SG Saddles

🐴 “But the saddle fitted perfectly last time…”

It probably did!

The thing we sometimes forget is that while the saddle may not have changed, the horse underneath it can.

A horse can change shape because of:

• Weight gain or loss
• Changes in muscle and topline
• Increasing or decreasing workload
• Time off
• Age
• A change in way of going
• Seasonal changes

And sometimes those changes are surprisingly quick.

That’s why a saddle that was a good fit several months ago isn’t automatically a good fit today.

Regular saddle checks aren’t about finding a problem — they’re about spotting small changes before they become bigger ones.

Have a look at your horse today. Do they look the same shape as they did three months ago? 👀

🐴 WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS AT A SADDLE-FITTING APPOINTMENT?

If you’ve never had a professional saddle fitting before, you might wonder what actually happens!

It’s much more than putting a saddle on and having a quick look…

1️⃣ We talk
About your horse, their history, workload, any changes you’ve noticed and what your plans are.

2️⃣ I assess your horse.
Their shape, symmetry, condition and topline.

3️⃣ Measurements & photographs 📏📸
These give us useful information to refer back to and help monitor changes over time.

4️⃣ The saddle is assessed on the horse.
Looking at balance, clearance, contact, length and stability. Any adjustments needed are made before assessing again.

5️⃣ We assess dynamically 🐎
I want to see what happens with the horse, saddle and rider in motion.

6️⃣ Then we make a plan
That might mean an adjustment, discussing pads/girthing, monitoring something, trying a different saddle — or simply confirming that everything is working well.

And that’s an important point…

A saddle check doesn’t automatically mean you need a new saddle!

My job is to give you an honest assessment of what’s in front of me.

🐴 Be honest… what condition is your horse REALLY in?

One of the most important things we can do for our horses is to regularly assess their shape and body condition — and be honest with ourselves about what we find.

And believe me, as a saddle fitter, I hear every excuse on the planet when a horse is carrying a few too many pounds… 😂

🌱 “He’s just gone into a new field.”
🌾 “He gets nothing to eat, what more can I do”
🏜️ “There’s no grass in there.”
😤 “He gets angry if I don’t feed him.”
🚪 “He escaped last night…”
🎈 “He’s just bloated.”
☀️ “It’s been too hot to ride.”

Okay… I might let you off with the last one! 😂

But the reality is, our horses don’t know they’re overweight — it’s our responsibility to recognise it.

It can also be surprisingly difficult to notice gradual weight gain when you see your horse every day. That’s why looking alone isn’t enough.

👉 Feel, don’t just look.

Regularly feel the neck and crest, behind the shoulders, ribs, back and hindquarters. Use a weight tape, take consistent photos and keep a record so you can spot changes before they become significant.

And remember, weight changes can affect saddle fit too.

A horse gaining or losing condition can change considerably through the ribcage, back, withers and shoulders — which can alter how their saddle sits.

So use the condition score in the image and give your horse an honest assessment.

No excuses. No “he’s just big-boned.” 😆

Just feel, assess and monitor. ❤️🐴

SaddleFitting SGSaddles

🐴 Be honest… what condition is your horse REALLY in?

One of the most important things we can do for our horses is to regularly assess their shape and body condition — and be honest with ourselves about what we find.

And believe me, as a saddle fitter, I hear every excuse on the planet when a horse is carrying a few too many pounds… 😂

🌱 “He’s just gone into a new field.”
🌾 “He gets nothing to eat, what more can I do”
🏜️ “There’s no grass in there.”
😤 “He gets angry if I don’t feed him.”
🚪 “He escaped last night…”
🎈 “He’s just bloated.”
☀️ “It’s been too hot to ride.”

Okay… I might let you off with the last one! 😂

But the reality is, our horses don’t know they’re overweight — it’s our responsibility to recognise it.

It can also be surprisingly difficult to notice gradual weight gain when you see your horse every day. That’s why looking alone isn’t enough.

👉 Feel, don’t just look.

Regularly feel the neck and crest, behind the shoulders, ribs, back and hindquarters. Use a weight tape, take consistent photos and keep a record so you can spot changes before they become significant.

And remember, weight changes can affect saddle fit too.

A horse gaining or losing condition can change considerably through the ribcage, back, withers and shoulders — which can alter how their saddle sits.

So use the condition score in the image and give your horse an honest assessment.

No excuses. No “he’s just big-boned.” 😆

Just feel, assess and monitor. ❤️🐴

🐴 Booking an Appointment with SG Saddles

Whether you’re looking for a routine saddle check, a new saddle or expert fitting advice, booking is simple.

🆕 New Customers

If this is your first appointment with SG Saddles, please complete my New Customer Booking Form via my website.

This gives me all the information I need about you, your horse and your current saddle before arranging your appointment, helping me prepare for your visit and bring the most appropriate equipment.

📝 Complete the booking form here:
https://sgsaddles.co.uk/contactus/

✅ Existing Customers

If you’ve booked with me before, there’s no need to complete the form again.

You can simply:
📱 Message through the Equigate App
📞 Call or text the mobile - 07871 927007
📧 Email - [email protected]

We will then arrange your appointment with you.

