Winter saddle fit changes every horse owner should look out for!
Winter can be one of the toughest times of year for horse owners. Short days, dark mornings, cold weather and relentless mud really test us and more time in the stable can make even the kindest horses a little sharp or sour. Plus, different work levels, low grass quality and changes in routine often mean changes in weight, shape and muscle.
All of this can have a direct impact on saddle fit and because those changes often develop slowly, it’s so easy to miss the early signs - especially if you’re trying to manage horses without a well-lit yard. The good news is that with a little extra attention over the winter months, you can stay ahead of potential issues and keep your horse comfortable, rideable and happy in their work.
In today’s blog, we look at the most common winter changes to watch for, the signs that your saddle may not be fitting as well as it did in autumn and how to track and manage those changes safely.
Why winter can affect saddle fit
Even with the best management, many horses naturally lose topline as their exercise routine adjusts. Others gain weight on ad-lib forage, lose weight as they eat poor quality winter grass or get softer from spending more time standing in a stable. All these changes influence how the saddle sits and moves and those small changes can have surprisingly big effects, which is why winter saddle checks are so important. Here are some of the key signs that your saddle may no longer be fitting correctly:
1. Your girth suddenly seems too long
If you notice your girth buckling up to the top holes, it’s often a sign your horse has dropped weight or muscle through the ribcage and behind the shoulder. A girth that sits too high can de-stabilise the saddle, increase pressure, and cause rubbing or discomfort. It’s one of the easiest early-warning signs to pick up on.
2. Saddle movement
Any new movement of the saddle - slipping to one side, bouncing behind, dropping in front or rolling during transitions - is worth paying attention to. In winter this can be caused by a loss of muscle behind the shoulder, a dip forming behind the wither and a rounder, softer shape. Even subtle movement can create pressure points or friction, so please don’t ignore it!
3. Resistance or behavioural changes
Horses rarely show discomfort dramatically at first. More often, you’ll see small changes, for example a reluctance to stand at the mounting block, tail swishing when you girth up, ears back when you go to put the saddle on hollowing, rushing or feeling “stuck” in transitions, reluctance to stretch or use their back and discomfort jumping and with lateral work. These can all be signs of saddle fit changes long before soreness or bigger behaviour problems appear.
How to track changes
Luckily there are some ways you can monitor your horse’s topline and weight during the winter, and they don’t have to cost the earth.
1. Use a weigh tape (or scales if you’re lucky to have access to them!). Weekly or fortnightly weigh-tape checks help you spot trends early and if your horse drops or gains 10 to 20kg over a month, your saddle fit is likely changing too. Plus or minus 5 cm on the weigh tape is often a good indicator that your horse has moved up or down a saddle width.
2. Take monthly photos. Simple photos can be surprisingly powerful, so here are our top tips to help you get clear and accurate photos for comparison. Stand your horse square and photograph:
● left, right and from behind
● the saddle area and wither
● the topline from wither to croup
It is worth remembering that your horse’s postural stance can also change throughout the day depending on whether it’s cold or wet, before and after exercise, even down to what it has eaten/drank can affect how your horse stands and carries themselves so we’d always recommend taking your photos at the same time of day following the same routine to make comparisons.
Comparing these month-to-month highlights subtle dips, hollows or uneven changes long before you feel them in the saddle.
3. Keep a diary or notes on your rides. A quick note in your phone after each schooling session or hack, for example how the saddle felt, how your horse went, anything ‘different’, creates a helpful pattern over time and something you can refer back to
Why you shouldn’t rely on thicker pads, half pads or gel pads
It’s so tempting in winter to reach for ‘more padding’ when something doesn’t feel quite right. But while pads can be useful in some situations, adding layers can:
● artificially lift or alter the saddle’s balance
● create pressure points
● cause instability
● mask an underlying problem rather than resolving it
If you think your saddle no longer fits, more padding isn’t necessarily going to be the answer - the best path forward is an assessment with a qualified saddle fitter.
Here’s when to call your saddle fitter
We always recommend having your saddle checked every 6 months as a minimum, and more frequently for young horses, older horses or those in varied or intense work. We’d also suggest that you book a visit:
● Anytime you notice weight, shape or behaviour changes
● If you’ve reduced turnout or changed management
● Following illness, injury or a break from work
A qualified fitter can make small flocking adjustments, rebalance the saddle and/or advise when a girth, pad or saddle change may be needed. Here at Castle House Saddlery, all saddle fitting is carried out by our registered, qualified Society of Master Saddlers fitters, led by Master Saddle Fitter Andrea Patterson. Andrea brings decades of experience, combining a deep understanding of biomechanics with the practical skill to assess your horse both statically and dynamically.
Winter can be challenging, but keeping a close eye on saddle fit is one of the simplest ways to support your horse’s comfort and performance until spring arrives. If you’d like to arrange a saddle check or talk through any concerns, we’re always here to help. Click here to book an appointment online.