28/01/2024
The amount of times I’ve heard it being said “the seat size of the saddle is to fit the rider not the horse” well here we have it!!! 👇👇👇
Rider Size
A sensitive subject for many, rider size typically focuses on the weight of the rider in relation to the weight of the horse, with the industry standard allowing for, in some cases, the rider and all tack to make up 20% of the horse's weight.
With modern breeding standards now visible across almost every breed of horse, rider size and weight are coming into focus as something that requires consideration when selecting a horse. It isn't uncommon to see 17+hh warmbloods with saddle support areas around 15-16", while their riders require an 18" seat. While possible to fit, many manufacturers continue to lag behind with offering saddles that actually fit the physique of the horse and rider together, with the situation made worse as horses continue to be bred with longer legs and shorter backs. Compounding the issue further, saddles that place riders too far back, or inadvertently force the rider to sit further back for comfort, leading to excessive concussion against the cantle on a saddle that is already too long, sits in the lumbar and prevents free movement and usage of the back.
It's no wonder we see so many back issues in horses, to the point where it's surprising to find one that suffers no back pain, tension or postural issues. Yet when purchasing a horse, riders never take into consideration whether the horse they're selecting is a suitable size (which cannot be determined by height).
