05/03/2026
Client question: How should I approach my saddle fit when my horse unexpectedly has time off and what should I do to bring them back into work?
Great question!
Your horse may have time off for many reasons. Work schedule, horse injury, weather, etc. can all play a part in your horses vacation time.
Now, time off for your partner is NOT a bad thing! They are like elephants, they don’t forget what they’ve learned. Time off can be good for them to give them a mental reset. While their brain and body may need the break, the body does have to be slowly built back up in order to properly carry a saddle and rider again.
If your horse has had an injury, your veterinarian may recommend a very specific rehab program to bring your horse back into work.
Regardless of the reason behind their time off, as a saddle fitter, my recommendation is to have your saddle fit checked before you bring them back into work. Your horse may have lost topline and muscle on their vacation and the saddle is a very important piece of the puzzle. If you try to ride them in the saddle that fit them pre-vacation time, it may not fit now and end up causing other damage.
One reason why I only carry adjustable treed saddles at this point is due to how often horses change- they change through the seasons, workload, and age. These saddles also give you the ability to make sure the horses saddle fits perfectly at all stages in their development and training.
Your fitter can then recommend the next best course of action after seeing them in person. Sometimes, a minor flocking change may be all that is needed. Other times, a proper shimmable half pad can help fill in and provide some support while you bring them back up. Sometimes the tree may need to be adjusted.
Now, what can you do as an owner/rider to help their development properly as they come back into work? Any exercise done should fall into one of several categories: Strengthening, stretching, mobility are just three of them.
#1- GROUND WORK.
This ground work can happen both in the barn and in the ring. For some of them, you don’t even have to leave the crosstie area!
Some of my favorite exercises include belly lifts, pelvic tucks, and thoracic sling sways.
Please take note of your horses ability during these exercises. If your horse struggles to do a certain exercise, bring it down a step and ask for a much easier variation.
In the arena, poles and SLOW in hand work will be your friend. Something as simple as handwalking them over raised ground poles will help them lift their backs and flex their joints.
Ask them to reach their hind legs under their body on a small circle. SLOWLY.
Gentle rein backs- diagonal pairs only folks!
If you have access to trails and hills, hand walk them!!! This can be great to strengthen your relationship with them as well and introduce them to things in a safe manner.
Remember, any exercise done needs to be done WELL. You need to keep in mind straightness and relaxation. Quality over quantity!
#2 PATIENCE
When you get them back under saddle, be patient. Do not expect them to canter on day 2.
A ton of strength can be built up just at the walk.
During your horses ‘rehab’ time, (the first 4 months) you should expect to see your saddle fitter at least twice. Once before bringing them back into work, and then at least once again. If you see your horses back visibly changing, please call your fitter so they can make appropriate adjustments to your saddle. One reason why I love shimmable pads so much is that an owner can easily remove or add shims as needed with my guidance, without needing to pay me to come out every 2 weeks.
If your horse has had an injury and has a vet recommended plan- please please please listen to that plan. Do not rush it just because you have a show coming up.
I love to work hand in hand with your vet and farrier. After all, it takes a team!
Regardless of the reason for your horses time off, don’t sweat it. Take the chance to breathe, bond with your horse, and remember that you have nothing but time and that your horse has zero performance aspirations in life. Work with your horses professional team to set them up for success!
