08/25/2026
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'I just used an old cheap saddle for backing'
Something I hear quite often whilst out working is, “I just used an old cheap saddle for backing.”
And I completely understand the thinking. A new saddle is a significant investment, especially when there’s a concern that a young horse may change shape, or damage the saddle.
But I think it’s worth looking at the first saddle experience from the horse’s perspective.
Horses are prey animals, and having something strapped around their body and placed across their back is a completely new experience. If the saddle fits well and is comfortable, the horse has the opportunity to gradually learn that this is something they can relax with.
But what happens if that first saddle is too narrow, too long, the wrong shape, or simply uncomfortable?
What does the horse learn from that experience?
Then we introduce a rider. If the saddle fits, the horse can begin to build a positive association with carrying someone. But if the saddle creates discomfort, the horse may respond. Sometimes subtly through tension, bracing or changes in movement, and sometimes more obviously through bucking, rearing or bolting.
Over time, those experiences can influence how the horse feels about being saddled and ridden, and how they organise their body around the experience.
I’m not suggesting that you need to buy an expensive new saddle for a young horse. The price of a saddle doesn’t determine whether it fits correctly.
What I am suggesting is that the fit matters from the very beginning.
Perhaps instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest saddle I can use for backing?” we could ask:
“What experience do I want my horse’s nervous system to have from the very first ride?”
Sometimes, investing in getting the saddle fit correctly may be one of the most valuable things we can do at the start of their ridden journey.
