It’s Not Just the Saddle: Why Your Horse’s Discomfort Might Run Deeper

As horse owners, we’ve all been there. Our horse starts to feel "off." Maybe they’re resisting the contact, bucking in canter, hollowing through the back, or refusing to stand still when being tacked up. And more often than not, the first question is:

“Is it the saddle?”

And honestly — sometimes it is. Saddle fit plays a huge role in your horse’s comfort, movement, and long-term soundness. But here's the part that doesn't get talked about enough:

👉 Sometimes, it’s not just the saddle.👉 And sometimes, the saddle isn’t the root of the problem at all.

💡 Saddle Fitters Get the Blame for Deeper Issues

As a qualified and experienced saddle fitter, I’ve seen it happen countless times. A horse shows signs of discomfort under saddle, and the saddle fitter is called out to “fix it.” But the reality is, even the most perfectly fitted saddle can’t solve physical dysfunction in the horse’s body — especially if that discomfort is coming from muscular imbalance, compensation, or pain patterns.

The result?

• Owners frustrated because issues persist after a fitting.

• Horses still uncomfortable, despite tack changes.

• And saddle fitters left unfairly carrying the blame.

This cycle does everyone a disservice — especially the horse.

🐎 The Body–Saddle Connection

The truth is, your horse's body and the saddle interact in complex, constantly changing ways. A tight or asymmetric back can distort how the saddle sits. A poorly moving shoulder can affect girth pressure. Pelvic or lumbar restrictions can shift the saddle’s balance point.

In other words:

Your horse’s body influences how the saddle fits — and the saddle influences how your horse moves.

They’re inseparable.

That’s why I launched Back in Balance: to bridge the gap between saddle fitting and equine therapy. Because when we treat them separately, we miss the full picture.

🔍 What Might Be Going On Beneath the Saddle?

When a horse shows signs of discomfort, saddle fit is one piece of the puzzle. But here are a few other common contributors:

• Muscle tightness or asymmetry (from previous injury, compensation, or lifestyle)

• Myofascial restrictions limiting range of motion

• Lingering discomfort after poorly fitting saddles or trauma

• Imbalanced hoof care affecting posture and movement

• Unaddressed movement patterns that create long-term tension

That’s why a combined approach works best — one that assesses the whole horse, not just the equipment on top.

🧭 So What’s the Solution?

When I assess a horse, I don’t just look at saddle fit in isolation. I look at:

✅ Posture✅ Movement✅ Muscle tone and symmetry✅ Behavioural cues✅ Saddle fit and dynamic movement under saddle✅ How all these factors interact

From there, I create a plan that may include:

• Manual therapy to release tension and restore mobility

• Rehabilitation exercises to build strength and coordination

• Saddle fitting or adjustments to support the horse’s body — not fight it

Because it’s not about chasing symptoms — it’s about finding the root cause.

💬 Final Thoughts

If your horse is showing signs of discomfort, saddle fit is absolutely worth checking — but it may not be the full story. By looking deeper and treating the horse as a whole, we give them the best chance to move comfortably, happily, and in true balance.

I’m here to help you find those answers. Whether you're dealing with subtle resistance or a horse coming back from injury, I offer an integrated service that addresses both body and saddle — because your horse deserves nothing less.

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