It is SO important to have a well-fitting saddle between yourself and your horse. The saddle can create many problems for a horse if it bridges, is too long, not wide enough, or any number of other fitting issues.

Behavioral problems can be traced to saddle fitting issues, so might as well get right to the heart of the problem instead of spending time and money trying to "fix" symptoms!

Make yourself a folder, and print out these saddle fitting guides.

Take time to study these guides so that you can make informed decisions on saddle fit for you and your horse.

Highlight important points or points that you question or need more input on. Use several highlighter colors. Use post'em notes.

Some points will be common to both English saddles and Western Saddles (as well as treeless or Aussie saddles); and some points will be different. Learn to distinguish which is relevant; and which isn't.

Read these guides several times; study them, keep them handy. If need be, make a second copy to keep in the car for long drives, or by the bedside for night-time reading, waiting for doctor appointments, waiting while picking up the kids from school or after-school activities.

Each time you re-read the text, you may find something that you didn't notice before. You may find contradictory points, material, or information. Some information may be old; out-dated. That's OK! Work it out! Think things through. Talk to other horsemen about it. Figure out what makes sense to you.

Our knowledge of saddle fitting is increasing daily. What was "correct" saddle fit five years ago, may be very outdated!

At times, we may need to take special considerations for the short-backed horses. Suggested length of the saddle is that it not sit past the last rib. Here's a couple of pictures in regard to Finding the Last Rib.

Balance Saddle's Remedial Program (Need-To-Know Stuff Before Saddle Fitting)

Saddling Solutions

Kinetic Equine Analysis Saddle Fitting

Kaaren Jordan Saddle Fitting

About The Horse, Back Tracing Method

Sustainable Dressage, Theresa Sandin's Saddle Info

Saddle Fit Demystified, Saddle Fitting Guy

Pelham Saddlery

Horse Information, Saddle Fitting

Ray Miller, Equiscan

County Saddlery, Saddle Fitting Guide

Advanced Saddle Fit

Saddle World

Pet Care Tips, Saddle Fitting

The Tack Guide

Valley Country

Lorien Stable, Fitting

Outback Saddles

Master Saddlers, Points of Saddle Fitting

Does The Saddle Fit?

Master Saddlers, Saddle Fitting

Horseland Saddle Fitting

Correct Fitting of an English Saddle

Raspberry Ridge Saddle Fitting

Smith Worthington Fitting

Kaaren Jordan, Saddle Fitting Women

Bits and Bridles Saddle Fit

Dressage Saddle Fit

Dummies: Saddle Fitting

Nine Points to a Perfect Fit

Horse Saddle Shop, Saddle Fit

Schleese Saddle Fit, Seven Points

Harmony Saddle Fit

British Saddlery

Saddle Fitting by Bev Harrison

Crest Ridge Saddle Fit

Horse Think, Sore Backs

Views on Endurance Saddle Fit

Saddle Fit, Gullet / Width Templates

Lorien Stable Saddle Fitting Book

Dave Collins Saddle Fitting Video