07/14/2026
‼️ Saddle Fit Matters More Than You Think ‼️
I’ve been seeing a lot of horses struggling with saddle fit lately.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that buying a different saddle, pad, girth, etc. will fix a horse that lacks topline. In reality, proper, balanced groundwork and proper are the #1 factors in building the muscles needed to support a well-fitting saddle.
If your horse has a protruding backbone with very little topline, or large fat deposits, most saddles simply aren’t designed to fit them correctly. A saddle can only fit the shape that’s underneath it. To keep it realistic, a horse in this condition should probably not be ridden until they’ve developed enough muscle to comfortably support both the saddle and the rider.
Please don’t just call it “good enough” and keep riding. An ill-fitting saddle can lead to improper muscle development, compensation throughout the body, soreness, pain, and negative behavioral reactions. Horses will often tell you they’re uncomfortable—you just have to know what to look for.
Put your horse first. It can be hard to take a step back when all you want to do is ride, but sometimes the kindest thing you can do is give them the time they need to develop correctly. A few weeks or months of groundwork now is far better than months or years of discomfort, compensation, and rehabilitation later.
The best thing you can do is focus on:
• Quality, balanced groundwork
• Plenty of proper nutrition
• Correct movement and body mechanics
• Time and consistency
Building a strong topline takes time, but it’s the foundation for a horse that can comfortably carry a rider and wear a saddle that truly fits.
If you need help evaluating your horse’s topline, saddle fit, or creating a plan to build the proper muscle, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help!
April Schaefer Bodyworks and Dr. Linda Harmon are my go to people for bodywork, chiropractic, saddle fitting, and nutrition.
Highly recommended!!
⬇️ Here are some pictures of a horse that I purchased in poor condition, who has gained LOTS weight, shine, personality and muscle ⬇️
From April 24 to July 14, he has been on a 100% forage diet with very high-quality nutrition, he has had consistent groundwork to help him balance his body and his mind while building muscles correctly, I have ridden him twice, both were for a very short amount of time to just feel him out. He has literally relearned how to walk, stand, and live his life. It is not about riding- it is about setting them up for a life of success.
!
