Is it neccessary to get saddles regularly checked?
A horse’s shape constantly changes with the passage of time, but the tree of a saddle will not, as it is solid. Although the change in a horse’s shape is a natural occurence, it is heightened when the horse is in work, building up certain muscles, and filling our or falling away in certain areas. As well as their work load, the horse’s shape is dependant on its diet, thus as a horse’s diet will change over the year, so too will its shape. Thus in most cases, saddles should be regularly checked by a saddler, who will be able to alter the flocking of the saddle, to ensure that the correct fitting and balance remains throughout. Regular checking will also make sure that there are no uncomfortable lumps within the flocking, which can be rectified by the saddle being restuffed.
