Thanks for such an informative video. I was looking for such a video, as I'm considering a saddle for a friend's big Qh. Rain is a beautiful and well behaved horse!
Thank you for a very informative video. You mentioned a problem that my horse has, i.e., the dip behind a prominent shoulder blade (shoulder pocket). This condition also causes the top of the gullet to rest dangerously close to the withers, sometimes causing unwanted pressure. I have ordered the Classic Equine biofit pad and if it works I will let you know.
@hpylori7 At the time the video was made, the BioFit pad was the only pad made for that problem. the padding is a bit too far forward, making it hard to place, with some of although I don't think it actually hurts anything. The one I like better now (I've tried several out there as they've become available) is (continued below)
@hpylori7 "Professional's Choice SMx Air-Ride OrthoSport Saddle Pad". It seems to place the extra padding in the right spot. Most places let you return the pads if they are still in new condition. Let me know when you find the right pad. I think it will make a tremendous difference in the confort of your horse
Thanks so much, this is the best saddle fit vid I have ever seen. Thanks especially for talking about the full and semi quarter horse bars, that always confused me. My horses will thank you for it too!
Hi, I have a horse that just wont listen. The most resent time that I my half linger I fell off because My horse's saddle slid down to her belly. I try to put a breast collar on her but that did not work. Then I tried to put a back cinch on but that did not work either. I don't know what to do. I'm 13 and my parents gave me her for my birthday. Could you please help me I would be very grateful. I hope to hear from you soon.
@sunny3d100 It would be really helpful if you could send me a video of you saddling your horse. Include as many details as you can. You can send it to tannerhorses@gmail.com. As far as your horse not listening, sounds like you both need training. If you are not close to me, let me know where you are and maybe I can find someone for you to work with.
@jediah7 I have heard from many people and they say it is better to buy a used saddle for you and the horse cause the leather or material is softer not as firm and not to mention alot cheaper haha but I think they are right but what if I end up with a saddle that is comfortable to me but not my horse. Could you make a video on introducing animals to horses preferably dogs thanks bye.
@jediah7 oh and what breed is the horse shown in the video very unique markings for a palomino which is what I am thinking he is oh but when buying a new saddle would they let you saddle up your horse like my local co.op don't quiet know how to type it but just wondering. GREAT VIDEO AND EXPLAINING haha.
@AmericanPitbulls1 He is a palomino paint. Some tack stores will let you bring the saddle back if it doesn't fit and you return it in the same condition. If purchasing off eBay you can always resale it. I do prefer used saddles over new saddles just because they are broken in and feel a lot better.
@ashleighp2010 Thank you. All my horses end up this way after training. I think they are just comfortable and relaxed and just don't feel the need to wonder off. You can find a bridleless video of us on my YouTube page. It was his first time out with me in front of a pretty good sized audience. I was so proud of him. :)
@ashleighp2010 Many, many, MANY lessons!!! I went around the country working with who I considered at the time the best of the best for a few years before going out on my own.
my horse has very snsative skin so if i dont use a fluffy girth and saddle pad then he gets really bad sores but he never does anything to tell me.... He is part arab so he has little shoulders and i want to get him a barrel saddle but idk if he will be ok or is there a pad or something that can help him from his withers to his ears? thats his bad area well his neck is fine but he is like bulit funny cuz he has a smaller QH body with arab sholders and face....
@1233Maya Yes, there are some horses with very sensitive skin. Thankfully that is the exception rather than the rule! Natural fibers such as wool work well on horses with sensitive skin. Has to be pure wool though. Arabs usually have short round backs but do use Full QH Bars or there are saddles specifically made for Arabs that call their trees "Arab" trees. Its best to get a saddle with a "round" skirt for horses with short backs. Best of luck with him.
