Correctly position your saddle on your horse's back
In order to assess the position of the saddle on the horse, it must first be placed in the correct position without a pad and without a girth. The correct positioning is decisive for the optimal functioning of the saddle. It is important in this regard to pay attention to the various anatomical limitations of the horse.
The shoulder blade
When the forelimb is moved forward, the shoulder blade rotates backwards. During this movement, the arch should not restrict the movement of the shoulder blade, which is why the saddle should be placed so that the tips of the arch are behind the shoulder blade. The upper edge of the shoulder blade is located a few fingers below the withers. By following this edge with the fingers, the back of the shoulder blade can be felt.
In the case of a dressage saddle, the saddle should be placed so that the front edge of the saddle is behind the shoulder blade. With a jumping saddle whose flaps extend forward over the shoulder, you can orient yourself at the points of the arch under the saddle flap. They should be positioned behind the shoulder blade. Whatever saddle you want for your horse, you can get it from La Sellerie Française .
The base of the withers
The saddle should not put pressure on the base of the withers. This area contains several important nerve pathways and muscles. If pressure is applied to this area, horses will react by arching their backs reflexively. This should of course be avoided when the horse is being ridden. The back muscles must be able to contract and relax to allow the horse to move smoothly and perform the movements required of it correctly.
If the saddle covers the lumbar region that is sensitive to pressure, this can be uncomfortable for the horse and lead to a limitation of its mobility. The correct position of the saddle results from these anatomical limitations, which are different from one horse to another. If the arch rests on the shoulder and the contact surface of the saddle clearly exceeds the last thoracic vertebra, this is a sign that the saddle is too long for the horse in question.
The last thoracic vertebra
At the rear end of the saddle, care should be taken to ensure that the contact surface of the saddle does not extend significantly beyond the 18th and last thoracic vertebra. This can be easily identified by feeling the horse's flank upwards along the last rib. The lumbar vertebrae, located behind the 18th thoracic vertebra, are less suited to weight bearing, due to the orientation of their joints and the lack of stability provided by the ribs.
By rigorously applying these tips, you will be able to effectively position the saddle on your horse's back in order to enjoy optimal equestrian practice without the risk of hurting your horse. This will also protect you from any unexpected revolt due to the pain your horse might feel and will keep you safe during activities with it.