I’ve seen numerous cases of customers who came to me because their horses were exhibiting behavioural problems. Often, the saddle fitter is the last port of call for these owners following assessments from veterinarians, farriers, massage therapists, and other industry professionals. These assessments may reveal vague nonspecific findings which do not match with the level of behaviour seen in the horse and owners are forced to examine their saddle as being the potential culprit.
One excellent example was when I was called out to have a look at a professional’s horse. When assessing horses who compete at a high level, I always expect to see horses happy in their work and typically very strong in their backs. But this particular horse was very reactive, especially through his mid- to lower back during his assessment.
As it turned out, the rider had been recommended a saddle with a tree much too straight for her very uphill horse’s back, which sat like a plank on his top line, tipping the rider out the back. The rider explained that the normally good-natured horse had become more and more hesitant since being fitted with this saddle, to the point where he was very reluctant to do the work anymore.