FAQ
As a saddle fitter, I specialize in assessing and optimizing the fit of saddles for horses and riders and - if necessary - suggesting alternatives or adjustments.
It's not just about comfort, but above all about health, functionality and the long-term well-being of horse and rider.
My tasks at a glance:
Analysis of saddle fit: standing and in motion
Advice on existing saddles: I assess whether the current saddle (still) fits or is causing problems
Recommendation of suitable models: If necessary, I bring test saddles with me on request or provide independent advice on suitable saddle types
Adjustments such as padding or adjusting the gullet plate
Recommendation and sale of suitable accessories
Long-term support: Horses change - I support you with regular checks and readjustments
The aim of my work:
A balanced, well-fitting saddle that supports the horse in its movement - and enables the rider to have a healthy, harmonious effect. Because only a saddle that fits both horse and rider allows for balance and enjoyment when working together.
The cost of the saddle test/fitting is CHF 230, which includes the rental of a test saddle for one week. The delivery and initial fitting of the new saddle is free of charge.
The costs for further checks and adjustments are charged at cost.
Experience has shown that it is difficult for both the horse and the rider to test more than two or three saddles in succession. Therefore, please tell me in advance your
ideas in the contact form, but also the special features and problems of your horse as precisely as possible.
Please send me current photos of your horse and also one of you standing next to your horse so that I can get an idea of the size ratio.
The horse should
* stand on straight ground
* all four hooves should have approximately the same weight and stand as straight as possible
* carry the head/neck as straight as possible and at a "normal" height One appointment includes:
Anamnesis (horse & rider) incl. measurement
Test at a standstill and in motion of various saddles Saddles on site
Assessment of the saddle when standing and moving under the rider
All possible and necessary adjustments (small padding work / adjustment of the chamber width) on site
Hire of a test saddle for 7 days
Please allow about two hours for the saddle fitting so that we can all work in peace and you have enough time to try out the test saddles extensively.
It is also important that we can stand in a dry, covered area if possible.
The horse should be clean and dry.
Please bring the CHF 230 plus travel costs for the saddle fitting/test saddle hire in cash to the appointment or pay by TWINT.
The cost of the saddle check & fitting is CHF 210 for third-party saddles and CHF 190 for regular customers.
Please fill in the contact form with all the information about you, your horse and your existing saddle, and be as specific as possible about your horse's particularities and problems.
Please send me current photos of your horse and also one of you standing next to your horse so that I can get an idea of the size ratio.
The horse should
stand on straight ground
all four hooves should have approximately the same weight and stand as straight as possible
carry the head/neck as straight as possible and at a “normal” height
Please allow approx. 1.5 hours for the saddle check so that we can all work in peace.
One appointment includes:
Anamnesis (horse & rider) incl. measurement
Checking the existing saddle for defects and poor fit
Assessment of the saddle when standing and moving under the rider
All possible and necessary adjustments (small padding work / adjustment of the chamber width) on site
It is also important that we can stand in a dry, covered area if possible.
The horse should be clean and dry.
Please bring the CHF 210 plus travel costs for the saddle fitting/test saddle hire in cash to the appointment or pay by TWINT.
My published prices are deliberately designed as transparent all-inclusive prices. This means you know from the outset what costs you can expect - without any hidden surcharges or unpleasant surprises afterwards.
The price includes everything that I can do for you and your horse on site.
This includes
a thorough anamnesis incl. measurement
Discussion of your concerns and goals
saddle check including fitting on the horse - standing and moving
answering your questions
my travel time
the use of my tools and most consumables
as well as my specialist knowledge, my experience, ongoing further training - and of course my time
As every appointment is individual and I can never estimate in advance exactly how long a saddle check will take, I plan a generous time window for you so that we can work in peace and without time pressure.he und ohne Zeitdruck arbeiten können.
I have great understanding for all eventualities that occur in the life of a pet owner. Nevertheless, I ask for your understanding that I have to charge for appointments that are not canceled or postponed in good time.
If an appointment is canceled at least 7 days in advance and you are not scheduled on a tour, you will of course not be charged.
For appointments that are not canceled in time, a flat rate of CHF 100 will be charged.
