How to use this checklist
This is a single place to gather everything that helps us advise on the right IDEAL saddle through remote saddle fitting. You do not have to have every item before you make contact; the best first step is simply to start your enquiry, and we will then guide you through gathering what is needed. See how it works for the full process.
1. Horse details
- Name, age, breed or type, height and approximate weight or build.
- Discipline and level of work.
- How the horse’s shape has changed recently, if at all (for example a young horse developing or an older horse losing topline).
- Any known fit problems, such as slipping, bridging, tipping forward, pressure marks, girthiness or restricted shoulder movement.
- Any relevant veterinary or physiotherapy history, where you are happy to share it.
2. Rider details
- Rider height and, if you are comfortable sharing it, weight or build.
- Preferred discipline and any position issues.
- Seat size of your current saddle, if known.
3. Current saddle
- Make, model and approximate age, if known.
- Width or fitting, if marked.
- Photos of the underside (panels).
- A note on what does and does not work about it.
4. Back template
- Front arch outline taken at the correct point behind the shoulder.
- Spine (back profile) outline.
- Each clearly labelled with your name and horse’s name.
See the full guide: how to take a saddle fitting template.
5. Photographs
- Whole horse in profile, unsaddled, standing square on level ground.
- View down and along the back from above.
- Wither and shoulder close-up.
- Directly from behind and directly from in front.
- Current saddle on the horse, both sides.
- Rider mounted and sitting still.
See the full guide: photos for remote saddle fitting.
6. Video
- Walk and trot in hand, away and towards the camera.
- Profile in walk and trot.
- Ridden in walk and trot from the side, and briefly from behind.
See the full guide: videos for remote saddle fitting.
7. Your questions and goals
- What you are hoping to achieve.
- Whether a local fitter is available to you.
- Any deadlines, such as a competition season.
A note on suitability
Remote fitting works best when the evidence above is gathered carefully, and some cases may still need local hands-on support, which we will always say honestly. Saddle fit advice is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
When you have made a start, begin your remote fitting enquiry and we will tell you exactly how to send everything.