Virtual Saddle Fitting

Virtual Saddle Fitting Evaluations

We know that many areas lack access to a hands-on saddle fitter. If you need to evaluate the fit of a trial saddle or are looking for guidance during the saddle shopping process, our virtual fitting service can help.

Depending on the level of virtual saddle fitting service you select, we work with specific information about you and your horse, photos of your horse, and saddle and wither tracings that you provide us. We use our decades of saddle fitting experience to evaluate your horse and/or saddle and make recommendations. We offer 4 service tiers with pricing based on the level of support you need.

New or Consignment Saddle Trials: Before taking one of our consignment saddles on trial, use our virtual saddle fitting service to evaluate whether the saddle is a potential match for your horse. For this level of fitting, we’d need only the 3 basic body photos of your horse. If you choose Silver level or above, we are happy to schedule a short call to answer any questions before you take the saddle on trial. Once you have the saddle, we’ll then review the 5 photos of that saddle on your horse.

We strongly recommend taking any of our quality consignment saddles on trial before purchase!

A virtual fitting evaluation is not as accurate or thorough as a hands-on evaluation. Based on the information provided to us along with decades of saddle fitting experience, we will do our best to provide you with recommendations and/or guidance to a fitting solution. Our conclusion will be solely based on visual observations and is not a guaranteed fit. Recommendations will be in the form of adjustments to the saddle, pad/girth/shimming options, or alternate saddles/sizes.  

STEP 1: Choose your service level and check out

Whether you need a quick consultation based on your horse’s conformation, or an in-depth guide during your saddle shopping process, we have a virtual saddle fitting option to fit your needs. Before beginning the virtual saddle fitting process, choose your service level and check out through the shop. You can increase your level of service at any time. If you just need more consultation time than the package allotment allows, we bill you online at $20 per 15 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE: Just like on-site saddle fittings, virtual saddle fitting evaluations are non-refundable.

Bronze

  • Up to 30 minutes
  • Email consultation
  • Review of 3 horse photos

    • $50

    Checkout

Silver

  • Up to 1 hour
  • Phone or email consultation
  • Review of 3 horse photos
  • Review of 5 saddle photos
  • Wither tracing review
  • 3 tracing templates included, tracing kit purchased separately

$75

checkout

Gold

  • Up to 1.5 hours
  • Phone or email consultation
  • 3 horse photos
  • 5 saddle photos
  • Wither tracing review 
  • Full wither tracing kit included
  • Saddle shopping assistance

$135

checkout

Champion

  • Up to 2 hours
  • Phone or email consultation
  • 3 horse photos
  • 5 saddle photos
  • Wither Tracing Review
  • Full wither tracing kit included
  • Saddle shopping
  • 5-7 minute video

$185

checkout

STEP 2: Take the photos we’ll need for your evaluation

All service tiers require 3 photos of your horse without tack to show back shape, angles, and conformation. For Silver level and above, we’ll also need 5 photos of the saddle on your horse. For an evaluation that’s as accurate as possible, follow the instructions below to take high quality photos at the correct angles. 

Photo-Taking Tips:

  1. For best quality photos, a helper really makes a difference. Have your trainer or a barnmate take the photos while you hold your horse. The rider must also be included in the frame.
  2. Make sure that the horse’s head and all four feet are in the frame for every photo.
  3. Make sure that your light source is BEHIND you (or the photographer) when taking photos. Don’t take your photos facing into a light source (for example, with the sun behind your horse). This will darken the photo and make it difficult to see the details of your horse’s conformation.
  4. Take photos in a well-lit area – outside is best! Taking photos in a dark barn aisle or indoor arena will also make it difficult to see the level of detail we need.
  5. Your horse’s head should always be in a relaxed, neutral position facing directly front. The horse should not be grazing, have its head high in the air or bending around to either side.

Horse Photos 1-3

Your horse should be clean and bare bodied, with no tack, pads, or leg wrappings. 

horse side profile

1. Left side profile
2. Right side profile

These photos will show 1) the angles and asymmetry of the area behind the shoulder blades for tree point fit and 2) the angles and asymmetry of your horse’s back.

Stand your horse as squarely as possible on firm, level ground, with your horse’s head facing directly forward in a neutral position. Take the side profile photo standing at your horse’s girth area. Make sure to stand directly perpendicular to the horse, NOT at an angle!

Frame your entire horse in the photo, including the hooves and head. Your horse’s body should fill the entire frame so we can see as much detail as possible. If you need to, walk closer to your horse—don’t zoom in! Have your trainer or barnmate take the photo while you stand next to your horse in the frame.

Repeat the process on the right side.

Virtual saddle fitting for a person riding a white horse.

3. Back angles

Take the third photo standing on a mounting block looking down at your horse’s back from above. The horse’s spine should be perpendicular to you, not at an angle! This photo will show the angles and asymmetry of your horse’s back. Make sure your horse’s head is facing forward in a neutral position and keep your light source behind you.

SAFETY TIP: Let your horse see you getting on the mounting block behind them, and then your helper can straighten their head. If your horse has hind end issues or won’t stand for this photo, don’t try to take it! Your safety is more important.

