Free Practitioner’s Program Training Videos

Saddle Fit

How Saddles Can Impact the Horse Through Pressure

In this video, Paula Jeffreys explains how incorrect pressure from a poor saddle fit can impact the health of a horse.

Muscle Problems and Pain Associated with Poor Saddle Fit

Here are the common muscle problems associated with pain and pressure arising from a poor saddle fit.

The Importance of Shoulder Clearance

Here is an explanation of the importance of shoulder clearance and how to ensure the saddle allows adequate rotation of the shoulder for any horse discipline.

Equine Anatomy & The Saddle

Paula Jeffreys gives insight on where a saddle should sit to maximise comfort for the horse, taking into account each horse’s unique anatomy.

How Good Vets Become Great: 3 Habits to Sharpen Your Equine Practice

I’ve asked myself this question more times than I can count, especially in my early years of practice. Would I trust myself with my own horse? On a good day? Maybe.On a bad day? I’m…

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Understanding Spine Clearance

This video describes the importance of ensuring adequate spine clearance when assessing a saddle fit as improper clearance can lead to severe impacts on a horse’s health and wellbeing.

Fitting the Gullet Plate

The gullet plate can be fit to the scapula angle or the trapezius angle, in this video Paula Jeffreys explains the difference and why each might be used for different circumstances.

Assessing the Horse in 4 Steps

Paula Jeffreys explains the process of assessing a horse and determining the saddle fit.

How Great Clinics Are Built: 3 Habits of High-Performing Teams

Ever wondered what makes some equine clinics thrive while others plateau? These 3 clinic-wide habits can sharpen clinical standards, improve case outcomes, and boost team retention – fast.

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Key Principles of Equine Saddle Fit: Clinical Insights for Veterinarians

Correct saddle fit plays a significant role in musculoskeletal comfort, performance, and long-term soundness. Poor fit can create pressure points, restrict normal biomechanics, and contribute to secondary pain patterns that often present as lameness, behavioural resistance, or training difficulties. The videos on this page outline practical techniques and anatomical considerations that vets can use when assessing saddle fit in the field.

  • Understanding Pressure Distribution and Horse–Rider Interaction
    Saddle-related discomfort rarely appears in isolation. Excessive or uneven pressure alters the horse’s movement, posture, and willingness to work. Recognising where pressure accumulates, and how it corresponds to underlying musculature – helps clinicians differentiate saddle fit issues from primary orthopaedic problems. Patterns of muscle tension, atrophy, or heat can provide early clues.
  • Muscle Pain and Dysfunction Linked to Poor Fit
    When the saddle does not accommodate the horse’s shape or movement, the longissimus dorsi, trapezius, and thoracolumbar musculature are often affected first. Chronic tightness, soreness on palpation, or asymmetrical muscle development can all result from sustained pressure. Understanding these patterns helps veterinarians identify subtle saddle-related pain before it progresses into more significant performance issues.
  • Shoulder Clearance and Freedom of Movement
    Adequate shoulder clearance is essential for full scapular rotation. Restriction at the front of the saddle can shorten stride length, create reluctance to lift through the withers, or produce a hollowed outline under saddle. Evaluating the position of the saddle relative to the scapular cartilage and observing the horse’s movement with and without tack provides important clinical insight.
  • Equine Back Anatomy and Practical Fit Considerations
    No two horses share the same back conformation. Variations in wither shape, ribcage width, muscle bulk, and spinal curvature influence how a saddle should sit and where pressure may develop. A clear understanding of surface anatomy allows vets to determine whether a saddle’s design complements – or conflicts with – the horse’s natural biomechanics.
  • Spine Clearance and Panel Contact
    Sufficient clearance over the spinous processes and dorsal midline is non-negotiable. Inadequate space can lead to sensitivity, bruising, or chronic discomfort. Equally important is assessing even panel contact along the back, ensuring that weight is distributed across a broad, stable surface rather than concentrated at isolated points.
  • Selecting and Adjusting the Gullet Plate
    The gullet plate determines the width and angle at the front of the saddle, directly influencing wither clearance and shoulder mobility. Horses with different conformations – narrow withers versus broad, flat backs – require specific gullet angles to avoid pinching or instability. Understanding these biomechanical relationships allows veterinarians to guide riders toward more appropriate saddle adjustments.
  • A Systematic Approach to Assessing the Saddle Fit Horse
    A structured assessment method improves consistency and helps identify the root of saddle-related discomfort. Observing the horse at rest, palpating key muscular landmarks, evaluating saddle placement, assessing movement, and reviewing rider influence all contribute to an accurate diagnosis. A repeatable system ensures that important details are not overlooked, especially in complex performance cases.