start of the SPOGA Horse show. We will be ready and waiting for you in Hall 8, Stand G051. We look forward to seeing you.