Saddle Fit & Rider Pain

Unfortunately, if the saddle doesn’t fit the rider as well, then it doesn’t really matter how well it fits the horse. The rider’s pain and discomfort will be translated down to the horse (remember that he can feel the tiniest fly landing on his skin) Therefore, we would like to propose that rider comfort is just as important. Riding should not hurt – that`s the first thing. As a rider, if you are experiencing any of the following issues (i.e., “pains”) it could be that your saddle simply doesn’t fit you properly, and on top of that, could be inappropriate for your gender – male or female.

• Feeling ‘pulled apart’ at the hip joints
• Constant back pain in the lower back
• Feeling ‘jarred’ during sitting trot
• Knee joints hurt
• Slipped disc
• Constant bladder or urinary tract infections
• Being literally ‘rubbed raw’ in the pubic area

We recognize that sometimes it is impossible to use a saddle that fits you, especially in a riding school where many people have to ride the same saddle. But if you are in a position where you own your own horse, ride regularly and want to improve – perhaps it`s time to examine all of the finer points of saddle fit to the rider. Riders come in all shapes and sizes – this has implications for achieving optimal saddle fit (heavier riders, short riders, tall riders) Ride pain free. For you. For your horse.