The Saddle for the Horse: Structure, Fit, and Differences

Some of you may wonder what a saddle is used for in equestrian sport. Horse saddles are an important part of equestrian sport. Without the right saddle, it is difficult for horse and rider to guarantee good communication and a pleasant riding experience. In this article, we will answer the most important questions about saddles so that you can support your horse and yourself in the best possible way.

How is the Horse Saddle Constructed?

The classic saddles for horses used in the equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage and eventing usually all have the same structure (with the exception of treeless saddles). These saddles for horses consist of a saddle tree, a saddle chamber with gullet plate, a front pommel up to the rear pommel, a saddle flap, the saddle panel, as well as a sweat flap and girth straps.

The Heart of the Saddle: The Saddle Tree

As already mentioned, all classic riding saddles - with the exception of riding saddles without a saddle tree - have a saddle tree. But why do riding saddles have a saddle tree and what function does the saddle tree have in jumping, dressage and eventing saddles? 

The saddle tree defines the basic shape of the saddle. Of course, the curve of the saddle tree must match that of the horse's back, even if small deviations can be adjusted afterwards using the saddle pads. It is important that the saddle tree is particularly hard-wearing, but can still swing with the horse's movement. In the past, the saddle tree was made of wood, but nowadays the saddle tree can also be made of steel springs, fiberglass or plastic. Plastic saddle trees and fiberglass saddle trees are very flexible and light, but cannot be retroactively adjusted to the horse as they are cast. The camber spring, to which we attach our stirrups, is located on both sides of the saddle and usually opens in the event of a fall so that the stirrup leathers detach from the saddle and you are not dragged behind.

Safety and Stability: The Tack Room with Gullet Plate

The gullet plate is standard in English riding saddles, it sits in front of the saddle tree and above the withers. There are many saddle models with adjustable gullet plates that can be continuously adjusted or simply replaced.
Why does a riding saddle need a gullet plate? This question is easy to answer, English saddles are primarily designed for classic disciplines such as jumping, dressage and eventing Here it is important to give the horse precise aids, for example when the horse is jumping or performing dressage exercises. Another point is the safety provided by the gullet plate, which prevents the saddle from slipping backwards during movement and offers the rider a better grip on the horse and more control if the horse becomes frightened or reacts unpredictably to something. The gullet plate also reduces the pressure on the vertebrae of the horse's back and distributes the saddle's load. Of course, the optimum weight distribution of the saddle requires a correctly adjusted gullet plate in order to support the horse and rider properly, maintain the horse's movements and minimize the risk of injury. A gullet plate that is set too wide causes saddle pressure, as the saddle then presses on the withers and causes pain for the horse. A gullet plate that is too narrow also causes pain for the horse, as the muscles around the withers are squeezed and the saddle becomes unstable and no longer sits optimally on the horse. It is therefore important to have the saddle checked by a saddler regularly or if there are any noticeable changes in the horse's movement or when riding.

Some western saddles have no gullet plate, but the saddles used for cattle work and rodeo riding do not have a gullet plate, as free movement of the neck and head is required. Although the gullet plate would stabilize the western saddle, it would restrict the horse in the desired movements.

The free space between the ends of the gullet plate and the withers is called the saddle chamber. You have probably heard the term "chambering the saddlecloth" before - this refers to pulling the saddle pad into the saddle chamber of the saddle. 

From the Front Pommel to the Rear Pommel of the Saddle

The front and rear pommels are crucial components of every riding saddle. They form the front and rear borders of the saddle and play a decisive role in the rider's comfort and the horse's freedom of movement. The curve of the seat and the height of the rear flap play a particularly important role for jumping and gaited horses. An optimally fitted saddle enables the rider to remain securely in the saddle during jumping or fast gaits and supports the horse's movements.
The size of the saddle's seat is also very important. A saddle that is too small causes discomfort for the rider and impairs the horse's movements. A saddle that is too large, on the other hand, does not provide sufficient support and causes the rider to slide back and forth while riding.
A correctly fitted sad dle is crucial for a comfortable seat for the rider. The saddle should be balanced so that the rider's seat has its center of gravity in the middle. This ensures optimum weight distribution and minimizes pressure on the horse's back.