It is obvious that a saddle with a rigid tree that fits a trained horse may no longer fit optimally after an injury break.
Especially when the horse undergoes changes due to internal or external influences, the adjustment becomes all the more difficult.
The most common causes of changes in horses are
Training: Training can change the horse's musculature and body shape, both positively and negatively. A trained muscle can grow by up to 30% in just a few weeks. A saddle must allow room for this growth in order to ensure the horse's long-term well-being.
Injury: After an injury, the horse's anatomy can change due to a lack of training stimuli, which has an influence on the fit of the saddle.
Age: With increasing age, the horse's body shape and musculature also change, which can make it necessary to adjust the saddle on a regular basis.
Lining: Seasonal changes in the horse's coat or weight can also affect the fit of the saddle.
An adjustable saddle offers an invaluable advantage here: it can be flexibly and individually adjusted to the respective situation of your horse - and thus sustainably supports health, joy of movement and willingness to perform.
For adult horses that are regularly trained and that have not changed their circumstances (change of stable, change of feed, etc.), an interval of 1-2 saddle checks per year is recommended.
For horses that are still growing (usually up to the age of 8), whose training or feeding has been changed, or for horses that are being re-trained after a long period of illness, the intervals between fit checks should be shorter.
After purchasing a new saddle or after reupholstering an (existing) saddle, a follow-up check should be carried out after approximately 12 weeks.
Especially with young horses, I think it is important to choose a saddle that can be adjusted to the horse's changing stature. It doesn't necessarily have to be new, but it has to fit.
The advantage of new saddles is usually a fit that corresponds to the latest findings in horse anatomy and biomechanics. The new saddle can be optimally adjusted to you and the horse. With used saddles, you often have to expect compromises for the horse or rider.
Girths come in a variety of shapes and materials, making it difficult to choose the right one.But even when buying a girth, several important factors need to be considered to ensure your horse’s comfort.
Here are some key points to consider when choosing a girth:
The girth should lie approximately one hand’s width behind the horse’s elbow to allow the front leg to move freely back and forth.Optimal pressure distribution over the largest possible surface makes it more comfortable for your horse and allows for full relaxation and correct movement under the rider.Avoid sharp edges, heavy dirt build-up, and non-breathable materials.Always tighten the girth slowly and evenly from both sides to ensure equal pressure.The buckles should ideally end up in the same hole on both sides.
For girths with elastic ends: never over-tighten. Ideally, avoid elastic ends altogether, as they often lead to excessive tightening, which can restrict the horse’s breathing.
Girths are generally divided into two categories:
Long Girths
Long girths are most commonly used with all-purpose and jumping saddles.The billet straps of these saddles are hidden under the saddle flap.
Advantages:– Easier to tighten from the saddle– No buckle pressure against the rider’s leg– Distributes pressure evenly around the horse’s barrel
Disadvantages:– Buckles may press uncomfortably against the rider’s thigh– May reduce the feeling of close contact
How long should it be?The length should allow the buckles to sit in the middle hole of the billets when fully tightened.This leaves room for adjustment as the horse’s shape changes.
Short Girths
Short girths are commonly used with dressage saddles, which typically have longer billets.However, some dressage saddles can also be fitted with long girth systems (upon request from many manufacturers).Buckles should never sit directly on the horse without padding – proper cushioning is essential to avoid pressure points.
Advantages:– No buckle pressure on the rider’s thigh– Closer contact with the horse
Disadvantages:– More difficult to tighten from the saddle– Less even pressure distribution around the horse’s barrel
How long should it be?If the short girth is too short, the horse may experience uncomfortable pressure from the billets or the buckles may sit too low.This can lead to elbow interference or chafing.There are sensitive nerves located just above the elbow area, which may be affected by girths that rub or press in that zone.
Rule of thumb: As long as possible, as short as necessary!The girth should reach up to the bottom edge of the saddle pad when fully tightened.
Girth Shapes
Girths come in a wide variety of shapes – the right one depends entirely on your horse’s individual anatomy.
