Introduction to SMART TM Saddles Fitting Advice

Initial fitting advice from a trained SMART^TM Advisor should enable any rider to use the SMART™ saddle system comfortably with confidence.

The principles of fitting SMART™ saddles, although they may differ from conventional saddle fitting, are very straight forward and enable,even a novice user, to understand and utilise quickly and easily without constantly resorting to professional assistance. However, in the same way that you would schedule routine checks from a saddler for a traditional saddle, we strongly recommend that you have regular fitting reviews with a SMART™ Advisor to ensure optimal saddle fit and performance.

We recommend that when a horse is first introduced to a SMART™ saddle, you take things slowly, particularly with a horse that has had a fundamental or dramatic change in their way of going. The horse may be using different muscles in a different way and will require conditioning with short repetitions, building up, to avoid fatigue or strain.

An important note on saddle accessories

It is essential that any saddle accessories used fit the horse properly - without hindering the function of the SMART™ saddle. This can be the difference between a saddle working for a horse and rider combination or not. If issues arise it is often assumed the saddle is the problem when in fact ill-fitting accessories are to blame. All SMART™ Recommended Accessories have been tried and tested; SMART Saddles supply and recommend what we find to work best with the SMART^TM saddles. There are further notes on fitting accessories later in this guide.