Saddle fitting and shoulder movement

Liz Goldsmith

15 years ago

This saddle is placed too far forward on the horse's shoulder and will restrict its movement. It also looks like it's a hair too narrow but until it's put in the proper place, it's hard to tell.

Saddle placed too far forward — This saddle is placed too far forward on the horse's shoulder and will restrict its movement. It also looks like it's a hair too narrow but until it's put in the proper place, it's hard to tell.

I often see people riding their horse in saddles that are either placed too far forward or which are too restrictive over the horse’s shoulder.

If the saddle restricts the shoulder movement it can cause your horse to be short strided and move with a hollow back. Eventually, this can lead to back pain.

Here’s an excellent video that demonstrates the range of motion that a horse has in its shoulder and relates it to saddle fit.

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