A reminder for us all...my horses shape changes all the time, so I always keep a good relationship with the Derbyshire Saddle fitter😍🤠🐴 Proper saddle fitting is essential for ensuring horse welfare, comfort, and performance while allowing the rider to maintain a secure, balanced seat. An ill-fitting saddle can cause severe back pain, muscle atrophy, and behavioral issues, while a proper fit distributes weight evenly, encourages freedom of movement, and prevents injury. London College of Animal Osteopathy +4 Key Reasons for Proper Saddle Fitting: - Horse Health & Comfort: A well-fitted saddle prevents pressure points on the spine, withers, and shoulders, allowing the horse to work freely and comfortably. - Performance & Muscular Development: It encourages proper engagement of the back muscles, enabling the horse to develop a strong topline and preventing long-term damage or lameness. - Rider Stability & Safety: A proper fit allows the rider to sit in the center of the seat, facilitating effective communication with the horse without having to fight against the saddle for balance. - Dynamic Changes: Because a horse's shape changes throughout the year due to fitness, age, and weight, it is crucial to have the fit checked by a professional every 6 months to adjust for muscle development or atrophy. - Preventing Behavioral Issues: A poorly fitted saddle is often the cause of bucking, rearing, biting, or refusing to work, as the horse acts out due to pain! Hope this post helps remind us🤠🐴