Getting saddle fit wrong can cost you more than just time—it can cost you your horse’s comfort, performance, and long-term soundness.
Let’s break down the most common saddle fit mistakes barrel racers make and how to fix them.
1. ❌ Using the Wrong Saddle Size
One size does not fit all.
The shape of your horse’s back, withers, and shoulders matter.
✔️ A saddle that’s too narrow can pinch and restrict movement.
✔️ A saddle that’s too wide can shift, rock, or sit down too low on the withers.
How to avoid it:
Check for wither clearance and even pressure along the panels. If you’re unsure, book a saddle fit assessment with Wendy Winn.
2. ❌ Ignoring Shoulder Movement
When your saddle restricts your horse’s shoulders, you’ll see:
· Shortened strides
· Uneven turns
· Resistance around the barrels
How to avoid it:
Make sure your saddle clears the shoulders when your horse is moving, not just when they’re standing still.
3. ❌ Over-Padding to Fix a Poor Fit
Stacking saddle pads doesn’t fix a bad saddle—it just masks the problem.
✔️ Thick pads can make a tight saddle even tighter.
✔️ Pads can’t correct the wrong tree width.
How to avoid it:
Use a properly fitted saddle and match it with the right pad thickness—not as a quick fix.
4. ❌ Bridging Saddles
A saddle that touches the front and back but lifts in the middle is called “bridging.”
✔️ It creates pressure points and can cause back pain.
How to avoid it:
Check for even contact along the full length of the saddle when girthed up.
5. ❌ Missing the Signs of Discomfort
If your horse is:
· Pinning their ears
· Swishing their tail
· Reluctant to turn one way
· Stiff after work
These can all be signs of saddle fit problems.
How to avoid it:
Pay attention to your horse’s behaviour and get regular saddle checks, especially as your horse changes shape with training.
Saddle Fit Done Right
Getting your saddle right means:
✔️ Happier, more willing horses
✔️ Cleaner, faster turns
✔️ Better long-term soundness
Book a Saddle Fit Clinic
At -3H Equine, we proudly recommend Wendy Winn Saddle Fit Clinics https://bar3hequine.com.au/collections/wendy-winn-intimate-clinics to get real, practical saddle fitting help.
👉 Find out more at Wendy’s website: www.winnhorses.org
Final Word
Saddle fit isn’t something to guess at.
It’s one of the biggest factors in your horse’s comfort and performance.
👉 Reach out if you’d like to book a clinic or get help checking your current saddle.