@jediah7 yeah i was looking at those saddles but i think once he gets some musle on his shoulders he won't need an Arab saddle. My mom doesn't think, his shoulders are going to get musle like the QH's do but she said that about his hind legs and the top of his butt and he has gotten pretty mucler there and every where exept his shoulders. are there any exrsizes that work on his shoulders? PS he doesnt spin or anything like that and if its confuuseing he gets frustarted and starts baby rears.
@1233Maya Any type of hill work will strentghen the horse all around and doesn't require any type of advanced training. I like to do the work at a trot. If you don't have hills you can teach your horse to drag objects and maybe drag a tire behind him. That will strengthen his shoulders and hidquarters at the same time, just like hill work will do. Make sure that you desensitize your horse to having things pulled behind him first so there are no spooky reactions that would put you in danger.
Experienced a case of Awful Fit, training a friend's horse: friend swung aboard, horse tensed, arched back, I yelled, "OFF, NOW!" then saw cheap auction saddle had pommel too low and too narrow. "Nuff said. Thanks for the excellent info.
Good info! Even for those opf us who've been riding 50 years! We bent a wire across my friend's mustang's withers (15.2 hands, medium wide back, high withers), shaped it carefully to his back, and used that to shop for a saddle. The saddle fit perfectly! Especially like your emphasis on how fit affects behavior.
One thing about saddle cinch and girth I feel it is also important is: One or the other or both have to be made of natural material to give a little, (ie: mohair, leather). If the cinch is nylon then the girth has to be flexible. Otherwise, you'll put a "hard" pressure about the rib cage. Also, I have one of those big guys with a wide back and huge shoulder, but that pocket behind the scapula. I find the saddle falls into that space and I'm definitely going to have to get the Biofit pad! Thanks!
@valeriesjeans Yes, the neoprene also stretches for comfort. Good point about girths with no "give". My favorite girth at the moment is Classic Equine's Soft Touch girth. Very comfortable for the horses with no "pressure points" from the hardware.
Great info. I am using a Classic Equine ESP Contoured Saddle Pad size 30x36 for my short backed horse & it is rubbing him on his back right above the loin area. I fit him for a saddle & am using a rounded skirt barrel saddle. My saddle fitter said that the pad was a great pad yet now after a 2hr ride I find his hair rubbed off. When I ride I noticed the pad moves from side to side rubbing him. It rubs a couple inches away from the saddle right under the pad close to where it ends. Any clue why?
@hermonine Rubbing in that area is common for pads that are too long and it is common for square pads to rub short backed horses in that area. I would personally recommend a round skirt pad. The pad you are using is a nice pad and if they don't have that pad in a round skirt then I know Impact Gel does. Ebay is great for selling used pads.
@jediah7 Thanks for the help! I was thinking about buying a round skirt pad but I was hoping I could somehow get this one to work and I bought the smallest in length too. Oh well, another $150 down the drain lol but that's horses for you, got to love them lol. I am thinking about getting the Charmayne James rounded air ride pad for it has a lot of good comments on it from barrel racers. Just got to save up the $ again lol. Thanks again! :)
hi great vid! I am thinking about getting a new saddle, because my old saddle is to long for my arabian horse, who has a very short back. what do you think would be a good choise ? I hoped you could help me, cause you really seem to know what you are talking about. :)
@Damgaard18 Thank you for your comment. I would choose a saddle that has a round skirt and specifically says "Arabian Bars", just make sure the gullet is wide as most arabians have short, wide backs. Also, Full Quarter Horse Bars (7") should fit the arabian back. You can shop around on eBay and usually find some good saddles. Hope this helps!
hi!!! do u have any concerns or likes on Teskey saddles??? i might be getting a new barrel saddle and the one that i'm trying out is a teskey. i don't know much about the brand and i was wonering for some pros and cons
@palomino674 I really like Teskey's saddles actually. They seem to be built really well and on a good tree. If it is comfortable for both you and the horse then I'd say its a great choice!
