Online Saddle Fitting Services
How can you do saddlefit online?
The process we use is the Tomax - when I receive the tracings and measurements of your horses back, I can adjust the Tomax to replicate the shape, and also the topline of your horse. I can place the saddle on the Tomax to evaluate how it would fit your horse and having a completely adjustable gullet plate I can even make sure the tree angle matches the shoulder angle.
While it is always best to be seen in person by a Certified PHS Saddlefitter, it just isn’t possible sometimes. Online saddlefitting does take some effort, but the success rate is high.
Please fill out the Submission Form first, then proceed to the Horse Photos and Measurements.
Why Does Proper Saddle Fitting Matter?
A saddle is only as good as its fit!
Having a qualified saddle fitter is just as important as choosing the right saddle. Many horse owners are unsure what correct saddle fit is, and many saddle fitters aren't aware of what aspects can restrict the horse, harm it, or unbalance the rider, leading to tension and forced positions.
Some saddle fitters are more like "saddle salespeople," knowing just enough to convince you to buy their product without being able to ensure a correct fit. As in any profession, some excel while others do not. Since there is no general certification requirement or education system in the US, most saddle fitters receive their training from the saddle companies they represent. Unfortunately, many of these companies either don't know or don't care about proper saddle fit, as evidenced by how the saddles are made.
The most common problem is the tree gullet being too narrow at the top and too wide at an angle, which hardly fits any horse properly. This widespread issue frustrated me so much that I made a video to explain the theory of proper saddle fit.
Saddle Evaluation
When I work with your horse, I use an evaluation protocol which uses scientific methods and measurements to fit a saddle to a horse not only standing in the crossties (static) but also with the horse and rider in motion (dynamic). The analysis is based on veterinary findings about equine biomechanics and how a saddle affects a horse’s movement and soundness.
Measurement of your horse using 3 separate tools.
An evaluation of your horse’s basic anatomy.
Identification and analysis of saddle support area.
An evaluation of the current saddle (if you have one).
Measurement of rider.
An evaluation on how your current saddle fits you.
An evaluation of the static fit of your current saddle to your horse.
An evaluation of current saddle fit to your horse in motion.
Evaluation report and discussion of findings from the entire evaluation process, including dust pattern analysis.
If it is determined that your saddle needs adjusting, re-flocked, or repaired, we will discuss what corrections are needed.
"My eyes were opened to the importance of proper saddle fit and how an ill-fitting saddle can cause so many problems for the horse and rider. I am now a certified Peter Horobin saddle fitter. I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from such incredible equestrians and excited that I will be helping so many horses and riders in the future through correct training and saddle fitting."
Damian Pichardo, Lost Art Saddlery