Success StorySaddle & Tack Fitting Clinic Teaches Efficient Measurement Methods for Riders



Saddle & Tack Fitting Clinic Teaches Efficient Measurement Methods for Riders

Author: Michelle Simon

Planning Unit: Campbell County CES

Major Program: Equine

Plan of Work: Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Saddle fitting sessions and measurement gauges are a costly part to owning a horse but properly fitting tack is extremely important for horse health and rider safety. Improper fitting saddles and tack can cause severe pain and discomfort to horses and result in accidents and injuries to riders.  Most riders and horse owners do not have their horses or tack measured due to the high cost and inconvenience since tack stores do not have “fitting rooms” for horses. In response to this need, the Boone County ANR Agent collaborated with Dr. Bob Coleman, UK Equine Specialist, and Dr. Ron Leick, DVM, to host the Saddle and Tack Fitting Clinic for participants in person and virtually. Dr. Coleman discussed the importance of a properly fitting bridle and bit and taught participants ways to measure their horses and bridles with specialized tools and by using their hands as measurements. Dr. Leick demonstrated how a saddle should fit a horse correctly so it doesn’t cause pain or discomfort which could lead to injury to the horse and/ or the rider. He used a saddle tech gauge to demonstrate how to measure a saddle and use it to measure a horse and then taught participants how to make a gauge at home using cardboard and a flexible measuring tape to ensure their saddle is the right size for their horse. Participants learned methods to measure their horses using household items so they could then purchase saddles and tacks that would fit their horse without hauling their horse to the tack store to “try it on”. 100% of the participants responded that following the clinic they knew how to use household items to measure their horses and their saddles to check for proper fit and how to adjust bridles so the bit was positioned correctly in the horse’s mouth. This clinic saved the 20 participants approximately $20,000 by teaching participants these tack measuring methods in addition to reduced rider injuries and vet expenses for injured and sore horses that would require treatment.






Stories by Michelle Simon


Campbell County’s Forage Focus Series Doubled Forage Production since 2023

about 3 months ago by Michelle Simon

The Campbell County Cattlemans Association meets annually and typically boasts an attendance of 70 o... Read More


Revitalization of Northern Kentucky Horse Network Leadership

about 3 months ago by Michelle Simon

The Northern Kentucky Horse Network started in 2006 as a joint effort of Northern Kentucky ANR Agent... Read More


Stories by Campbell County CES


Campbell County Cloverbuds

Campbell County Cloverbuds

about 3 months ago by Kellsey Agnew

According to 4-h.org, “4-Hs hands-on approach is proven to grow life skills like confidence, indepen... Read More


100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

about 3 months ago by Kellsey Agnew

The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11t... Read More