Hi there and thank you for all the info. I am wondering about your take on bareback pads. I prefer to ride bareback and I have found several bareback pads available. I have a draft pony with a very flat back and hardly any withers. He has a hard time cantering in the saddle I have, so I thought a bareback pad might be better for him actually. Can you give me advise as to things to watch for and your opinion on if a saddle is better for the horse. Thanks
@pharm4mom I find the Cashel pad to be a great pad. It uses a western girth and stays secure with the stirrups. VERY comfortable for both horse and rider. Most pads tend to slip so I don't recommend stirrups for most bareback pads. You want to make sure the underside will be very comfortable for the horse and that it uses and actual girth instead of a nylon strap. Slipping is the danger in bareback pads. I wouldn't skimp on one, I'd get a good one.
This is really wonderful information and it's going to help me out a lot in my quest for a fitting saddle. I have just one question: what does it mean when the back of the saddle pops up a little bit off of the horse's back? I've read that it means it's too wide, but my saddle seems too narrow, especially around the withers. How do I conquer this?
@aiyanaslily I'm so glad you find it helpful. There are occasions that my saddles fit well concerning all the points mentioned but tip up slightly in the back. I ride many different horses with all sorts of shapes This is not a problem if all else fits well. Again, if everything else looks good and it has good clearance of the withers I wouldn't worry about it. If it is too wide it usually sits down very close to the withers and the fit will not feel right.
@aiyanaslily also, if it seems to fit too tight at the withers but then flares out and doesn't lay flat against the horse's side (there in the front) and tips up in the back it is probably too wide. I very rarely find a situation where the tree is too wide though. Feel free to e-mail a video at tannerhorses@gmail.com
Thank you for this information. I have a wide back quarter horse and I had been using a saddle that was not wide enough. She had become ornery while saddling, because it hurt. I bought a wider saddle that seems to fit better. She has high withers, do you recommend some padding to raise the saddle to clear the withers? And how much space to you recommend between the withers and saddle?
@mccoy4to5 As far as the withers, don't add an extra pad. That will just make the saddle tighter. Make SURE you pull the pad up off the withers up into the gullet of the saddle to take the pad off the withers. If it lays tight on the withers after saddling and after you get up in the saddle it will surely cause pain. As far as space, just make SURE there is no way the saddle can touch the withers when you are sitting in it. Couple of inches from withers to saddle is a good guideline. Thanks!
I also posted it on my fb profile page for all my equine friends. so many of us are self taught from childhood, and never knew there was so much to consider. Happy Trails.
this was very helpful for me. My new horse is a stocky old type QH, and I want to make sure she enjoys the ride as much as I do. I learned also, that a horses skin is 7 times more sensitive than ours!
Thanks for such an informative video. I was looking for such a video, as I'm considering a saddle for a friend's big Qh. Rain is a beautiful and well behaved horse!
grassblade63 1 day ago
great video! thanks for sharing!
amandalynn05440 3 days ago
Great, detailed information on proper saddle fit. Thanks for sharing.
SpotterOz 1 month ago
Thank you for a very informative video. You mentioned a problem that my horse has, i.e., the dip behind a prominent shoulder blade (shoulder pocket). This condition also causes the top of the gullet to rest dangerously close to the withers, sometimes causing unwanted pressure. I have ordered the Classic Equine biofit pad and if it works I will let you know.
hpylori7 2 months ago
@hpylori7 At the time the video was made, the BioFit pad was the only pad made for that problem. the padding is a bit too far forward, making it hard to place, with some of although I don't think it actually hurts anything. The one I like better now (I've tried several out there as they've become available) is (continued below)
jediah7 2 months ago
@hpylori7 "Professional's Choice SMx Air-Ride OrthoSport Saddle Pad". It seems to place the extra padding in the right spot. Most places let you return the pads if they are still in new condition. Let me know when you find the right pad. I think it will make a tremendous difference in the confort of your horse
jediah7 2 months ago
Thanks so much, this is the best saddle fit vid I have ever seen. Thanks especially for talking about the full and semi quarter horse bars, that always confused me. My horses will thank you for it too!
ilovemylilly 2 months ago
This is very informative, and has answered my questions. I only have one question: do you know anybody who's got a wide-tree barrel saddle for sale?
