Ken McNabb: How to Correctly Fit Your Saddle and Pad on Your Horse

In this video, I’ll walk you through how to properly fit a saddle and pad on your horse. Since around 70% of a horse’s weight is carried on their front legs, it’s important to place the pad up on the withers—not too far back. While pad choice is a personal preference, I recommend a 1 1/4" natural fiber pad for maximum comfort and performance. When tightening the cinch, be sure it sits in the horse’s natural girth area. I also prefer to attach the breast collar first as a safety precaution. Make sure the pad and saddle are well-centered on the horse's back. Personally, I like to leave more pad in front of the saddle and less in the back—this gives the pad room to shift slightly, especially when riding through mountains. Remember, a good pad helps cool the horse’s back, absorb shock, and reduce friction. Invest in quality gear—and enjoy the ride! Until Next Time, May God Bless the Trails You Ride ~ Ken McNabb kenmcnabb.com dmhorses.com