💚 Please note: Once an appointment has been arranged, an invoice will be sent. Your appointment is confirmed once payment has been received.

I look forward to helping you and your horse stay comfortable, happy and performing at your best. 🐴💚

🐴 The most overlooked piece of tack? Your girth.

When people think about saddle fit, they naturally focus on the saddle itself. But the girth is just as important and can make a huge difference to your horse’s comfort and the stability of the saddle.

A well-fitting, good quality girth should:
✔ Distribute pressure evenly.
✔ Allow the shoulders to move freely.
✔ Help keep the saddle stable without excessive tightening.
✔ Minimise rubbing and pressure points.

One thing I generally advise avoiding is a girth with elastic at only one end.

A single-ended elastic girth stretches on one side while the opposite side remains fixed. This can create uneven tension across the horse’s chest and may encourage the saddle to sit unevenly.

If you choose an elasticated girth, I recommend one with strong elastic at both ends, or a girth without elastic.

Another common issue I see is girths that are simply too short.

The buckles should sit well above the horse’s elbow, not directly behind it where they can interfere with movement or cause rubbing.

Remember, tighter isn’t better. An over-tightened girth can restrict your horse’s breathing and movement, making them less comfortable and potentially affecting their way of going.

This is exactly why I carefully choose the brands I stock. Prolite, Kent & Masters, GFS, Arena and Correct Connect girths are all designed with horse comfort, pressure distribution and freedom of movement in mind, helping you find the right option for your horse rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you’re unsure whether your girth is the correct type or length, just ask at your next appointment. I’m always happy to assess your current setup and advise on the most suitable option for both you and your horse.

🐴 Has your horse changed shape?

Here are a few simple ways to check…

We see our horses every day, which can actually make gradual changes surprisingly difficult to spot.

So how can you keep track?

📸 Take regular photos
Take a photo from each side, front and behind, ideally standing square on level ground. Repeat them every 4–6 weeks from roughly the same position.

📏 Use a weight tape
It isn’t perfectly accurate for actual weight, but it’s really useful for tracking changes. Measure in the same place each time and write the result down.

⚖️ You may be able to organise for a weighbridge to come to your yard. This is an accurate way of tracking your horses weight.

✋ Use your hands, not just your eyes
Run your hands over the withers, behind the shoulder, along the back, ribs and crest. Can you feel areas becoming fuller, softer or more hollow?

🐴 Keep an eye on the topline
Changes aren’t always about getting fatter. Muscle can develop or reduce around the withers, behind the shoulder and along the back as workload, fitness and posture change.

🧷 Notice your girth holes
Suddenly using a different hole can be a useful little clue that something has changed.

🪞 Look from above
If it’s safe to do so, look down over your horse’s back. Changes through the shoulders, ribcage and back can sometimes be much easier to see from this angle.

🏇 And pay attention to the saddle
Has the balance changed? Does it feel tighter? Is it moving more? Are you suddenly needing a different girth hole or noticing changes in your horse’s behaviour?

Growth, age, fitness, workload, muscle development, time off and seasonal weight changes can all make a difference.

🌱 And at this time of year, don’t assume that dry-looking grass means your horse isn’t changing!

A few photos and measurements throughout the year can be incredibly useful — for you and your saddle fitter.

📌 Save this post and take your first set of photos and measurements this weekend.

🐶 Archie has officially had enough of this hot weather… and so have my sofas! 🥵🛋️

With the temperatures so high, Archie has had to spend much more time at home instead of coming to work with me in the van.

The problem is… I don’t think he’s enjoying early retirement! 🤦‍♀️

He’s clearly missing his role as Chief Van Dog and he’s decided to pass the time by chewing through his THIRD settee! 😳🛋️

Please tell me I’m not the only one whose dog becomes a full-time interior designer when they’re bored! 😂👇

P.S. obviously I still think he’s practically perfect in every way! ❤️

“But there’s no grass…” 👀

This is one of the biggest myths I hear at the moment.

Many owners look at a brown, dry paddock and assume their horse can’t possibly be putting on weight…

🐴 Yet I’m seeing plenty of horses that are getting noticeably rounder.

Why?

🌾 Dry doesn’t mean sugar-free.

When grass is stressed by drought, it can still contain high levels of sugars. Horses often graze much closer to the ground too, where the most nutritious parts of the plant remain.

And don’t forget…

🌧️ When the rain finally arrives, grass growth can explode. That fresh flush is often even richer, meaning horses can gain weight very quickly if we’re not prepared.

Extra weight doesn’t just increase the risk of laminitis—it can also affect comfort, movement, saddle fit and performance.

Now is a great time to:
✔️ Check your horse’s body condition regularly.
✔️ Feel for changes rather than relying on what you see.
✔️ Adjust grazing and forage if needed.
✔️ Keep an eye on how your saddle is fitting—small changes in shape can make a big difference.

Just because the fields are brown doesn’t mean the waistlines are shrinking!

SG Saddles I am a fully qualified Master Saddle Fitter (SMS) and hold the Master Saddle Fitting Consultant (MSFC) qualification, offering professional, friendly saddle fitting services. I provide assessments of existing saddles and supply and fit new saddles.