How do you tell if a saddle is bridging?

A saddle is bridging when the tree makes contact only at the front and back of the horse's back, leaving an empty space or a complete lack of contact in the middle. You can easily identify this by running your flat hand under the panels of an unpadded, girthed saddle or by inspecting the sweat patterns on your horse's back after a ride.

Simple Tests to Detect Saddle Bridging

To perform the hand test, place your saddle directly on your horse's bare back without a pad and tighten the girth to a normal riding tension. Stand at your horse's shoulder, slide your hand palm-down under the front of the saddle, and slowly run it along the spine down toward the rear. If the pressure is firm at the shoulder, suddenly disappears or feels completely loose in the middle, and then tightens up again at the back, your saddle is bridging.

Another reliable indicator is the sweat mark test. After a hard ride, remove your saddle and pad immediately to inspect the sweat pattern on your horse's back. A properly fitting saddle leaves an even, symmetrical wet print. If you see dry, untouched areas directly under the middle of the saddle area, flanked by heavily sweat-soaked or ruffled hair at the shoulders and loin, the saddle is not making contact in the center. Over time, this uneven pressure can cause white hairs, muscle atrophy, or severe soreness; if you suspect your horse is in pain or showing signs of physical injury, always consult your veterinarian.

How to Correct a Bridging Saddle

While a severely bridging saddle may require a professional saddle fitter to adjust the flocking or tree, minor bridging or temporary changes in your horse's topline can be managed with high-quality shimmable pads. These pads allow you to insert thin shims in the center pocket to bridge the gap and distribute your weight evenly.

• For English riders, the Shires ARMA Corrective Half Pad - Adjustable Shims for Custom Saddle Fit provides a low-profile way to insert targeted shims exactly where the contact is lacking.
• If you ride Western, the Weaver Leather Wool Blend Felt Shim Western Saddle Pad - 32" x 32" - Contoured with Removable EVA Foam Shims is an excellent choice to fill the void and prevent pressure points on the shoulders and loins.
• For riders looking for highly customizable, high-performance protection, the Toklat Matrix Shimmable Saddle Pad - Orthopedic & Shock-Absorbing Horse Pad - 1/4" Felt Shims - Multiple Options offers superb shock absorption alongside precise shimming capabilities.

Using these tools helps restore balanced contact along the entire length of your horse's back, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free ride for both of you.