BarrelsPolesandJack 2 months ago in playlist Favorite videos
Hi, I have a horse that just wont listen. The most resent time that I my half linger I fell off because My horse's saddle slid down to her belly. I try to put a breast collar on her but that did not work. Then I tried to put a back cinch on but that did not work either. I don't know what to do. I'm 13 and my parents gave me her for my birthday. Could you please help me I would be very grateful. I hope to hear from you soon.
sunny3d100 3 months ago
@sunny3d100 It would be really helpful if you could send me a video of you saddling your horse. Include as many details as you can. You can send it to tannerhorses@gmail.com. As far as your horse not listening, sounds like you both need training. If you are not close to me, let me know where you are and maybe I can find someone for you to work with.
jediah7 3 months ago
@jediah7 I have heard from many people and they say it is better to buy a used saddle for you and the horse cause the leather or material is softer not as firm and not to mention alot cheaper haha but I think they are right but what if I end up with a saddle that is comfortable to me but not my horse. Could you make a video on introducing animals to horses preferably dogs thanks bye.
AmericanPitbulls1 3 months ago
@jediah7 oh and what breed is the horse shown in the video very unique markings for a palomino which is what I am thinking he is oh but when buying a new saddle would they let you saddle up your horse like my local co.op don't quiet know how to type it but just wondering. GREAT VIDEO AND EXPLAINING haha.
AmericanPitbulls1 3 months ago
@AmericanPitbulls1 He is a palomino paint. Some tack stores will let you bring the saddle back if it doesn't fit and you return it in the same condition. If purchasing off eBay you can always resale it. I do prefer used saddles over new saddles just because they are broken in and feel a lot better.
jediah7 2 months ago
Such a beautiful patient horse! He didn't even think about moving the whole time even when you walked away :)
ashleighp2010 3 months ago
@ashleighp2010 Thank you. All my horses end up this way after training. I think they are just comfortable and relaxed and just don't feel the need to wonder off. You can find a bridleless video of us on my YouTube page. It was his first time out with me in front of a pretty good sized audience. I was so proud of him. :)
jediah7 3 months ago
@jediah7 Have you had any lessons in training or just learned from experience?
ashleighp2010 3 months ago
@ashleighp2010 Many, many, MANY lessons!!! I went around the country working with who I considered at the time the best of the best for a few years before going out on my own.
jediah7 3 months ago
my horse has very snsative skin so if i dont use a fluffy girth and saddle pad then he gets really bad sores but he never does anything to tell me.... He is part arab so he has little shoulders and i want to get him a barrel saddle but idk if he will be ok or is there a pad or something that can help him from his withers to his ears? thats his bad area well his neck is fine but he is like bulit funny cuz he has a smaller QH body with arab sholders and face....
1233Maya 3 months ago
@1233Maya Yes, there are some horses with very sensitive skin. Thankfully that is the exception rather than the rule! Natural fibers such as wool work well on horses with sensitive skin. Has to be pure wool though. Arabs usually have short round backs but do use Full QH Bars or there are saddles specifically made for Arabs that call their trees "Arab" trees. Its best to get a saddle with a "round" skirt for horses with short backs. Best of luck with him.
jediah7 3 months ago
@jediah7 yeah i was looking at those saddles but i think once he gets some musle on his shoulders he won't need an Arab saddle. My mom doesn't think, his shoulders are going to get musle like the QH's do but she said that about his hind legs and the top of his butt and he has gotten pretty mucler there and every where exept his shoulders. are there any exrsizes that work on his shoulders? PS he doesnt spin or anything like that and if its confuuseing he gets frustarted and starts baby rears.
