The horses spine, unlike the humans or dogs, is a fairly rigid structure, the majority of movement being in the neck and in the lumbar area just in front of where the spine connects to the pelvis (equivalent to our hips). The spinal cord runs through the spinal column with nerves that emerge at intervals along its length. As these nerves exit the spine, they divide into various branches and go to the joints, muscles, internal organs and skin. Nerve impulses travel from the brain and spinal cord, out of the spinal nerves to all parts of the body. Similarly nerve impulses travel back to the brain via the peripheral nerves and spinal cord, carrying information as to the relative states of all the various areas of the body.

Sometimes a joint between two vertebrae may become slightly fixated restricting the normal range of motion and decreasing flexibility. This could be due to a fall, a bad stumble, getting cast or a badly fitting saddle.

When this stage is reached some physical symptoms will probably be seen. This could range from subtle changes in the animals performance to muscle spasm and soreness, stiffness, or lack of collection or impulsion or even a degree of unco-ordination. There may be nerve pain in long term cases and, where a nerve is being pinched there could be numbness or pins and needles. It could even show itself as a behavioural problem such as a cold back, bucking, not wanting to bend on one rein or refusing fences.

Although many slight joint fixations resolve themselves through muscle activity, such as rolling, or normal spinal movements such as bending and stretching, some fixations can persist. When it gets to this stage then an external influence is required to restore normality.

A saddle designed correctly for the purpose for which it is required and then properly fitted in relation to the conformation of both horse and rider will contribute to the performance of both. Conversely, a badly fitting saddle can inhibit the horses natural movement and cause discomfort which will be reflected in its work and possibly in its behaviour too.

These are the points to consider when purchasing a saddle:

1) The tree, which forms the foundation of the finished saddle, must fit the horses back. Trees are made in the three principal widths; narrow, medium and wide, with variations being possible to suit the occasional animal that falls outside or between these three normal widths.

With the rider in the saddle, too broad a tree will cause the forearch to press on the withers. Too narrow a tree will pinch on either side of the withers. An ill-fitting tree cannot be corrected by adjusting the panel stuffing.

2) The finished saddle must give absolute clearance at the withers and along the length and breadth of the spine. With the rider in position there should be clearance between the forearch and the withers, and to be able to see daylight through the channel (the division between the two halves of the panel) when the saddle is viewed from the rear. The channel itself has to be wide enough so as not to press upon the base of the vertebrae, which is wider than the apex.

If the channel becomes closed the movement of the back is restricted. Any pressure on the spine detracts from the efficiency of the movement. The paces may be shortened and become irregular and the back stiff and hollowed. The lateral suppleness will be affected and the jumping ability is reduced as the horse seeks to avoid discomfort when attempting to arch the back.

3) The panel must bear evenly over the full extent of the bearing surfaces on either side of the spine so as to distribute the riders weight according.

A panel that is stuffed too high on one side or the other, or a saddle which tips the rider too far to the front or rear causes the rider to be out of balance with the horse, preventing its free movement and possibly causing galling because of the concentrated pressure on a small area.

4) The saddle rests on the muscles each side of the spine and ribcage and must be cut so as to lie behind the shoulder and its muscle formation. If it lies on the shoulder it will interfere with the movement. This can occur when jumping saddles are cut with too forward a flap or when the shoulder is too upright to allow the use of a jumping flap comfortably.

The three principle types of saddle are those made for jumping, dressage and general purpose, including cross-country riding. Their design varies in relation to their purpose.

The jumping saddle, by reason of the stirrup bar being positioned well forward and a correspondingly placed flap enables the rider, using a shortened leather, to carry his weight over the advancing centre of balance of the horse.

In dressage, where the horses balance is carried more to the rear, the stirrup bar is positioned accordingly and the flap is much straighter to allow for the longer leg position. The general purpose saddle falls between the two above extremes.

Reputable saddlers are usually members of the Society of Master Saddlers and display the Societies symbol at their premises. Some will have the qualified saddle fitters certificate. Please remember that the saddle is fitted to the horse on the day. As horses can change shape for many reasons continued good fit cannot be guaranteed. They are experienced in saddle fitting and able to give advice on the type and size of saddle best suited to the clients requirements. It is always advisable to seek their help in choosing and fitting a saddle.