The saddle should sit level on the horses' back and the panels should sit evenly without bridging. Saddles that tip forward or tilt backwards when placed on the horse indicate that the fit needs to be checked. Wool flocked panels should be equally stuffed (no lumps or dips) and not too hard.
There should be adequate clearance in the wither area.
The gullet should be a minimum of 8cms wide and the same width from pommel to cantle.
Not only should the saddle be checked but also the equipment used with it…
Girths should always be kept clean, in good condition, and be an anatomical shape to avoid pressure and friction in the sensitive elbow area. Avoid using a girth with too much elastic. Any elastic used should be strong and have several layers. With soft elastic it is sometimes difficult to tell how much you are tightening the girth and this can lead to over girthing.
All pads used under the saddle should be of a good, firm, quality textile, and shaped to fit the horses' back. They should also be long enough so that the pad does not end underneath the saddle as this will cause pressure points.
