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Selecting a Saddle Fit for Multi-Phase Riding

Eventing asks one horse and rider combination to work across dressage, show jumping and cross-country. Each phase demands a different balance, yet the saddle must remain stable, comfortable and supportive throughout the day. A suitable fit gives the horse freedom to move while helping the rider stay centred when the pace and terrain change.

For Australian riders, saddle selection can be complicated by long travel distances, changing seasons and the need to work with fitters who may service several regional areas. A saddle that feels excellent in a cool indoor arena may behave differently after a hot float trip, a period of reduced work or a spell on pasture.

The best approach is to treat saddle fitting as an ongoing part of horse management rather than a one-off purchase. Observe the horse’s shape, assess the saddle in real work and make adjustments as training, fitness and competition plans develop.

Start With the Horse’s Shape

Begin by looking at the horse without a saddle. Note the width and angle of the tree area, the length of the back, the position of the wither and the shape of the rib cage. A broad Australian stock horse may need a different panel design from a narrow Thoroughbred, while a young horse can change shape significantly as topline develops.

Run your hands along the muscles beside the spine and behind the shoulder blade. Watch for heat, soreness, uneven hair or a hollow that may indicate repeated pressure. The saddle should sit behind the scapula without restricting its rotation, and its panels should make even contact without bridging across the middle of the back.

Rider balance matters as well. A saddle can technically fit the horse but place a tall, short-backed or long-legged rider in the wrong position. The story of Dom’s riding journey reflects the importance of developing a partnership where equipment supports the rider’s position rather than compensating for it.

Match the Saddle to the Job

A dressage saddle usually encourages a deeper seat and a longer leg, while a jumping saddle allows a shorter stirrup and greater freedom over fences. For eventing, the rider needs a practical compromise: enough support for flatwork, a secure balance for jumping and room to move through a cross-country course.

Some riders use one versatile saddle for all three phases, while others choose separate dressage and jumping saddles. Neither option is automatically better. A single saddle can simplify travel and maintain a familiar feel, but separate saddles may give a more precise fit and position for horses whose backs are difficult to accommodate.

Look carefully at the knee blocks, seat depth and flap length. Large blocks can help a rider stay organised over a solid fence, yet they may interfere with a longer dressage leg. A saddle that feels secure should not lock the pelvis or force the rider into a chair seat. The right support allows subtle weight aids and a relaxed lower leg.

Check Fit in Motion

Static checks are useful, but they are only the beginning. Place the saddle on a clean, dry back without relying on a thick pad to hide an uneven fit. Check that the gullet clears the spine, the panels contact evenly and the girth sits in a natural groove rather than pulling the saddle forwards or sideways.

Then assess the horse at walk, trot and canter on both reins. Include transitions, circles, lateral work and a few different jumping efforts when appropriate. Watch whether the saddle shifts, lifts behind, rolls on landing or causes the rider to brace through the knee. A horse that shortens the stride, hollows the back or becomes reluctant to move forward may be showing discomfort rather than disobedience.

After work, inspect the sweat pattern and the horse’s skin. Even sweat distribution is encouraging, but it is not definitive proof of a perfect fit. Dry patches can occur for several reasons, and a neat pattern does not rule out pressure. Combine the evidence from movement, palpation, rider feedback and professional assessment.

Account for Australian Conditions

Australian weather and management routines can change a horse’s body quickly. A horse spelling through a dry summer in Victoria may carry less topline than during a regular competition block, while a horse in coastal Queensland may sweat heavily and experience more variation in coat and muscle condition. Saddle fit should be reviewed when workload, feed or turnout changes.

Long-distance travel is another consideration. Riders heading from regional New South Wales to an event may spend hours on the road before warming up. A horse can arrive tight, dehydrated or temporarily different through the back, so allow time to walk, stretch and settle before making final observations. Keep the saddle cloth clean and dry, and avoid adding layers simply because the weather is warm.

The Australian market also includes a broad mix of imported English saddles, locally made designs and stock-influenced options. Local availability can affect the trial process, especially outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide. Ask a fitter about replacement parts, reflocking, warranty support and realistic servicing times before committing to a model.

Work With a Qualified Fitter

An independent saddle fitter can identify issues that are difficult to see from the ground. Look for someone experienced with eventing and familiar with the horse’s workload, conformation and competition schedule. A fitting should include the horse, saddle, rider and intended use, rather than a quick check of the empty saddle.

Bring the horse’s usual girth, numnah or saddle cloth and stirrup length to the appointment. If the saddle is intended for cross-country, explain whether you ride with a breastplate, martingale or safety stirrups. These details affect stability and rider position. A fitter should also assess the saddle after the horse is ridden, not just while standing square.

For riders in remote areas, video can help between appointments. Film the horse from the side and behind at walk, trot and canter, then include close views of the saddle before and after work. Video cannot replace hands-on assessment, but it can help a fitter decide whether an urgent visit is needed or whether a minor adjustment can wait until the next clinic.

Build a Practical Trial Process

A trial period is essential when buying a saddle. Ride in the intended conditions, using the same type of pad and girth planned for training and competition. Test the saddle during flatwork, jumping and a longer conditioning session rather than judging it after ten minutes in an arena.

Keep simple notes after each ride. Record the horse’s willingness to go forward, freedom through the shoulder, changes in rhythm and any signs of soreness. Record your own balance too: whether you can shorten or lengthen the stirrups, maintain an even contact and stay centred on landing.

Useful checks to include in a saddle trial are:

Keep records of adjustments, reflocking and the horse’s body condition. This is particularly useful when an eventing season includes travel between venues, changes in pasture or a shift from introductory classes to more demanding levels. A saddle that fitted well in autumn may need attention after a winter break or a strong conditioning programme.

A well-fitted saddle should make the correct movement easier to repeat. It should support a stable, adaptable rider without restricting the horse’s back, and it should remain reliable when the work moves from the arena to open ground. Explore the wider work and riding resources at Schramm Equestrian for an eventing perspective grounded in training and competition.

Start the process with a careful back assessment, arrange a professional ridden fitting and give the saddle a genuine multi-phase trial. With consistent checks and timely adjustments, Australian event riders can build equipment choices that protect the horse’s comfort and help both partners perform with greater confidence.