Episode 31: Saddle Fitting, Classical Riding & Horse Welfare – Why Your Saddle Might Be Saying More Than You Think

Episode 31: Saddle Fitting, Classical Riding & Horse Welfare – Why Your Saddle Might Be Saying More Than You Think



 

Episode 31: Saddle Fitting, Classical Riding & Putting Horse Welfare First with Claire Whitfield

Saddle fitting, classical riding and horse welfare all come crashing together in Episode 31 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, where host Aaron Englander sits down with saddle fitter and classical riding instructor Claire Whitfield for a deep dive into what really keeps horses happy and comfortable under saddle. If you’ve ever wondered whether your tack is helping or quietly hindering your horse, this is one of those conversations you’ll want to watch now or listen now and then re-watch with a notebook.

Just Horse Riders specialises in the everyday kit riders rely on – from jodhpurs and riding tights to horse riding boots, riding gloves, socks, everyday supplements and rugs, and this episode fits perfectly with the brand’s belief that good riding starts with the basics done well. Think of this as a friendly, slightly geeky tack-room chat that just happens to be recorded.

If you’d like the full experience, you can watch now on YouTube: Episode 31 – Just Horse Riders Podcast with Claire Whitfield, or listen on Spotify via the Just Horse Riders show: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi.

Meet Our Guest: Who Is Claire Whitfield?

Claire Whitfield wears two hats – and both sit very neatly on a classical foundation. She’s a saddle fitter and a classical riding instructor, working hands-on with horses and riders while also educating people about what “good” actually looks like in the saddle. In the podcast, Claire introduces herself simply as a riding instructor and classically trained rider who also works as a saddle fitter, but those few words hide decades of experience and study.

Classical training is at the heart of everything she does. Claire talks about how she studied with classical masters and names like Sylvia Loch come up quickly. At one point she recalls, “I’ve been very lucky to have, a few lessons with Nina Varco as well as Sylvia Lockley,” a slightly understated way of saying she’s spent time with some of the most respected classical minds around. That influence runs right through her approach to both coaching and saddle fitting.

A Classical Rider Who Fell in Love with Saddle Fitting

Claire didn’t separate riding and saddle fitting into two different worlds; instead, she let them merge. Her work as a rider and coach naturally led her to ask questions about what horses were feeling under the saddle, how rider balance was affected by equipment, and why some combinations just never quite felt “right”. Saddle fitting became a way to answer those questions, not just another service to offer.

In the episode, you can hear how methodical she is about building that knowledge. She talks about developing things over time, layering lessons, research and hands-on experience together. It’s not about one magical clinic or single “lightbulb” moment, but a steady accumulation of insight from horses, teachers and real-world saddle fitting cases.

Why Saddle Fit Matters More Than Most Riders Think

Early in the conversation, Aaron pulls out some rapid-fire questions about saddle fit – the kind of FAQs riders secretly Google at 11pm after a ride that just didn’t feel right. Instead of treating them like throwaway questions, Claire uses them to gently expose how much is going on beneath the saddle that most of us never see.

One quick-fire question jumps straight to the heart of it: “How can I tell if my saddle fits my horse?” Claire doesn’t reduce it to a single trick; instead, she explains that you’re looking for balance, stability and comfort, both at rest and in motion. The saddle should look level, not tipping forwards or backwards, and the horse should move freely without resistance or tightness through the back.

Behaviour Is Often a Pain Conversation

When Aaron asks about red-flag behaviour, Claire gives one of those simple, memorable answers that can change how you read your horse. She says one warning sign of saddle discomfort is “horses not wanting to go forward”. In other words, the horse that feels “lazy” or “stubborn” might actually be saying, “this hurts”.

That idea comes up repeatedly in different ways throughout the episode: what we label as “naughty” or “difficult” can often be a physical problem, and saddle fit is high on the list of suspects. Tail swishing, ear pinning during tacking up, reluctance to be mounted, hollowing the back, bucking or rushing – these may not be attitude issues so much as comfort issues.

How Often Should You Check Your Saddle?

