County Saddlery Illinois & Wisconsin

Just another day at the office… where the critters call the shots 🐾

I love this job. Surrounded by these creatures, spending my days in the barns… that’s what life’s all about!

Here’s my trip plan for next week! Let me know if you’d like to schedule a refit, fitting, or demo ride while I’m in the area. If you don’t see your area on the list, feel free to reach out. I’m traveling frequently throughout Illinois and Wisconsin!

Look at this gorgeous boy shining in his Solution Monoflap! ✨ I think he’s ready for show season 🐴🫶

Show season is right around the corner, and the countdown has already begun… The perfect time to make sure your tack is ready to go!

Let me know if you’d like to plan a fitting, demo ride, or refit.

Keep track of your horse’s back with wither tracings 📏🐴

Wither tracings are a simple but very useful tool to monitor changes in your horse’s back shape over time.

Your horse’s back is not static. Seasonal changes, diet, training intensity, age, and muscle development can all affect the shape of the back and withers. Even small changes can influence how a saddle fits.

By taking regular wither tracings, you can easily compare them and see if your horse’s shape has changed over time. It’s a great way to keep track and notice differences early.

Tip: always write the date on the tracing sheet and note your horse’s body weight (lbs) at that moment. This makes it much easier to understand why changes may have happened.

A simple tool, but incredibly helpful for keeping your horse comfortable and your saddle fitting correctly.

So grateful to have hosted a saddle fit clinic for the wonderful members of Racine County Pony Club! It was truly a joy spending the day with such engaged riders and dedicated horse owners.

I always love educating people about proper saddle fitting. Nothing makes me happier than seeing more comfortable horses and more confident riders.

Interested in hosting a clinic for your barn or organization? I’d love to help make it happen. Feel free to reach out and let’s start planning! 🐴

How are you supposed to concentrate when these cute little kitties are watching you all the time… and walking over your wither tracing paper with their tiny paws? 🐾😻

This is how you check if your saddle is rocking.

👉 Place your hands on the pommel (front) and cantle (back) and give a gentle press.
If it pivots or rocks front to back like a seesaw, that’s a sign the saddle isn’t sitting solidly on your horse’s back.

💡 Why might a saddle rock?
Saddle rocking often comes down to the shape match between the saddle tree and the horse’s back:

• Tree curve (‘rock’) mismatch:
Saddles have a tree that should mirror the curve of the horse’s topline. If the tree is too curved for your horse’s back, it will contact only near the front and back and pivot in the centre.

• Flocking issues:
Panels stuffed with wool can wear unevenly over time. If the flocking is too soft, lumpy, worn down, or asymmetrical, it can make the saddle feel unstable or mimic a rocking sensation.

• Panel shape / gullet width mismatch:
If the gullet is too narrow or too wide, or the panels aren’t shaped to fit the horse’s back, it can lift parts of the saddle off the back and create unwanted movement.

• Horse conformation changes:
Muscle development, fat loss, or training can change shape and make a previously fine‑fitting saddle start to rock.

❗ A little movement under the rider is normal when the horse is in motion, but if the saddle rocks while it’s just sat on a standing horse without you riding, that’s a fit issue worth investigating.

✨ Saddle Spotlight: The County Epiphany dressage saddle! Often rated a favorite for its comfortable seat, balanced feel, and great freedom for the horse. Perfect for flatwork or ring work. A true classic from County Saddlery. 🐎

County Saddlery Epiphany Dressage Saddle | Best for Backs | Next Gen Performance Saddles Saddlery Epiphany Dressage Saddle | Best for Backs | Next Gen Performance🌐 Official Website: https://www.countysadd...

🐴 What’s inside your saddle really matters 🧵

What you see here is wool taken out of a saddle.

Over time, the wool inside a saddle can compact, shift, and clump together like this. These hard or uneven areas create pressure points on the horse’s back, which can lead to discomfort and restricted movement.

Even when a saddle looks fine from the outside, the flocking on the inside may tell a very different story.

That’s why it’s so important to have your saddle checked at least every six months. Regular saddle fitting helps ensure:
• even weight distribution
• freedom of movement for the horse
• prevention of pain and long-term damage

A well-fitting saddle isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for your horse’s comfort, performance, and well-being. ✨🐎