Templating the back measurements and weight taping at every appointment allows for these seasonal changes to be monitored along with other changes such as growth and maturation. It also allows for early identification and management of any potential problems such as muscle atrophy. Riding during a saddle fitting is imperative and should be to the level of training/ competing, this ensures that the saddle is correctly balanced to the horse on the move and that the fit does not hinder the horse's ability to perform the required movements. Only in exceptional circumstances should a saddle be fitted unridden, these include an unbroken horse or a horse that is coming back into work following rehabilitation.
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Blog Post
Seasonality of Body Changes and Importance of Saddle Fit
6 February 2025
Your saddle is a crucial part of your horse's performance and should be maintained alongside everything else. Unfortunately, all too often this is not as high up the priority list as it should be. It is imperative to consider saddle fit when there are changes in exercise, feeding and management of horses, which will often occur as the seasons change.
It is widely accepted that in wild horse populations there are seasonal fluctuations in body weight, predominantly due to the availability of food. There is generally more food available from spring through to autumn than there is over winter, resulting in weight gain and fat store development, which is then utilised over the winter months as a source of energy. In the domestic horse population these variations in the fat stores may be less dramatic as their food intake and body condition are more closely monitored and controlled, however research has shown that the fat stores do increase over the spring and summer in many horses. Horses that are in higher intensity training or that undergo prolonged exercise over the summer months compared to the winter months may experience a reduction in their fat stores, this is because they will utilise the fat stores for energy which has built up during the time of lower intensity exercise or if they have had a winter break. There is a lot of focus on preventing your horse or pony from becoming overweight in spring and summer to reduce the risk of health issues such as Laminitis, however very little attention is drawn to the effects that these seasonal changes in the fat stores and muscle mass from inconsistent exercise regimes have on saddle fit, which has a direct influence on horse welfare and performance.
With the limited research available, it shows that the seasons have a significant influence on back measurements of horses, with a narrowing of the measurements over the winter months (October-February) and broadening out again from March onwards. The changes in seasons frequently reflect a change in the exercise regimes. The intensity, duration and frequency of training are all contributing factors to horses back measurement changes through fluctuations in muscle mass as a response to exercise. It is imperative to consider saddle fit when there are changes in exercise, feeding and management of horses, which will often occur as the seasons change.
Saddle fitting is a process requiring attention to detail and patience to ensure optimal results. A thorough assessment of both horse and rider should be undertaken to understand the whole picture and is a process which should not be rushed. Understanding any veterinary, physiotherapy, osteopathy and farrier history highlights any particular areas requiring more maintenance, which in turn may impact how the horse moves under saddle. It is also important to understand any medical history relating to the rider. As more research is being undertaken, findings are starting to show that asymmetric riders are causing asymmetries in horses, which will have a direct impact on saddle fit as the saddle is an interface between the horse and rider.
Your saddle is a crucial part of your horse's performance and should be maintained alongside everything else. Unfortunately, all too often this is not as high up the priority list as it should be. The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) recommends having your saddle refitted every 12-16 weeks, thus ensuring the correct fit of the saddle and contributing to optimal performance and comfort of your horse. The templates in the image below illustrate the changes of a five year old gelding in a four week period, highlighting the importance of regular fittings through seasonal changes, growth and maturation. We often see significant changes in the templates of horses which as already explained can be down to a variety of different causes, predominantly due to different managerial practices throughout the seasons. It is important for owners, riders and grooms to monitor horses as individuals, as like humans their bodies respond differently, and will require different amounts of maintenance, whether this be a saddle fit every four weeks or every 16 weeks. Ensure the optimal comfort, performance and welfare of your horse by booking a saddle fit today!
Need a Winter Check-Up?
If you are unsure how your saddle fits now we are heading towards the spring, get in touch. We are only a call, email or message away, one of our expert fitters will ensure you and your horse are prepped for a season of comfortable, confident riding!
