What it looks like
Bridging happens when the saddle makes firm contact at the front and rear of the panel but lifts away in the middle, so weight is carried on two narrow areas rather than spread evenly. You can sometimes feel a gap under the middle of the panel, or see dry patches at the front and back of the saddle area after work while the middle stays sweaty, or the reverse.
The horse may show discomfort over the loins or behind the shoulder, or be reluctant to work through its back.
Common fit-related causes
Bridging is often associated with a mismatch between the curve of the panel and the curve of the horse’s back. Common fit-related causes include:
- A flatter saddle on a horse with more curve through the back.
- A horse that has dipped or lost topline, often older horses, so the back now curves more than the panel.
- Panels that have hardened or lost flocking unevenly.
- A saddle that is the wrong length or balance for the horse.
Because bridging concentrates pressure, it is worth addressing rather than masking with extra padding.
When to involve a vet or physiotherapist
A back that has dipped or lost muscle can have several causes, some of which require assessment. If your horse has lost topline, is sore over the back or loins, or has changed in how it moves, please involve a vet and, where appropriate, a qualified physiotherapist. Saddle fit advice is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
How assessment and the right saddle may help
A current back template shows the true curve of the back, and photographs help confirm the picture. Through remote saddle fitting, we can advise whether re-flocking, a different panel shape or a more suitable saddle is needed. For backs that have changed considerably, IDEAL’s Designed to Order service allows the panel to be specified to follow the horse’s contour. See how it works.
Related reading: older horses losing topline, high-withered horses and a sore back.
If you suspect your saddle is bridging, start your saddle enquiry and we will help you assess it.