Straight Girth
– For horses with a normal girth groove– Girth runs straight down– Should maintain a safe distance from the elbow– Should not interfere with the horse’s movement
Anatomical Girth
– Also for horses with a normal girth groove– More elbow freedom due to slight cut-back design– Often wider in the chest area for increased contact surface
Asymmetrical Girth
– For horses with a less defined girth groove– Ideal if the girth cannot maintain adequate distance from the elbow– Provides excellent elbow clearance
Moon Girth
– For round-bellied horses with a pronounced rib cage– Prevents the girth from sliding forward– Offers excellent elbow freedom
Athletico Girth
– For horses with an athletic, V-shaped build– Prevents saddle and girth from sliding backward
The storage area for your saddle and other accessories should be easily accessible and as close as possible to the grooming area so that you can always keep an eye on your horse.
The right climate for your saddle
Your saddle should not be stored too damp or too dry. Optimal storage is at a temperature of 10-15°C. Saddle chambers that are too wet promote mold growth, while those that are too dry make the leather porous and brittle. Unfortunately, drying out is very difficult to reverse. The saddle can warp and become crooked. So never store your saddle in direct sunlight and do not leave it permanently in a hot car or on a radiator. Incidentally, extreme cold / frost is less damaging to your saddle than dry heat.
If you have already stored your saddle incorrectly or if your saddle is oily/moldy, clean it thoroughly with saddle soap, then with clear water and lightly re-grease it once it is completely dry. You can also put a water container in the tack room to moisten it.
If your saddle is wet after a ride in the rain, let it dry slowly and don't try to speed up the process with heat. The saddle holder is also important.
The saddle holder should meet several criteria. Firstly, it should be possible to place the saddle in a stable position. Please also pay attention to the material. Lime, concrete and similar materials should not touch your saddle. This can dry out the saddle and make the leather porous. Ideally, the saddle should be stored on a wooden rack.
The saddle panels should hang freely so that no pressure points can form. Simple wooden bars that lie in the spinal canal are actually best.
In addition, the saddle pad should always be hung up separately for airing and drying.
A breathable saddle cover is recommended to protect it from dust and dirt.
Sometimes taking a break from riding is the most responsible choice – for your horse’s well-being and for long-term success in the saddle.
Reasons why a conscious break can make sense:
The saddle doesn’t (yet) fit optimally:If the saddle doesn’t fit properly, riding can cause pain, tension, and even permanent damage. A riding break gives the horse a chance to recover – without additional strain.
Physical changes in the horse:Growth, training, illness, or muscular imbalances can cause the saddle to suddenly no longer fit. A riding break creates time for targeted muscle-building training from the ground.
Behavioral issues or resistance:If the horse suddenly appears “unrideable,” this may be a clear sign of discomfort or pain. Identify the cause first – then resume riding.
Strengthening trust and connection:Groundwork, walks, or liberty work often promote more bonding and communication than a forced riding session with poorly fitting equipment.
Not riding doesn’t mean doing nothing.
On the contrary: it is a conscious decision for sustainable training, for your horse’s health – and for a harmonious partnership in the saddle once the conditions are right again.
Sometimes taking a break from riding is the most responsible choice – for your horse’s well-being and for long-term success in the saddle.
In the context of the overall picture (horse–saddle–rider as a unit), a sweat pattern can serve as visible support.However, it is not sufficient as the sole basis for assessment.
Sweat and dust marks strongly depend on the type and duration of exertion, and above all on the rider’s skill and the horse’s level of training.A poorly balanced rider can have a negative effect on an otherwise well-fitting saddle.A good and balanced rider, on the other hand, may even be able to compensate for minor fit issues.
Additional issues may arise from other equipment such as:– irritating seams– synthetic fleece on saddle pads– unsuitable girth shapes– the quality of materials used
Even seasonal coat changes can alter the impression left behind.So many factors influence saddle fit and, ultimately, the sweat pattern.
General rule of thumb:
More sweat = more movement / less pressureLess sweat = more pressure / less movementAdditionally, horses sweat from the outside in.
You will not receive a remote diagnosis of a sweat pattern from me unless I have been on-site to assess the entire picture.Because only when all elements are considered together can a sweat pattern be correctly interpreted.