It’s a universal acknowledgement between riders that saddle fit plays a huge role in our horses’ comfort, performance and overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a happy hacker enjoying the long summer evenings, or an avid competitor preparing to for the evoke Eventer Challenge at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, having the right saddle is crucial. GFS Saddles, sponsors of this year’s CCI4*-S 8 & 9-year-old class, have put together a handy guide explaining why saddle fit matters and when it might be time to have yours checked.

Why Saddle Fit is So Important

A well-fitting saddle doesn’t just make your horse comfortable, it enables them to perform to their fullest potential – allowing them to move freely and develop their muscles properly. Whether your horse is an eventing champion, a dressage star or just enjoys a hack, the importance of saddle fit transcends all disciplines. Fit is not a one-time concern. As your horse’s body changes over time, whether due to age, training, fitness levels or simply a shift in season, their saddle might need adjusting too. That’s why regular check-ups with a qualified saddle fitter are essential to ensure your horse stays comfortable throughout their career.

Why Do Horses Change Shape?

Just like human athletes, horses can experience fluctuations in body shape, muscle tone and fitness. A few factors that can affect how your saddle fits include:

  • Training and Exercise: The intensity of your horse’s workload can lead to significant changes in muscle development.
  • Weight Fluctuations: Weight loss or gain in horses is common as seasons change. We all know the struggle of having limited grazing throughout the winter only for the grass to shoot up in the spring!
  • Changes in Routine: Something as simple as a change in your horse’s diet or a shift in the amount of time spent in their stable can lead to physical changes that impact saddle fit.
  • Age and Development: As horses mature, their body shape evolves. Young horses in particular, like those competing in the GFS Saddles CCI4*-S 8 & 9-year-old class, are known to undergo changes in muscle mass, which can alter saddle fit.

Why GFS Saddles Are the Ideal Choice

At GFS Saddles, we understand that horses’ bodies are constantly changing. That’s why our saddles are designed with flexibility in mind. Our X-Change Gullet System allows for easy adjustments to the saddle’s width, meaning you don’t need to invest in a whole new saddle if your horse’s body changes.

For More information about GFS Saddles here.