Saddle Photos 1-5

These photos allow us to evaluate the fit of a specific saddle on your horse. For the first 4 photos, your saddle should be girthed on your horse WITHOUT any pads. For the last photo (with rider) tack your horse normally with girth and saddle pads.

side profile with saddle

1. Left side profile

This photo shows the longitudinal balance and placement of the saddle. 

As with the left side profile of your horse, stand at your horse’s girth. Make sure you’re standing perpendicular to your horse, NOT at an angle.

Make sure your entire saddle is shown in the frame, along with the curve of your horse’s withers and back.

Virtual saddle fitting on the horse.

2. Pommel view

This photo shows the tree point, pommel arch width and pommel clearance over the wither. 

The pommel area should be clear for this photo—NO fingers or hands near the pommel area. 

Stand at an angle in front of your horse’s shoulder on the left side. If you need to, stand on a mounting block while taking the photo so that the pommel clearance is clearly visible in the frame. Make sure to also include the front of your saddle’s panels in the photo.

A man standing next to a horse, engaging in virtual saddle fitting.

3. Gullet width

This photo shows the gullet width and spinal clearance. 

Stand on a mounting block behind your horse, looking down at your horse’s back from above. Make sure your horse’s head is facing forward in a neutral position. Show as much detail of your horse’s back under the saddle gullet as possible.

SAFETY TIP: Let your horse see you getting on the mounting block behind them. If your horse has hind end issues or won’t stand for this photo, don’t try to take it! 

billet configuration

4. Billet Configuration

This photo shows the billet configuration of the saddle.

Stand at your horse’s girth and have your helper lift the saddle flap to show the saddle’s billet arrangement. The billets should be clearly visible in the photo.

rider profile photo for remote saddle fitting service

5. Rider profile

This photo shows the rider balance, leg to flap shape, and seat size.
 
Tack your horse normally with girth, saddle, and saddle pad. Mount your horse, and have your helper take this photo. Hold your reins and body position as if you are riding. DON’T lift your hands, rest them on the pommel, or slouch in the saddle.
 
Your helper should take the photo perpendicular—not at an angle—to your horse’s girth area, and make sure to include both you and your entire horse in the frame.

Video Guidelines

(Champion level only)

  1. Videos should be no more than 5-7 minutes. 
  2. Take your video in a well-lit area. 
  3. Make sure that the rider stays close to person taking the video. Do not ride on the opposite side of the arena from the video taker.
  4. Take your video without other riders in the arena if at all possible.
  5. Don’t ride with a quarter sheet, long coat, or anything that will cover up the rider’s leg or saddle.

During your video, please show walk, trot, and canter on large circles and in straight lines, both on the long sides and diagonal in both directions. If you or your horse is not comfortable or able to canter, leave it out! If your horse has a reaction or issue with a particular movement, please show it in the SAFEST way possible.

STEP 3: Fill out information form and upload your photos

For now, just upload the 3 photos of your horse: left side profile, right side profile, and back angles. If you aren’t able to upload, submit the form without them. We’ll have you send them via email when we receive your information.

    PART I: Tell us about yourself!







    PART II: Where is your horse located?






    Does your barn have an indoor arena?

    PART III: Tell us more about yourself and your horse so we can make the most of your appointment time!

    Please attach these 3 photos of you and your horse to help us come prepared with materials that better fit your horse's individual needs. If you don't have these photos on hand right now, don't worry! Just send them before the day of your appointment. Click here for instructions and examples!
    (File size limit 5mb)




    (Check all that apply)
    Fit evaluation for current saddleTrying saddles for purchaseFollow up from a previous fitting


    DressageJumpingEventingWesternOther

    (Check all that apply)
    NEW saddlesUSED saddlesDBS Consignment saddle(s)Evaluate saddles from another source (trainer, friend, tack shop, etc)


    DressageHunter/JumperEventingWesternTrail/Pleasure (English or Western)Other

    If you selected "Other," write your discipline here:


    How did you hear about us?

    STEP 4: Take your wither tracing

    Using wither tracings, we are able to more accurately evaluate the shapes and angles of your horse’s back. Use the instructions from our article “How to take a wither tracing like a saddle fitter“. You are also welcome to send a tracing that you have from a RECENT (30-60 days or less only) saddle fitting. Photos and tracings should be current as possible – anything beyond 60 days will be outdated as your horse may have changed during that time. 

    Draft horse hoof drawing on a blue table.
    How to Take A Wither Tracing Like a Saddle Fitter

    What are wither tracings used for?If you’ve worked with a saddle fitter before, you’ve likely [...]

    22
    Jan

    What You’ll Need:

    •  Flexible curve, at least 18″ long
    • Marker, pen, or pencil
    • 1/2″ masking tape (colored if possible–the standard beige will not easily show up on grays and other light coats!)
    • Tracing template

    Our wither tracing kit includes everything you need to make your tracings. Or, you can order a flexible curve or tracing template separately.

    Trace the wither profile onto the paper
    Add to Wishlist
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     Quick View

    Wither Tracing Kit

    $45.00

     

    STEP 5: Consultation

    Once you’ve submitted your payment, photos, and form, Kate Wilson, SMS QSF, will review your information. Please expect a few days for a response as Kate does travel to barns several days a week for in-person saddle fittings. Depending on the service level you’ve chosen, she will contact you via email with her recommendations and assessment or to schedule a phone consultation and next steps.