1233Maya 3 months ago
@1233Maya Any type of hill work will strentghen the horse all around and doesn't require any type of advanced training. I like to do the work at a trot. If you don't have hills you can teach your horse to drag objects and maybe drag a tire behind him. That will strengthen his shoulders and hidquarters at the same time, just like hill work will do. Make sure that you desensitize your horse to having things pulled behind him first so there are no spooky reactions that would put you in danger.
jediah7 3 months ago
Great video! Thank you so much!
CInzerillo 4 months ago
Experienced a case of Awful Fit, training a friend's horse: friend swung aboard, horse tensed, arched back, I yelled, "OFF, NOW!" then saw cheap auction saddle had pommel too low and too narrow. "Nuff said. Thanks for the excellent info.
swordwhale1 5 months ago
Good info! Even for those opf us who've been riding 50 years! We bent a wire across my friend's mustang's withers (15.2 hands, medium wide back, high withers), shaped it carefully to his back, and used that to shop for a saddle. The saddle fit perfectly! Especially like your emphasis on how fit affects behavior.
swordwhale1 5 months ago
LOVE IT! Super sound advice! :o)
kotek420 5 months ago
One thing about saddle cinch and girth I feel it is also important is: One or the other or both have to be made of natural material to give a little, (ie: mohair, leather). If the cinch is nylon then the girth has to be flexible. Otherwise, you'll put a "hard" pressure about the rib cage. Also, I have one of those big guys with a wide back and huge shoulder, but that pocket behind the scapula. I find the saddle falls into that space and I'm definitely going to have to get the Biofit pad! Thanks!
valeriesjeans 6 months ago
@valeriesjeans Yes, the neoprene also stretches for comfort. Good point about girths with no "give". My favorite girth at the moment is Classic Equine's Soft Touch girth. Very comfortable for the horses with no "pressure points" from the hardware.
jediah7 5 months ago
Great info. I am using a Classic Equine ESP Contoured Saddle Pad size 30x36 for my short backed horse & it is rubbing him on his back right above the loin area. I fit him for a saddle & am using a rounded skirt barrel saddle. My saddle fitter said that the pad was a great pad yet now after a 2hr ride I find his hair rubbed off. When I ride I noticed the pad moves from side to side rubbing him. It rubs a couple inches away from the saddle right under the pad close to where it ends. Any clue why?
hermonine 6 months ago
@hermonine Rubbing in that area is common for pads that are too long and it is common for square pads to rub short backed horses in that area. I would personally recommend a round skirt pad. The pad you are using is a nice pad and if they don't have that pad in a round skirt then I know Impact Gel does. Ebay is great for selling used pads.
jediah7 6 months ago
@jediah7 Thanks for the help! I was thinking about buying a round skirt pad but I was hoping I could somehow get this one to work and I bought the smallest in length too. Oh well, another $150 down the drain lol but that's horses for you, got to love them lol. I am thinking about getting the Charmayne James rounded air ride pad for it has a lot of good comments on it from barrel racers. Just got to save up the $ again lol. Thanks again! :)
hermonine 6 months ago
This was very helpful!
I'm been riding for years...but saddle fit is definately a science!
Thanks for your help!
hrsngarnd 6 months ago
hi great vid! I am thinking about getting a new saddle, because my old saddle is to long for my arabian horse, who has a very short back. what do you think would be a good choise ? I hoped you could help me, cause you really seem to know what you are talking about. :)
Damgaard18 6 months ago
@Damgaard18 Thank you for your comment. I would choose a saddle that has a round skirt and specifically says "Arabian Bars", just make sure the gullet is wide as most arabians have short, wide backs. Also, Full Quarter Horse Bars (7") should fit the arabian back. You can shop around on eBay and usually find some good saddles. Hope this helps!
jediah7 6 months ago
Thank you for the tips. Love your horse, just beautiful. I've always had palomino Quarter Horses.
sendinfo2vw 7 months ago
Thanks for the help!
