Fitting an English Saddle to the Rider (biomechanics)

We discuss the process of selecting and sizing an English saddle for a rider. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, finding the right saddle and fitting it is crucial for your comfort and performance in the saddle.
We'll cover the various factors to consider when choosing a saddle, including the rider's height, leg length, joint angels, and riding discipline.
We demonstrate how to measure a rider for the correct saddle size and provide tips on ensuring a proper fit for both the rider and horse.
So, whether you're in the market for a new English saddle or simply want to improve your understanding of saddle fitting, this video has everything you need to know. Watch now to learn how to select and size an English saddle for a rider! For more, please check out the full course on proper English Riding Positions at Helpful-Horsemanship.com.

[@user-yh9hj2zt2v]

Very good information 👌🏽

[@SusanRobers]

I love Robin's incredible knowledge of both the horse and the rider. She fit me with the perfect saddle which was also a perfect fit for my horse❤🐎

[@darbymatusz]

This is great! The visuals and explaining the anatomy help so much!

[@user-kf5uf9vu1l]

Love this! Detailed and informative!

[@robinmoore9402]

Very good video! This is a very helpful view of saddle fit. Thanks!

[@michaeldaly4017]

In the 3rd photo of the mis-match or match (which is the match photo), the seat and flap fit her good but if you look at where the stirrup leather is coming down you should see able to tell that her entire leg and foot are being brought to at toward just to let her foot be placed in the stirrup. This very common especially with female riders. We have quite different needs in saddle fit than a male rider. Her ankle to heel area of the foot is not quite in the correct area back under the hip joint, not the hip angle in the front (aka underwear/ bathing suit / bikini line area) where jumpers fold in pelvis. Saddles at cause this slight chair seat with the stirrups attached a little to far forward have the actual stirrup bars attached to the saddle tree too far forward and would most likely fit a male hip anatomy. Male riders have their hip joints (ball&socket joint) balanced in the center on each side of their pelvis and females hip joints are more forward and need a stirrup bar placement that is further back on the tree so the stirrup can help allow the female rider’s leg to naturally come down and back underneath our seat all the way from the hip joints down with out having to force it or hold the legs in position. The rider’s toes should never be able to be seen in front of the knees or it’s really still a slight chair seat position.

[@helpful-horsemanship]

Feedback received. The issue of a chair seat is covered extensively in another video that is part of the "soon to be released" series on rider position. Hope you continue to enjoy the free content.