Persistance, patience, and curiosity are the attributes I strive to develop in my horsemanship and in my life. And the happiness and well-being of horses in my motivation, paramount to all else.
― Beverly Harrison, SMS: The Illustrated Guide to Saddle Fitting
Here comes a new book club book! This one is for you riders out there that like to be more informed about your decisions. I present you with The Illustrated Guide to Saddle Fitting: An Easy Visual Reference to Ensuring Health, Comfort, and Performance for You and Your Horse written AND illustrated by Beverly Harrison, a qualified SMS Saddle Fitter.
You can get your copy directly here at Trafalgar Square books!
This book was published in 2024 and contains 142 pages of information about saddle fitting…including original artwork by the author herself. The book is broken down into 11 Chapters including the Introduction. It discusses Parts and Styles of the English Saddle, Basic Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse as it Relates to the Saddle, Anatomy and physiology of the Rider as it Relates to the Saddle, Saddle Safety, Saddle Fit for Checklist for the Horse, Saddle Fit Checklist for the Rider, Indicators of Saddle Fit, Girths, Saddle Pads, and finally ends on Repairs, Maintenance, and Resources.
The author, Beverly, was among the first to participate in the Society Of Master Saddle fitters courses offered to overseas members in 1999. She found herself getting into saddle fitting after finding a massive lack of information available in the United States. She also struggled with conformational considerations of her own and struggled to find comfort in her own saddles. Since then, she has worked to educate and inform the community to create happier horses and riders alike. Now she is sharing her knowledge while also sharing her “painterly” illustrations in this thorough guide.
“Saddles are not lounge chairs; they are not made for a passive position.”
― Beverly Harrison, SMS: The Illustrated Guide to Saddle Fitting
I love that Beverly is so thorough in this book. It breaks down the parts of the saddle, human anatomy, and horse anatomy in a way that even a new rider can understand. I was especially intrigued by Figures 3.7-3.10 where she covers the horse anatomy and inner workings of the spinal cord. It does a great job depicting what’s going on there and just how important it is to ensure proper saddle fit so that we don’t interfere with the horse’s health and comfort.
“The nerves that extend throughout a horse’s body, and in particular, to the limbs, tell the horse where he is in space. This is called proprioception. Then nerves are constricted, pinched, or blocked, whether from poor spinal position or from direct pressure caused by an ill-fitting saddle, the horse’s proprioception may be compromised, and correct movement may be painful or even impossible.”
― Beverly Harrison, SMS: The Illustrated Guide to Saddle Fitting
The section showing us how to properly evaluate a saddle is useful as well. Many of us do online shopping…or even tack sale shopping for saddles. An average horseperson might not understand all the tests to perform to check the saddle’s safety. For one thing I really only knew about checking the tree rails and the symmetry.
Beverly also does a great job describing the process of getting tracings. Tracings are something many saddle-fitters do and can be easily blundered if not done at all of the right points. I messed up my first tracings several times because I didn’t follow directions accurately. I have always loved the idea of getting tracings and following a horse’s progress over time.
“Buy the best you can afford. The “best” may not be the most expensive.”
― Beverly Harrison, SMS: The Illustrated Guide to Saddle Fitting
In the final chapters of the book, Beverly glances through other elements that can affect proper saddle fit. Girths. She discussed several different styles, the pros and cons to each. It wasn’t in depth, but it was adequate. I’m sure a whole different book could be used just for girthing. For example I was disappointed to realize that my anatomical girth fit Stanley poorly and created uneven pressure. I’d have loved to know more about this because I have heard this to be true among others. Or to get the “correct” tightness because I am notorious for TOO tight or TOO loose. To make a point my trainer once out her whole arm through my girth up to her elbow. As a narrow build…the sides are most definitely looser than the sternum. Finding the right answer has been a mystery for me.
Final Word:
I really appreciate the work Beverly Harrison has done in The Illustrated Guide to Saddle Fitting. It is detailed and informative. Beverly’s illustrations add to the book in a personal and beautiful way. It is no substitute for a qualified saddle fitter but it educates and equips the rider with important information to help them advocate for themselves and the horses they ride. It helps a rider make better decisions and it emphasizes the need for regular tack checks.
I recommend this book for any rider in the english sports world…particularly those who may be on the more novice side. This book is an excellent resource and EVERY english rider really needs to know this material. As riders it is our DUTY to know and be informed.
“Amateur riders generally spend most of their time in non-riding activities. Many of those activities undermine the symmetry that is so important to riding. For example, static positions assumed while driving a car or sitting at a computer all day create stiffness and asymmetry in the body, and weakness of the core muscles.”
― Beverly Harrison, SMS: The Illustrated Guide to Saddle Fitting
I also want to add that I buy most of my horse books from Trafalgar Square Books. I’m excited to say that I am an affiliate with the publisher, and so proud to be. Trafalgar Square embodies the spirit of horse people…. they ARE horse people. The operation is based in an old barn in Vermont and run by only a few people…people you can talk to and meet in person at events. It’s not a big corporate conglomerate, and for that I am grateful. This happens to be one of such books. You can find your copy through my affiliate link here, it’ll let TSB know I sent you!
Published by Trafalgar Square books, North Pomfret, VT
If you have any questions, comments, or would like further information, please contact:
contact@trafalgarbooks.com / (802) 356 6706
The Green Horseman 
Leave a comment