🐴 Horse & Rider Compatibility 🐴
This can be a sensitive topic, but it comes from a place of care for our horses and wanting them to be as comfortable as possible 💛
You may have heard of the "20% rule", a commonly used guideline suggesting that a rider and tack should ideally not exceed 20% of the horse's body weight. While every horse is an individual and factors such as fitness, conformation, muscle development, and workload all play a role, it's an important consideration when thinking about your horse's comfort and long-term wellbeing.
With the summer grass coming through, many horses naturally change shape and weight, making this a good time to reassess not only saddle fit, but overall horse and rider compatibility too.
There's no judgement here, we all love our horses and want to do what's best for them. Sometimes it's simply about having the information to make informed decisions and ensuring our horses can carry us comfortably and confidently ✨
Want to book a fitting? Head to our website or call us - we're happy to help! 🐴🩷
Saddles Direct
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We are #TheSaddlePeople. We understand that every horse and rider is unique. So we make it personal. How do we do it? Why do we do it?
We offer worldwide saddle fitting advice and strongly advocate the importance of saddle fitting as a huge part of the buying a horse riding saddle process. Saddles Direct offer also give riders risk-free ways to sell their saddles quickly and for the best price. We understand the importance of having the right saddle and the difficulty in finding one. So we offer riders the best choice and a perso
04/06/2026
🐴 Why is a saddle fitting so important? 🐴
Every horse can benefit from regular saddle fitting, no matter their age, workload, or discipline!
🌱 Young horses are constantly changing shape as they grow and develop muscle, meaning a saddle that fitted perfectly a few months ago may no longer be suitable.
💪 Horses in regular work can gain or lose condition throughout the year, making routine saddle checks essential to ensure continued comfort and performance.
🌳 Happy hackers deserve a well-fitting saddle too! Even if your horse is only ridden occasionally, a comfortable saddle helps prevent pressure points, soreness, and unwanted behavioural issues.
❤️ Older horses can experience changes in topline, muscle tone, and overall shape as they age. Regular saddle assessments help support their comfort, mobility, and longevity so they can continue enjoying their work for years to come.
A correctly fitted saddle isn't just about performance, it's about your horse's welfare, comfort, and happiness every time you ride.
When was your horse's last saddle fitting? 👇
You know nothing about... Cavaletti Saddles! 🐴👀
Cavaletti saddles are made here in Walsall and are known for their super soft leather and adjustability! They offer a hude range of different saddles to sort different horses, riders and diciplines so you're bound to find something you love 🩷
Want to shop new and used Cavaletti saddles? Head to our website now, but be quick whilst stock lasts! 👀🩷
Well... it was good whilst it lasted 🥲🐴
30/05/2026
🐴 Thorowgood T4 Dressage 🐴
A brilliant option for riders wanting a supportive dressage saddle without the price tag of a full leather model ✨
With its adjustable gullet system, flocked panels, and moveable velcro knee blocks, the T4 offers plenty of flexibility for horses that change shape and riders still finding their perfect position. The wool flocking allows for ongoing adjustments, while the dressage-specific tree and close contact feel help create a balanced, secure seat.
A really popular choice for riders making the transition into dressage or looking for a practical everyday saddle that still offers great support for both horse and rider 💛
29/05/2026
🐴 Want to learn more about saddle fitting and your horse’s comfort? 🐴
The IASF Horse Owner Saddle Fitting Course is designed to give riders a better understanding of the basics of saddle fit and how it impacts horse welfare 🩷
The course covers signs and risks of poor saddle fit, saddle anatomy, horse and rider anatomy, tree types, panel design, width and adjustability, templating, saddle safety, common fitting mistakes, and much more. It’s a fantastic way for horse owners to build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of what to look for in their own saddles 🔍
At just £9.99, it’s an affordable and accessible way to learn more about keeping your horse comfortable, happy, and moving well ✨
Head to their website to book and start learning now! 👀🐴
Has your horse suddenly become sensitive around their T18? 🐴
If you've noticed recently when tacking up, brushing or simply touching where the back of your saddle sits initiates some pain responses from your horse it may be a good idea to get your saddle fitter out!
This could be for a few reasons, the seat size could be too small for you meaning you're placing tha majority of your weight at the back of the saddle, the saddle could be too long for your horse meaning its sitting on the lumbar region which can't comfortably support weight, or you may need an adjustment!
Whatever the reason is, call your saddle fitter, have them assess the saddle and make sure you and your horse stay happy and comfortable under saddle 🐴🩷
Oh yeahhhhh extra treats for the rosette winning 😁🐴
24/05/2026
The Bates Apex has been out for a little while now and is taking the Showjumping world by storm 🌪
Here are what some riders have to say so far:
" That is a game changer, I need that on all my Jump saddles"
- In relation to the Flaplock Technology
"He's happy, he loves it, he normally takes a lot longer to give this softness"
- After a short time riding in the saddle
"My leg just finds the perfect position"
- After sitting in the saddle with the forward cut flap and adjustable knee and thigh blocks
So... if you've ever wanted these feelings from a saddle shop the Bates Apex online now! 😁🩷
Or... check out our website to see how you can ride in it for free 👀🐴
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Myerscough Equine Arena
Preston
PR30RY
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4pm |
| Friday | 9am - 4pm |