Horse glossary
Saddle
The seat used for riding.
In Spanish: Silla
What it means
A saddle is the seat that sits on the horse's back, built on a frame called a tree that spreads the rider's weight over the back muscles. English saddles are smaller and lighter, while western saddles are larger and usually have a horn.
Why it matters
Saddle fit matters for both horse and rider. A saddle that is too narrow, too wide, or sits on the withers can cause pain and behavior problems, and a saddle that fits the rider helps them sit in balance.
Example
The saddle sits on the horse’s back.
Try this
Place the saddle a little forward on the withers and slide it back into place so the hair lies flat underneath. With the girth done up, you should be able to fit a couple of fingers between the front of the saddle and the withers.
Common mistake
Setting the saddle too far back, onto the loin, is a common error. The loin has no ribs underneath for support, so the saddle belongs just behind the shoulder blades.
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