Like people, no horse is perfectly symmetrical and, as riders, saddle fitters and equine professionals, our job isn’t to “force straightness”, it is to understand the patterns in front of us, recognise when asymmetry is part of normal development, and identify when it signals something deeper that requires professional intervention. Whilst most horses can and will function comfortably with some level of asymmetry, masking the cause instead of understanding it rarely serves the horse in the long term.
Horses develop laterality, favour limbs, and adapt to their workload and environment. As long as the horse is comfortable in its job, progressing without showing signs of pain or discomfort, our goal is to support them in their ridden work to maintain as much functional symmetry as possible.
You can help to maintain your horse's comfort by regularly monitoring their performance:
When asymmetries start to increase faster than the horse’s ability to adapt, it may be time to investigate further.
The temptation to “fix” vs the responsibility to understand
The flexible SMART Saddle is an incredible tool:
However, it is key to understand when to apply an intervention and when not to. A saddle often slips toward the weaker side. By forcing the saddle to remain straight, we may introduce new problems:
SMART Advisors are trained to understand that a flexible SMART Saddle does not behave in the same way as a rigid saddle, and it is sometimes kinder to allow a degree of movement. For example, using a wool-lined saddle cloth in this situation can give some additional saddle support, reduce friction and allow the horse’s back to continue to move under the saddle comfortably.
Is the problem the horse, the saddle or the rider?
Research consistently shows that asymmetrical saddle behaviour is most often horse-related, particularly linked to hind limb asymmetry or lameness, rather than rider skill, yet riders are still often harder on themselves than they should be.
That said, the interaction between horse, saddle and rider is complex and deeply interconnected.
It’s not
uncommon for riders to develop back, hip or shoulder discomfort as a result. In these cases,
interventions that help the rider sit straighter can be beneficial to both.
Patterns and correlations
Asymmetry should always be monitored, not ignored. Physiotherapists and bodyworkers can be incredibly valuable when addressing asymmetrical issues in horses or saddles. But if results are consistently short-lived and the same patterns reappear, the root issue may not be being adequately addressed. The horse may be compensating for something underlying:
In these cases, referral to a vet may be necessary. Sometimes the underlying issue can be resolved or managed. But knowing what you’re dealing with allows for informed, compassionate decisions when planning your next steps.
The value of collaboration
One of the most powerful tools in horse care is pattern recognition across professionals. Take the time to consider different findings:
When these insights align, they often point toward a meaningful pattern. That correlation helps your horse’s care team support both you and your horse more effectively, leading to better long-term outcomes.
“I have been a practicing human and equine therapist for over 23 years. I noticed SMART™ Saddles many years ago. My opinions on anything equestrian come from my experiences and I take quite some time before I would recommend something. I initially noticed a marked improvement in the horse’s backs and bodies that were being ridden in SMART™ saddles and this observation became a recurring pattern which, over time, increased my confidence in these saddles.
I also like these saddles for horses that have incurred serious injuries, who have no chance of regaining their previous individual symmetry. I find them very good in horses with conformational difficulties which affect their movement, body development and saddle fit.
If I had the time to have my own horse again, the SMART™ saddle would definitely be my choice. ~S.Hulme (RES-CPT, EMST, ITEC, OCEPT, BHSAI)
SMART Saddles
SMART saddles are particularly valuable during periods of change; they flex and adapt as the horse develops, making them an extremely useful for maintaining comfortable ridden work. They can also be readily fitted to an asymmetrical back, as the saddle flexes around the horse’s shape and can accommodate asymmetrical shimming where required, without creating excess pressure or restricting freedom of movement.
A holistic approach is always the best approach
We approach every horse as an individual; their history, workload, conformation, temperament and environment all influence how they move and carry themselves - and their saddle. When fitting saddles – or making any intervention -
By understanding that the horse’s
body will continue to change, SMART Saddles offer a future-proof saddle solution to support the
process, allowing you to prioritise comfort, function and long-term soundness without your saddle
becoming a limiting factor.
“I have been an Equine Therapist since 2014 and over the years have recommended many of my clients to SMART Saddles as they make my life so much easier when helping a horse return to work after an injury. When rehabilitated correctly, a horse's muscle can change and develop on a weekly basis, and the fact that you can change the fit of a SMART saddle so easily (with a simple change of pads) allows the horse to really strengthen up through the back and shoulder - no other saddle has this capability! This means more comfort for more horses, and really good value for money.
The SMART Elite saddle, is possibly the most comfortable saddle I have ever sat on. Having injured my spine and neck over the years, the flexible system provides a much-needed element of shock absorption for the rider, another reason I won't ride in anything else. ~ S. Davenport.
If you’re struggling with saddle fit due to your horse’s asymmetry, it may be time to try a different approach. Complete an enquiry form or call SMART HQ to arrange a SMART Saddle Test Ride and experience how it feels for both you and your horse in real work.
Our two-week rental period gives you the space to assess it properly, see how your horse responds, and make a considered, informed decision in your own time.
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