The Saddle Blade

This is where the rider's legs come to rest, giving them support and helping the rider to maintain the correct sitting posture of the respective discipline. The saddle flaps hang down to the right and left of the saddle, how these flaps are cut depends on the saddle type, you can read more about the different saddle types in the next section. You can also find the knee rolls at the front of the saddle flap, the knee rolls support the rider's knee and can be more or less pronounced depending on the saddle.

The Girth Straps and the Welding Plate Under the Saddle Flap

Saddles that do not have a mono flap as a saddle flap have 2-3 girth straps under the saddle flap. These can vary in length depending on the discipline, dressage saddles usually have longer girth straps, while jumping saddles and eventing saddles have shorter girth straps. A short girth is used for long girth straps, as the girth buckles are then not uncomfortably positioned under the dressage rider's long, stretched leg. A long girth is generally used for short girth straps, but it is also possible to use a short girth on a saddle with short girth straps with the help of a girth extender.

The Panels Under the Saddle

The saddle panels, which are located under the saddle, play a crucial role in the comfort of the horse and rider. They lie directly on the horse's back or saddle pad, keep the spinal canal free and are filled with padded wool.
The shape of the sad dle panels is crucial for the fit of the saddle to the horse's back. Wide panels offer a larger contact surface and therefore ensure better pressure distribution. The shape of the panels also influences the distance between rider and horse: wide, flat panels allow the rider to sit close to the horse, while narrow, round panels create a greater distance.
The length and shape of the panels must be adapted to the individual shape of the horse's back. There are different shapes of panels, including banana panels for short, curved back s and wedge panels for long, straight backs. Banana panels adapt to the curve of the saddle and are therefore better suited to short horse backs, while wedge panels lengthen the saddle and increase the contact surface. The panels can be attached to the saddle in different ways. Normal panels are sewn directly to the saddle, while French panels are attached to the saddle with screws. The advantage of the latter variant is that they adapt better to the bend of the horse and therefore ensure improved freedom of movement.

The saddle panels are an important part of the saddle and contribute significantly to the comfort of the horse and rider. Regular maintenance and choosing the right shape can prevent pressure points and optimize the fit of the saddle, resulting in a comfortable and safe riding experience.

What Saddles are Available for Horses?

There are many different types of saddles for horses. In addition to the saddles used in classic equestrian sports, such as jumping, dressage or eventing saddles, there is a saddle for almost every riding discipline that meets the requirements of the discipline for the horse and the rider.

The Jumping Saddle

As the name suggests, this saddle is mostly used in show jumping. show jumping The short saddle flap, which is pulled far forward towards the horse's shoulder, gives the rider's knee more support and allows the rider to relieve the horse over the jump. The gullet plate of the saddle lies behind the shoulder so that the rider's shoulders remain free and the horse is not hindered in its movement by the saddle. The seat of the jumping saddle is flatter so that the rider can lift himself out of the saddle more easily when galloping or jumping.
There are 3 types of seat for jumping saddles:

• Low seat: offers the rider a stable hold and fixes the leg more firmly
• Flat seat: highest possible degree of freedom of movement, here you need a balanced seat
• Medium-deep saddle: offers the rider a stable hold without restricting freedom of movement

The best way to find out which of the three seat surfaces is best for you is to try them out. You can let your saddler know before your next appointment and they will then bring you various models that you can try out to find out which you feel most comfortable with.

A jumping saddle also needs a girth, and long girths are usually used here. These are available in different versions, the stud protection girth offers optimum pressure distribution thanks to the stable belly flap and protects the horse from injuries caused by bumps and knocks from the studs. In addition to the leather version, the long girth is also available as a corded girth, long girth with lambskin or fake fur, with teddy fleece or with memory foam. So-called elastic girths are also becoming increasingly popular with riders, as there is an elastic insert between the girth buckle and the girth, which makes girthing easier as it gives way to the horse's breathing.

