Saddle Fitting
Supporting comfort, movement & performance
A properly fitting saddle plays an important role in your horse’s comfort, freedom of movement, and overall performance. Poor saddle fit can contribute to back soreness, restricted movement, behavioral changes under saddle, and performance concerns.
Progressive Equine offers veterinary saddle fitting appointments with Dr. Brittany Bazeley, DVM, providing an evaluation of saddle fit with your horse’s individual anatomy, movement, comfort, and intended use in mind.
What Does a Saddle Fitting Evaluate?
During a saddle fitting appointment, Dr. Bazeley evaluates the relationship between the horse, saddle, and rider to help identify areas of improper fit, pressure, or restriction.
Depending on the horse and situation, the evaluation may include:
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Assessment of your horse’s back and topline
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Evaluation of saddle position, balance, and clearance
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Identification of potential pressure points or areas of restriction
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Assessment of the saddle both statically and with the horse in motion
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Consideration of the rider’s position and balance
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Recommendations based on the findings of the evaluation
When Should You Consider a Saddle Fit Evaluation?
A saddle fitting evaluation may be beneficial if your horse is experiencing:
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Back or topline soreness
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Sensitivity while being groomed or saddled
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Behavioral changes when being tacked up
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Reluctance to move forward
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Difficulty bending or working evenly in both directions
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Changes in performance
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Bucking, pinning ears, tail swishing, or other resistance under saddle
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Uneven sweat patterns or areas of pressure beneath the saddle
Saddle fit should also be reassessed as your horse’s body changes due to age, conditioning, muscle development, rehabilitation, weight changes, or changes in workload.
About Dr. Brittany Bazeley
Dr. Brittany Bazeley has an extensive background in equine sports medicine and performance horses. She received her BS and DVM degrees from the University of California, Davis and completed an intensive internship at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital before remaining as a Senior Clinician.
Dr. Bazeley has additional experience in advanced lameness evaluation and diagnostic imaging and is a Level 1 FEI Official Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, and member of ISELP.
Her background in equine sports medicine allows her to approach saddle fit as part of the larger picture of the horse’s comfort, movement, and performance.
Schedule a Saddle Fitting
Saddle fitting appointments are available by appointment with Dr. Brittany Bazeley.
To schedule an evaluation or learn more about our saddle fitting service, please call Progressive Equine and our office will be happy to assist you.