How Can I Stop My Saddle from Sliding Forward?

Today, we are tackling another important question that we are often asked –

We have listed below our most important points to keep a close look out for with regards to ensuring that your saddle does not slide forward while in use.

Of course, this is not an extensive list however, in our years of saddle fitting all types of English Saddles, these are the most common reasons we see that may be causing your saddle to slide forward and our recommendations on how to stop this from happening.

• One of the most common causes of a saddle sliding forward is an improperly tightened girth. You should place the saddle in the correct position and tighten the girth snugly enough for you to mount the horse (preferably from a mounting block). Walk two 20 meter circles, one in each direction, then tighten the girth again. Warm up at the walk and then tighten the girth one more time before you begin to trot.
• If you are using a girth that has elastic, try switching to a girth with no elastic. The give and take action of the elastic can cause the saddle to slip forward.
• Try a non-slip pad, such as the EQuest Grip Pad. A non-slip pad sticks to your horse and your saddle, holding better as the horse’s back gets warmer. It works best when used directly against the horse and the saddle with no other pad.

Hopefully, our tips above can give you a guide on the main points to look out for with regards stopping your saddle from sliding forward when riding. Please remember that these can vary greatly dependent on the horse, rider and of course individual saddles.

If you have any questions, or would like an expert opinion of the fit of your current saddle, we would be happy to take a look for you through our Online Saddle Fitting Consultation Service.