Twist
The design of a saddle's twist, the narrowest portion of the seat just behind the fork or pommel where your legs hang down, is critical to your comfort.
- You be the judge. Twist width preference is highly individual, so while you're trying out the saddle on the saddle stand, imagine how it'd feel on the trail. Twist width and contour needs to be wide enough that that your pelvic bone isn't rubbed raw on a long ride, but shouldn't leave you feeling as though you're doing the splits. (Note: Some custom saddles are designed with a piece of felt just under the seat's leather, shaped to give you the feeling of a narrower twist on a wide-treed saddle, for long-distance comfort.
Stirrups
Finally, check the saddle's stirrups and fenders.
- Check stirrup design. Look for wide, flat stirrup bottoms, which offer balance and support, and alleviate nerve pressure in your feet. If the saddle you'd like to buy doesn't offer suitable stirrups, replace them after purchase.
- Check stirrup-leather length. If the saddle features English-style stirrup leathers, make sure they're long enough for you. If they're too long, you'll be able to punch new holes to shorten them, but if they're too short, you'll need to buy new ones. (Tip: Replace used stirrup leathers that have had multiple holes punched in them; these leathers will be weak, and may break under stress.)
- Check fender length. Adjust the stirrups to riding length to make sure the saddle's fenders are the right length for you. If so, you'll be able to adjust them up and down without obstruction.
As an English Saddlers School graduate, Marilyn Horstmyer of Desoto Custom Saddlery specializes in solving problems for the hard-to-fit horse and rider. She's been building custom saddles for 36 years, but once she took up competitive trail and endurance riding 19 years ago, she developed her own tree and saddle for going the distance. Today, she and her husband operate out of Boon, Mich., and build each saddle to fit both horse and rider while incorporating the rider's individual style requirements. Marilyn continues to compete in 50-mile, 100-mile, and multi-day endurance rides.