One of the clearest, most quotable lines in the episode comes when Aaron asks how often a saddle should be checked or adjusted. Claire answers: “Ideally the saddle should be checked at least every six months, depending on workload, seasonal changes.” It’s refreshingly straightforward – and probably more frequent than many riders realise.

Why six months? Horses change shape constantly: gaining fitness, losing muscle, changing weight with the seasons, or simply ageing. A saddle that was perfect in spring can be pinching by autumn if the horse has slimmed down, or rocking if the horse has developed more topline. Checking twice a year (or more often for young, rehabbing or very hard-working horses) is about staying ahead of those changes instead of reacting when a problem becomes obvious.

Can One Saddle Fit Multiple Horses?

Another favourite rider question is whether one saddle can “do” several horses. In the quick-fire section, Aaron asks exactly that, and you can almost hear Claire’s careful diplomatic face through the audio. She points out that it all depends on the shapes in question, the adjustability of the saddle, and how much compromise you’re willing to accept.

Beneath the humour, the message is clear: each horse is an individual, and while some saddles can be adjusted to suit more than one horse, “one size fits all” is more marketing slogan than reality. If you’re sharing a saddle, regular checks become even more important – especially if you’ve got one wide, flat cob and one narrower, more angular type trying to live under the same panels.

Thicker Saddle Pads, Quick Fixes and Other Myths

The episode opens with a question many of us have quietly wondered: “Is a thicker saddle pad ever a good fix for a poor fit?” It’s the horse-world equivalent of “Can I just put another cushion under this wobbly chair and hope for the best?”

Claire’s answer is, unsurprisingly, not a glowing recommendation. While the transcript doesn’t give a single line like “absolutely not”, the discussion makes it clear that piling pads under a badly fitting saddle is almost never the elegant solution we want it to be. A thicker pad can sometimes help in very specific, carefully assessed cases – but it can just as easily create new pressure points, bridge the saddle, or make it unstable.

The takeaway is simple: use pads as tools, not band-aids. If you suspect the saddle itself is wrong in tree width, shape or balance, call a fitter rather than reaching for a fluffier half pad and hoping for the best.

Rider Balance, Weight Aids and the Classical Seat

One of the most fascinating threads in the episode is how Claire’s classical training influences her saddle fitting. This isn’t just about the horse’s back; it’s about the rider’s seat, pelvis and balance too. A saddle that “fits” on paper but tips the rider into a chair seat or perches them on the fork is still a problem.

Talking about her mentor, Claire says, “So her, her ethos is mainly down to the riders balance.” That line sums up a huge part of the episode. If the rider is crooked, braced or tipped, the horse’s job becomes instantly harder – and that’s before we even talk about contact or lateral work. A good saddle should support the rider in sitting centrally and softly, not fighting the design just to feel straight.

Invisible Aids and Subtle Communication

Classical riding is famous for making the hard things look easy. Claire explains how tiny shifts of weight and balance can become powerful, gentle aids when the rider is truly centred. Those “weight aids” that so many riders hear about vaguely aren’t some mystical trick; they’re the logical next step when horse and rider are both comfortable and in balance.

This is where saddle fit and classical training really merge. If the saddle puts the rider behind the movement or collapses one hip, those weight aids become muddy or even contradictory. The horse gets mixed messages and may start to resist, rush or fall in. Fixing the saddle doesn’t replace schooling – but it does give the schooling a fair chance to work.

From Clinics to “Amigo”: A Quick Look at Claire’s Journey

One of the sweetest moments in the transcript is when Claire talks about travelling with friends to ride with Sylvia Loch, and how a horse named Amigo ended up changing her life. She recalls that “Amigo eventually came home with me,” a simple sentence that every horse person understands on a very deep level.

Stories like this are sprinkled throughout the episode, giving context to the technical talk. You’re not just listening to a list of saddle fitting rules; you’re hearing from someone who has lived through the ups and downs of real horses, real training problems and real “what on earth is happening with this saddle?” moments. It makes the advice feel grounded and reassuring rather than preachy.