This type of girth is typically preferred for pressure-sensitive horses as the pressure increases gradually rather than abruptly. When using a girth with elastic straps on one side, the firm side should be used for girthing to prevent over-tightening.

Alternatively, cord straps can be used which have a certain basic elasticity. These are suitable for both young horses and experienced horses. A corded girth can also be easily re-girthing from the saddle without the risk of excessive tightening.

The Dressage Saddle

In dressage riding has different requirements for the saddle, the rider and the horse than a jumping saddle. The rider wants to sit as close to the horse as possible, and a dressage saddle with a deep seat and a long, downward-pointing saddle flap also enables a controlled, upright seat. This saddle is therefore also rather unsuitable for show jumping. show jumping or eventing. The knee rolls on the saddle flap frame the rider's leg, so the rider does not have much room to move. Dressage is the cornerstone of every classical riding discipline, and a show jumper must also master classical dressage in order to be able to tackle a difficult course with his horse. There are different dressage saddles, such as the dressage saddles with the mono flap. As the name suggests, this saddle only has one saddle flap and offers the rider very close contact with the horse. The girth straps on dressage saddles are very long, which is why a short girth is often used on this type of saddle so that the girth buckles do not interfere with the rider's thigh. Nevertheless, some dressage saddles - especially those that do not have a mono flap - also have holes further up on the girth straps so that a long girth could also be used. As with long girths, short girths are available in different versions. Whether with lambskin or without, made of leather, neoprene or nylon, there are also short versions of corded girths. Anatomically shaped saddle girths are also becoming more and more popular. The moon girth, for example, is suitable for horses that are rather "round" with short backs; the special shape of the girth prevents the saddle from slipping as it absorbs the curvature of the ribs. If you are wondering which saddle girth is right for your horse, your saddler or equestrian specialist dealer will be able to help you. 

The Eventing Saddle

In the eventing a rider usually needs a dressage and jumping saddle. An eventing saddle is a combination of both. The saddle combines the pronounced knee and calf rolls with a half-length, slightly forward-cut saddle flap. The girth length that can be buckled depends on the center of gravity of the VS saddle, as there are also VS saddles with a focus on dressage (VSD) and jumping (VSS), both centers of gravity then come a little closer to the respective discipline. The VSD saddle has a slightly longer cut saddle flap with long girth stra ps and the VSS is cut shorter and has short girth straps for long girths. By adjusting the stirrup leathers, the VS saddle can be used either for dressage or for jumping or cross-country riding. With long stirrups, the rider can sit in the saddle with a long, straight leg without being hindered by the knee rolls. With short stirrups, the eventing saddle offers optimum support for cross-country, jumping and light sitting.

The Western Saddle

The difference between the Western saddle and the English riding saddle is not only the weight, but also the size, as the Western saddle also offers a larger seating area. A western saddle had to satisfy various requirements of ranch workers during cattle work on huge ranches in the USA. This meant that the cowboy had to sit comfortably in the saddle for hours on end, there had to be enough space for equipment and it also had to be particularly robust for cattle work and not break at the slightest pull. Western saddles are heavier than the riding saddles we know from the English riding style. A western saddle can weigh almost 20 kg and the design of western saddles has hardly changed. Nevertheless, there are various innovations that make the saddle lighter.
Due to the different disciplines in Western show jumping, there are also different types of Western saddles:

• Reining saddle: Large seat, slightly raised cantle, low horn for better rein control,
• Cutter saddle: low seat, high fork, narrow horn, flexible fender, additional back cinch for stable saddle position
• Roping saddle: Wide & stable horn, low cantle, heavy construction
• Barrel Race saddle: short saddle, high fork, light weight, steep high cantle
• Trail saddle (Old Timer): Wide padded seat, deep seat, large contact surface
• Pleasure saddle: cut-out skirt to have more contact with the horse, eye-catching design, rough seat surface

Western saddles are now also becoming increasingly popular with leisure riders. This type of saddle provides a comfortable seat on long rides and, thanks to the saddle's large contact surface, is comfortable for the horse if it fits the horse. Here too, there are special saddlers who can help you find the right model for you and your horse.

