Your saddle is the most important piece of tack you’ll buy — it connects you to your horse and distributes your weight across their back. A poorly fitting saddle causes pain, resistance, and long-term damage. This is not the place to save money.

What to Look For

• Fit for the horse: correct gullet width, clearance over the withers, even pressure along the back
• Fit for the rider: seat size, flap length, and balance that suit your build
• Discipline: dressage, jumping, and general purpose saddles are built differently
• Condition: check the tree, panels, and stitching on any used saddle

Our Advice

Always have a saddle fitted by a professional — and re-check the fit every six months and after any change in your horse’s condition. A saddle that fit in spring may not fit in autumn.

More in our tack room section.