Simple At-Home Saddle Fit Checks You Can Try Today

While nothing replaces a qualified fitter, Claire’s conversation with Aaron offers a few practical ideas riders can put into practice straight away. Think of them as early-warning indicators rather than a full diagnostic tool.

Before You Mount Up

Start with the saddle on the horse’s back without a pad, placed slightly forward and then slid back into position so it nestles behind the shoulder. Look at it from the side – does it appear broadly level, or does the pommel or cantle noticeably sit much higher or lower?

Then run your hand under the panels (carefully and gently) to check for even contact along the back. Any obvious “holes” where the panel lifts off, or sharp edges where all the pressure is concentrated, are reasons to ask a fitter for help rather than shrugging and tightening the girth.

After You Ride

When you take the saddle off, don’t rush straight to the hose. Have a look at sweat patterns and ruffled hair. While these aren’t perfect diagnostic tools, they can give clues – dry patches surrounded by sweat, for example, might indicate uneven pressure.

And, perhaps most importantly, watch your horse’s behaviour before, during and after the ride. Does girthing up always trigger pinned ears or tail swishing? Does mounting involve dancing around or stepping away from the block? These small moments can be your horse’s way of asking you to check something isn’t right.

Working with Professionals (And Why It’s Worth It)

Throughout the discussion, Claire keeps circling back to teamwork. Saddle fit isn’t something that exists in a bubble. In tricky cases, she talks about working alongside vets, physios and other professionals to get the full picture of what a horse is feeling and why.

That same mindset applies to everyday riders. Having a trusted fitter, coach and bodyworker on your “horse team” isn’t about being fancy; it’s about sharing responsibility for your horse’s comfort and soundness. A fitter can see things you can’t from the saddle, and a coach can spot patterns in your position long before they solidify into habits.

Supporting the Whole Picture: Tack, Rugs and Everyday Care

Good saddle fit is one piece of a much bigger welfare puzzle. The rest of the horse’s life – turnout, rugging, nutrition, hoof care, training, even how we reward and relax them – all feed into how they move and feel under saddle.

That’s where thoughtful kit choices come in. If you’re reassessing your saddle, it can be a great time to also check your wider setup: are your turnout rugs and stable rugs helping maintain a healthy weight and topline? Are you using everyday supplements that support muscle, joints and general condition? Even small choices – like better-fitting jodhpurs, secure riding boots, grippy gloves and comfortable riding socks – can help the rider stay balanced and relaxed.

And of course, a happy horse is allowed to be a little bit spoiled. Thoughtful treats and gifts, plus good fly protection, can make their day-to-day environment calmer and more pleasant – which only helps when you ask them to work under saddle.

Why Conversations Like This Matter

What makes Episode 31 stand out is how human it feels. Yes, there’s talk of trees, flocking, balance and biomechanics, but it’s all wrapped up in real stories, genuine curiosity and the occasional laugh at the shared realities of horse life. Aaron isn’t afraid to ask the “obvious” questions, and Claire isn’t interested in making anyone feel silly for not knowing the answers yet.

Underneath the humour is a serious message: our horses don’t get to choose their saddles, riders or routines. It’s on us to keep learning, keep checking, and keep listening when they tell us something isn’t right. Whether that means booking a fitter, tweaking your training, or retiring a beloved but no-longer-suitable saddle, the goal is always the same – a horse who can move freely, comfortably and happily.

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode

If this article has sparked a few “hmm…” moments, that’s your cue to go straight to the source and hear the full conversation between Aaron and Claire. There’s a lot more nuance, laughter and practical detail than can fit on one page.

You can watch Episode 31 now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/7OD7nmOQjXk

Or listen on Spotify and follow the Just Horse Riders Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi

Stay Connected with Just Horse Riders

For more episodes, product reviews and everyday horse chat, you can connect with Just Horse Riders across social media and the main website:

Whether you’re a happy hacker, aspiring dressage rider or busy pony-parent, Episode 31 is packed with insight you can apply straightaway. Pop the kettle on, hit play, and let Claire and Aaron keep you company while you rethink what “good saddle fit” really means for you and your horse.

 

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