For a western saddle to sit well on the horse's back, it should fulfill the following points:

• The saddle should not restrict freedom of movement in the shoulder area.
• do not interfere with the horse's bends
• do not impair the transition between the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine
• do not touch the withers & spine and do not lie too directly against them
• the contact surface must be adapted to the rider's weight and the duration of use
• the underside of the Western saddle allows the horse to move at a relaxed pace, but also with an arched back without restrictions

How do I find the Correct Saddle for my Horse?

A suitable saddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment for keeping your horse healthy while riding. It is important that you choose the right saddle for your horse to prevent damage to its back. You will find the right sad dle for your horse if the horse is not restricted in its movement and the saddle does not pinch or hurt. A good saddler or equestrian retailer can help you choose the right saddle by taking into account and measuring the size and shape of your horse's back. You should make sure that you can try out the saddle before you buy it, the saddler can then see from the horse's movement (and the saddle) whether the saddle suits the horse and the rider. As a rider, you can usually feel whether the saddle not only fits the horse, but is also suitable for the rider. 

How Does the Saddle Sit Correctly on the Horse?

The English saddle should lie on the horse's back in such a way that it exerts as little pressure as possible and is evenly distributed. It should also not move too far forwards or backwards. 

You and your saddler in particular should pay attention to these points:

1. The saddle lies 2-3 fingers behind the shoulder blade and does not interfere with it
2. The saddle offers enough space for the spine and spinous processes.
3. The spinal canal of the saddle is at least 3-4 fingers wide (in its full length)
4. The saddle should not be behind the last ribcage (L3).
5. The saddle's center of gravity (where most of the rider's weight is distributed) should be in front of the thoracic vertebra (T18).
6. The saddle panels should not extend over the area where the long back muscles merge with the ribs.
7. The girth straps and the girth should hang vertically from the horse and be positioned about a hand's breadth behind the horse's elbow so that the girth still rests on the breastbone.

The position of the saddle can be adjusted using girths and panels. However, it should be noted that the optimized fit of the saddle with panels, rubbers or lambskins is not a permanent solution for an unsuitable saddle and should therefore only be used as a temporary solution until the next saddler appointment. Growing horses or older horses may also need to have their saddle adjusted or padded more frequently, as the horse's musculature can change constantly. A young horse can muscle up quickly and is still growing, so a panel is an option to allow the horse to continue working until the saddler can adjust the saddle to the horse.

9 Tips for Correct Saddling: How to Saddle Your Horse Correctly

Before you saddle your horse, you should clean and brush it thoroughly to remove loose hair and dust. You should then carefully place the saddle on the horse's back and adjust the girth straps to ensure that the saddle fits properly. It is important that you observe your horse to make sure it is comfortable and that the saddle is not pinching or slipping.

A step-by-step guide on how to saddle a horse correctly:

1. Place the saddle on a saddle trolley, saddle holder or the box door and make sure that the stirrups are raised on both sides. You can place the girth over the saddle or next to it.
2. If the saddlecloth is already attached under the saddle, skip points 2 & 3.
   Place the saddlecloth on the horse's withers so that half of the saddlecloth/ saddle pad is in front of the withers. 
3. Place the saddle on the saddle pad and pull it smoothly and upwards into the tack room. The saddle cloth should always be centered.
4. Now that the saddle and saddle flap are on the withers, slowly push both backwards. With some horses, you can tell how far you need to push the saddle, as the saddle snaps into place when you feel it; with all other horses, you should of course push the saddle to the lowest point of the horse's back.
5. You can check whether the saddle is correctly positioned by checking whether there is at least two fingers between the shoulder blade and the front edge of the knee rolls.
6. Now go to the other side (the right side of the horse) and check that the saddle pad is straight and not caught under the saddle. If the saddlecloth is straight, you can pull the girth through the girth straps on the right side of the horse and fasten it.
7. Now go back to the left side of the horse and put the girth on the horse. The girth should be tight but should not pinch the horse so that the saddle does not slip or fall off on the way from the grooming area to the arena or arena.
8. You can check whether the saddle and girth are correctly positioned by placing your hand between the elbow and the girth. If about the palm of your hand fits between the front leg and the girth, the saddle girth fits well.
9. Very good, the saddle is now firmly attached to the horse, now you can adjust your stirrups and make your way to the arena or arena after bridling. Don't forget to girth the saddle before mounting. 

