‘The Importance Of Correct Saddle Fit’ 

Talk At Post University

WATERBURY — “One size fits all” is certainly not the case when it comes to putting a saddle on a horse. It has been estimated that more than 90 percent of horses work in some degree of pain or discomfort every time they are ridden, often from a poorly fitting saddle. 

Post University offers expert advice through a Quiz the Experts talk on Friday, April 1, at 7 pm, in the Traurig Library Board Room on the main campus, when Karen Withstandley from The Refined Equine LLC will give expert advice on correct saddle fit for each horse. 

Not only is it important to know how to select the right saddle to fit the rider, it has to be a good fit for the horse as well. Like people, horses come in different shapes and sizes and can also change shape according to age, condition, how muscled they are, and the type of work or exercise they get. So it is vital to ensure the saddle does not interfere with the horse’s ability to work or perform, either by being the wrong size altogether or not fitting the particular contours of that horse. Even new saddles need adjustments, particularly after a year in use, to keep the horse comfortable, and every saddle should be checked regularly to see if it needs adjustment either from wear or changes in the horse’s physical shape.

The day following the talk, April 2, Withstandley will offer hands-on fitting advice at Sugar Mountain Farm  on Route 63, on the Watertown/Morris, providing individual saddle fitting advice between 10 am and 3 pm. Anyone wishing to bring their horse for a 30-minute session can contact Withstandley directly at Karen@therefinedequine.com or 203-558-8679 for an appointment.

The lecture on April 1 is on the Waterbury campus of Post University (I-84 Exit 17 to Country Club Road; park in North Lot and follow signs); $10 donations at the door benefit equine scholarships at Post University.

For further information, call 203-596-4631 or e-mail CBaker@post.edu.