Checking the SMART™ saddle fit:
The “walking knuckle test”

Due to the flexible nature of the SMART saddle system, the process for checking and maintaining fit are different to fitting traditional saddles. The SMART saddle can be fitted closer to your horse’s back than you may be familiar with; you should aim to achieve a close, even contact around the back and thorax with no focal pressures with comfortable clearance around the withers and along the spine.

 

The Walking Knuckle Test:

The “walking knuckle test” is a simple SMART saddle fitting check that you should aim to carry out each time you ride. This dynamic test should be done with the rider mounted, the girth tightened, and the horse walking forwards; as the horse steps forward and flexes the back, the fit and balance of the saddle will change.
Test the dynamic fit as follows:

1. Once the rider is mounted, at halt, with the rider sitting in a normal position, you should be able to push at least one finger knuckle (without a glove on!) under the front of the pommel all the way to the back of the wither.
2. As the horse walks forwards and engages the back muscles, the base panels of the saddle will be lifted and the whole saddle will ride a little higher.
3. At this point you should feel a lightening of any the pressure on your finger, without being tightly squeezed. If you cannot feel this lightening of pressure and your knuckle is uncomfortable, then the fit is too tight.

Although the saddle may feel tight at halt, you should have 2 fingers clearance all the way around the wither with the horse walking forwards. As the horse engages the back muscles further and moves up the paces, the saddle will continue to flex and allow the horse to move freely in all 6 degrees.

 

The saddle may sit with more clearance than this, however the more you lift the saddle, the more you risk creating an unstable platform; if you have the saddle fitted too high or loose on the back, there may be a loss of stability as the saddle will not be engaging correctly with the back. If you have more than 2 x fingers’ clearance all around the wither and are experiencing saddle movement, consider reducing the pads to improve saddle engagement.

 

Support the horse:

If there is insufficient clearance once the rider is mounted, use SMART Balance Pads for additional, tailored support:

1. First fit to the horse:
   • Dorsal pads provide lift all along the surface area of the saddle panels
   • Front shims lift the front of the saddle around the wither
2. Then balance for the rider.
   • If you change the fit to the horse, it’s possible that the balance for the rider will be affected. Front or rear shims can help to realign the rider.

Contact SMART Saddles HQ or your SMART Advisor for help and advice regarding the fit and balance of your SMART saddle.

Routine checks:

Remember to repeat this check after a short period of work particularly if working with a new saddle. This is an ongoing check that should be carried out to monitor changes and make adjustments as necessary.