Saddle fit is extremely important. This will effect your horses performance and your position.
First, when trying the saddle on, make sure your horse is on level ground and standing squarely. Make sure you place the saddle back far enough so that it does not restrict shoulder movement. The lowest part of the saddle should be between the pommel (front of saddle) and the cantle (back of saddle). If the deepest part is too far back, then the rider will lean back too much. The riders legs will also come too far forward. On the other hand, if the center is too far forward, the rider leans forward.
Second, the space between the pommel and the withers needs to be checked. There should be three fingers width room. Now stand behind the horse and check the gullet clearance. The gullet is the open space between the panels and rear of the saddle. The gullet should clear the length of the spine. If you still are not sure ask a professional for help.
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Bridle Fitting
A double bridle consists of a snaffle bit and a curb. There are two sets of reins. The snaffle or bridoon rein is usually thicker so the rider can tell the difference. The bridoon should lie above the curb in the horses mouth. The curb chain attaches to the curb bit. The curb chain should be tweisted so that it lies flat against the horse. The bridoon acts like a snaffle, the curb acts with lever action. The length of the curb shank determines the amount of pressure on the poll.
The snaffle and the double bridle should be fit the same way. Check the browband and make sure it is not too tight. There should be a finger clearance on each side of the bit. In a double bridle the bridoon should be quarter inch wider to allow room for the curb. Make sure the bits chosen are not to thick for the horses mouth and tongue. The snaffle bit should create two wrinkles in the corner of the mouth on each side.
The noseband of the bridle should set under the cheekbone. It should not be too low as to interfere with the snaffle. The noseband should be tighter in dressage than in hunters.
On the snaffle bridle the flash should be tight enough that the horse can not open his mouth.
If there are any questions with the fit of a bridle again, ask a professional for help.
