Customizing riding equipment is often a necessary step in order to ensure that you have the best fit possible and are able to perform at your best on the trail. Riding can be a challenging activity for both you and your horse, and a poorly fitting saddle can make things even more difficult. While there are many different types of saddles available, there are also many different ways to customize the fit so that it is ideal for you as an individual rider. If you’re someone who loves riding but has found that certain types of saddles just don’t feel right on your body, here are some helpful ways that you can customize your horse riding saddle in order to make it work for you. The first step in customizing your saddle is choosing the right size and fit for you. The size of the saddle has a lot to do with the type of rider you are as well as your riding position and style of riding. When choosing the perfect size, be sure to take the following factors into account:
Comfort is Key
One of the most important factors when customizing your horse riding saddle is ensuring that it is comfortable for you. Depending on your riding position and the type of saddle that you choose, there are a few different ways that you can customize your saddle to make sure that it fits your body comfortably and properly. For example, if you are a rider who prefers to have more of a forward seat, a cinched-in seat and a lower pommel might not be the ideal fit for you. This is because a horse riding saddle is designed to distribute the weight of the rider evenly across the horse’s back, which means that a rider who sits more towards the front of the saddle will feel the weight of the saddle and horse more on the front and back of their body. If the saddle is too tight or too high, this could lead to achy legs or back pain over time. A saddle that is too wide, on the other hand, could lead to uncomfortable pressure in your legs, particularly if you are wearing pants or jeans. One of the best ways to customize your saddle is by altering the girth, or the strap that goes around the horse’s belly and holds the saddle in place. There are a few different ways that you can adjust the girth to make sure that the saddle is the perfect fit for you.
Don’t Forget the Pads!
One of the most overlooked areas when customizing your horse riding saddle is the girth. However, the girth is an important part of the saddle that many riders tend to forget about. When you are trying to customize the fit of your horse riding saddle, make sure to take the girth into account as well. Depending on the size and type of horse that you ride, you may want to consider adjusting the girth to ensure that it is the perfect fit for your horse. If you are unsure how much you should adjust the girth, it is a good idea to contact a saddle fitter and discuss your situation. Depending on the size of your horse, you may need to adjust the girth to accommodate for thicker or thinner saddle pads. Saddle pads are an important part of maintaining the health of your horse and should be cleaned and replaced every few months as needed. Some saddle pads are thicker than others and may require a larger girth adjustment to make sure that the saddle is the perfect fit.
Change the Seat and Back Straps
Another important part of customizing your horse riding saddle is to make sure that you change the seat and back straps. Depending on the type of riding that you do and the way that you sit on the horse, you may want to choose a seat that is thinner or thicker. The seat and back straps are what help support your weight while you are riding, so it is important that you choose a seat and back strap that is comfortable for you. Some riders prefer to have thicker seat and back straps, while others prefer thinner ones.Depending on the type of riding that you do, you may also want to consider changing out the stirrup bars and stirrup leathers. If you often ride in a dressage or show ring, you may want to consider using stirrup bars that are made of a thinner material, such as metal, in order to prevent them from getting in the way and causing pressure on your legs.If you tend to ride in sand or dirt, you may want to consider using stirrup bars made of a thicker material, such as wood or steel, in order to provide more support.
Conclusion
Customizing your horse riding saddle is an important step in order to ensure that it is the best fit for your body and riding style. There are a few different areas that you can customize the fit of your saddle in order to make sure that it is the perfect fit for you. When customizing your horse riding saddle, it is important to remember to pay close attention to the girth and seat and back straps in order to make sure that they are the perfect fit for you and your specific riding style and needs.