Saddle horse: Summarized

The saddles available for horses are almost endless, so it is all the more important to find the right one for horse and rider, one that not only makes the rider feel comfortable, but also the horse. An incorrect, unsuitable saddle can cause considerable damage to the horse and not only cause back problems, but can also affect and damage the horse's entire musculoskeletal system. It is always advisable to buy a saddle from a saddler and to have it checked regularly. You don't always have to buy a new saddle from a saddler, many also offer used saddles that can be fitted to your horse.

Horse saddle: The most important questions and answers

Which saddle is most comfortable for the horse?

The most comfortable saddle for a horse is an individually fitted saddle that takes the horse's anatomy and needs into account. A well-fitting saddle distributes the rider's weight evenly and avoids pressure points. There is no "one size fits all", so saddle fitting by a professional saddler is essential.

Which saddle is suitable for horses with short backs or wide, short horses?

Saddles with a short contact area are ideal for horses with short backs or wide, short horses. Saddles with wide chambers and short panels such as special dressage saddles or loose saddles are often good options. It is important to fit the saddle carefully to the horse's back to ensure freedom of movement and comfort.

Which saddle fits every horse?

There is no saddle that really fits every horse, as each horse has individual anatomical characteristics. However, treeless saddles and adjustable saddles such as some Wintec models can be adapted to a wide range of horse types. Nevertheless, a precise fitting should be carried out before every purchase to check the fit.

Can I have a Wintec saddle fitted?

Yes, Wintec saddles are known for their ability to be adapted to different horses. Thanks to the Easy-Change girth system and interchangeable gullet plates, riders can individually adjust the gullet width. To achieve an optimum fit, the saddle can also be adjusted by a professional saddler.

What does "CAIR" mean for Wintec saddles?

The CAIR system is a special padding technology in Wintec saddles. It consists of air-filled panels that distribute the pressure evenly over the horse's back and thus increase comfort. The CAIR system adapts to the horse's movement and ensures optimum shock absorption.

Do Wintec saddles have a saddle tree?

Yes, most Wintec saddles have a flexible saddle tree. This tree is designed to distribute the rider's pressure evenly and at the same time offer a certain flexibility for the horse's movements. The Easy-Change system makes it possible to adjust the saddle tree individually.

How do I fit a Wintec saddle?

A Wintec saddle can be adapted to different horses using the Easy-Change gullet plate system and the CAIR system. This involves changing the gullet plate in the saddle's chamber to achieve the correct width. To ensure that the saddle fits perfectly, it is advisable to consult a professional saddler.

How do I find the right saddle for my horse and myself?

Finding the right saddle requires a careful assessment of the horse's anatomy and the rider's needs. A saddler should analyze the horse's back shape and shoulder area and adjust the seat size and shape of the saddle to the rider. A well-fitting saddle ensures that horse and rider feel comfortable during training.

Is it possible to buy a used saddle?

Yes, it is possible to buy a used saddle. However, it is important to check the fit and condition of the saddle carefully. A used saddle should not be damaged or warped and must be fitted to the horse before use to avoid pressure points.

How do I know which saddle fits my horse?

The right saddle should not restrict the horse's shoulder area and withers and should lie evenly on the back. About two to three fingers should fit between the withers and the saddle. To ensure that the saddle fits perfectly, it is advisable to seek the opinion of a saddler.

How heavy is a Wintec saddle?

A Wintec saddle weighs between 4 and 6 kilograms on average, depending on the model. These saddles are lighter than many leather saddles, which makes them particularly attractive for longer rides and young riders.