A modern solution to saddle fitting header
A modern solution to saddle fitting header

Seasonal Changes

Most horses will be changing shape at this time of year, either due to seasonal changes in grass and workload or growth. As well as musculature and back shape changes, horses are also changing their coats. 

Some people will have their horses fully clipped, and some will be keeping their full coat and grooming out the old hair. Whatever your regime, it is essential that the coat and skin of the saddle bearing area is kept as clean as possible to avoid lumps, bumps, rubs and sores that can be caused by a build-up of dirt, grease and old hair. This is as important for the girth area as the saddle area. 

SMART tips for maintaining your horse’s comfort during seasonal changes: 

  • Groom thoroughly with brushes that get down to the base of the hair  
  • Sweep off remaining dust and dirt 
  • Remove mud and dirt from the girth area 
  • Hot cloth or wash down (and dry!) if your horse has a short coat 
  • Check your saddle cloth edges are not sitting under the base panels of your saddle  
  • Check the girth is fitting snugly and securely without pulling on hair 
  • Maintain you kit; saddle, saddle cloth, pads and girth by cleaning after use and storing in a dry, well aired area to keep it free from grease and dirt build up 

The hair follicles are weaker at this time of year as they die prior to casting, so although hair breakage may not be as alarming as it would be mid-summer, it’s still important to monitor this to check for asymmetry, skin irritation or muscle soreness. 

As horse owners and riders themselves, SMART Advisors don’t expect to be presented with a pristine horse at this time of year, but it is important that the horse is clean and dry enough to assess and ready to ride. Please remember this when planning time around your saddle fitting appointment.