Intro to Saddle Fit and Tack Care (English & Western)

Saddle fitting is both an art and a science—but it doesn't have to be complicated. In this course, I will show you how to measure yourself and your horse for a saddle, what to look for in a used and new saddle, and how to care for your leather and synthetic tack (and bring an old saddle back to life). You will also learn how to adjust the fit as a young horse grows and changes shape, a rescue horse gains weight and comes into shape, as well as the changes every horse goes through as they age.

One of the main challenges that riders face when fitting the right saddle is finding one that suits their body type as well as their horse's. There is no gold standard when it comes to saddle sizing—every company has their own definition of gullet sizes, making it all the more difficult to find a saddle that won't pinch or rub their back and withers. In this course, you'll be sure to find a saddle that fits your horse comfortably, won't be too long for their back, and will fit you as well.

Finally, you'll learn the red flags of buying a used saddle in person and how to revive an old saddle that fits perfectly but needs a little love. To accomplish that perfect fit, you will gain insight into the purposes of different saddle pads and how they will help you accomplish the perfect fit, especially if your horse is in training or recovering from being rescued.

The tools that you will learn in this course will equip you for a lifetime as an equestrian.