Why photos matter
Photographs work alongside your back template to build a clear picture of your horse. They help us see the overall shape, the wither and shoulder, the position of the last rib, and how your current saddle sits. Good photos make remote saddle fitting more accurate and reduce the risk of misjudging the fit.
You do not need professional equipment. A modern phone camera is perfectly adequate when the shots are clear and well lit.
The most important photo
The single most important photograph is your horse in profile, unsaddled, standing as straight and square as possible on as level a surface as you can find. Include the whole horse in the frame, from nose to tail and the full height of the legs. This profile shot tells us a great deal about overall conformation and balance.
The full set of photos to send
In addition to the key profile shot, please try to provide:
- A view looking down and along the horse’s back, taken from above (for example standing on a mounting block), showing the symmetry and width of the back.
- The wither and shoulder area from the side, close enough to see the shape clearly.
- A photograph from directly behind the horse, showing the shape across the back and any unevenness.
- A photograph from directly in front, for the same reason.
- Photos of your current saddle on the horse, from both sides, so we can see how it sits.
- A photo of you mounted, sitting still, so we can see balance with a rider.
- A close-up of the underside of your current saddle (the panels), if you have one.
Lighting and framing tips
- Take photos in good, even daylight where possible, avoiding strong shadows.
- Stand far enough back to keep the whole horse in frame without distortion.
- Hold the camera level, at roughly the height of the horse’s back for side shots.
- Make sure the horse is standing square, with weight even on all four legs.
- Keep the background as plain and uncluttered as you can.
- Take several of each and send the clearest.
With and without the saddle
Send shots both with and without the saddle. The unsaddled shots show us the horse’s true shape, while the saddled shots show how your current saddle sits and where any problems may be occurring, which is especially helpful if you are dealing with slipping, bridging or a saddle tipping forward.
Submitting your photos
Photos are best sent together with your template and a short video. Use our remote fitting checklist to make sure nothing is missing, and see how it works for the full process.
When you are ready, start your remote fitting enquiry and we will reply with exactly how and where to send your photos.