cowboybkennedy 8 months ago
hi!!! do u have any concerns or likes on Teskey saddles??? i might be getting a new barrel saddle and the one that i'm trying out is a teskey. i don't know much about the brand and i was wonering for some pros and cons
palomino674 8 months ago
@palomino674 I really like Teskey's saddles actually. They seem to be built really well and on a good tree. If it is comfortable for both you and the horse then I'd say its a great choice!
jediah7 8 months ago
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palomino674 8 months ago
Comment removed
palomino674 8 months ago
Hi there and thank you for all the info. I am wondering about your take on bareback pads. I prefer to ride bareback and I have found several bareback pads available. I have a draft pony with a very flat back and hardly any withers. He has a hard time cantering in the saddle I have, so I thought a bareback pad might be better for him actually. Can you give me advise as to things to watch for and your opinion on if a saddle is better for the horse. Thanks
pharm4mom 8 months ago
@pharm4mom I find the Cashel pad to be a great pad. It uses a western girth and stays secure with the stirrups. VERY comfortable for both horse and rider. Most pads tend to slip so I don't recommend stirrups for most bareback pads. You want to make sure the underside will be very comfortable for the horse and that it uses and actual girth instead of a nylon strap. Slipping is the danger in bareback pads. I wouldn't skimp on one, I'd get a good one.
jediah7 8 months ago
This is really wonderful information and it's going to help me out a lot in my quest for a fitting saddle. I have just one question: what does it mean when the back of the saddle pops up a little bit off of the horse's back? I've read that it means it's too wide, but my saddle seems too narrow, especially around the withers. How do I conquer this?
aiyanaslily 8 months ago
@aiyanaslily I'm so glad you find it helpful. There are occasions that my saddles fit well concerning all the points mentioned but tip up slightly in the back. I ride many different horses with all sorts of shapes This is not a problem if all else fits well. Again, if everything else looks good and it has good clearance of the withers I wouldn't worry about it. If it is too wide it usually sits down very close to the withers and the fit will not feel right.
jediah7 8 months ago
@aiyanaslily also, if it seems to fit too tight at the withers but then flares out and doesn't lay flat against the horse's side (there in the front) and tips up in the back it is probably too wide. I very rarely find a situation where the tree is too wide though. Feel free to e-mail a video at tannerhorses@gmail.com
jediah7 8 months ago
Thank you for this information. I have a wide back quarter horse and I had been using a saddle that was not wide enough. She had become ornery while saddling, because it hurt. I bought a wider saddle that seems to fit better. She has high withers, do you recommend some padding to raise the saddle to clear the withers? And how much space to you recommend between the withers and saddle?
mccoy4to5 10 months ago
@mccoy4to5 As far as the withers, don't add an extra pad. That will just make the saddle tighter. Make SURE you pull the pad up off the withers up into the gullet of the saddle to take the pad off the withers. If it lays tight on the withers after saddling and after you get up in the saddle it will surely cause pain. As far as space, just make SURE there is no way the saddle can touch the withers when you are sitting in it. Couple of inches from withers to saddle is a good guideline. Thanks!
jediah7 10 months ago
I also posted it on my fb profile page for all my equine friends. so many of us are self taught from childhood, and never knew there was so much to consider. Happy Trails.
betsyholway 11 months ago
@betsyholway Great! Thanks!!!
jediah7 11 months ago
this was very helpful for me. My new horse is a stocky old type QH, and I want to make sure she enjoys the ride as much as I do. I learned also, that a horses skin is 7 times more sensitive than ours!
betsyholway 11 months ago
@betsyholway Thanks! I'm so glad it was helpful :-)
jediah7 11 months ago
really good help thanks!!! and a beautiful horse !!!
thecowgirlandherhors 11 months ago
@thecowgirlandherhors Thanks! He's my baby :-)
jediah7 11 months ago
thanks sooo much!! i've been searching forever on youtube and finally came across this :)
Iwishonedayy 1 year ago