Selecting the right equipment for your horse can make a significant difference in your riding experience. While no piece of gear will solve training challenges, having properly fitting saddles, pads, and girths is essential for developing connection, harmony, and comfort for both you and your horse.
In this video, I’ll share some of my favorite equipment and explain why it’s important to choose gear that supports your horse’s needs and your riding goals.
The Saddle: Fit is Everything
Your saddle is the most critical piece of equipment, as it connects your seat to your horse’s back. I ride in a Custom Saddlery Aviar, which fits Harvey exceptionally well. It’s essential to choose a saddle that sits straight, doesn’t bounce, and provides even weight distribution. A properly fitting saddle supports straightness—an essential goal for both horse and rider.
Another handy addition is a grab strap, a simple leather strap at the front of the saddle. It’s great for added security, especially on young or excitable horses. I often loop my outside hand under it for extra stability when needed.
Saddle Pads: Function and Fit
A good saddle pad is the foundation for a comfortable ride. One of my favorites is the Halter Ego saddle pad, which I use with my dressage saddle. It’s generously sized to prevent the saddle from pressing on the edges, features ergonomic wither clearance to avoid pulling down on the horse’s withers, and includes billet keepers to prevent slipping.
For additional padding, I’ve recently started using the Total Saddle Fit Squish Pad. This soft, squishy pad helps distribute weight evenly, minimizing pressure on sensitive areas of the horse’s back. It’s been especially useful for Harvey, one of my horses recovering from surgery, as it compensates for muscle loss and ensures a comfortable fit while he rebuilds strength.
Stirrup Leathers and Girths: Stability and Comfort
Recently, I’ve been trying Total Saddle Fit stirrup leathers, which feature a thicker design to help stabilize the rider’s legs. Adjusting stirrup length correctly is key—when your foot is out of the stirrup, the bottom of the leather should align with your ankle bone for optimal positioning.
For girths, I love the Total Saddle Fit girth due to its ergonomic shape and elastic sections that allow the horse to breathe more comfortably. It’s important to ensure the cutback section faces forward, creating space for the elbows and preventing soreness. Total Saddle Fit also offers customizable liners, like neoprene or wool options, depending on your horse’s preferences.
Once your equipment is on, take a moment to ensure everything is properly aligned. Your saddle pad should allow for ample wither clearance, your girth should be snug but not overly tight, and your saddle should sit straight. The right equipment supports both you and your horse, enhancing comfort and connection. A poorly fitting saddle or pad can cause discomfort, affect performance, and make it harder to achieve straightness and balance. As you refine your riding, you’ll notice how even small changes in your gear—like new reins or stirrup leathers—can make a noticeable difference.
I hope this overview gives you insight into selecting and using equipment that works for your horse!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
