Compensating for Equine Asymmetry: A Guide to Advanced Billeting Strategies

Have you ever tacked up, meticulously centered your saddle, and then found it had drifted to one side by the time you walked to the mounting block? Or maybe you constantly feel like you’re slipping to the right or left in the saddle, forcing you to shift your weight just to stay balanced. It’s a frustratingly common experience, and many riders blame their own crookedness or a poorly made saddle.

But what if the issue isn’t you, and it isn’t the saddle? What if it’s the subtle, natural asymmetry of your horse?

Based on data from thousands of professional saddle fittings, we at Iberosattel have found that approximately 65% of horses exhibit some form of shoulder asymmetry, with the left shoulder often being slightly larger or more developed. This isn’t an anomaly; it’s a widespread characteristic among horses. The key is learning how to accommodate it.

What is Equine Asymmetry? More Common Than You Think

In a perfect world, a horse would be a mirror image of itself. In reality, just as humans are right- or left-handed, horses have a natural laterality that leads to asymmetrical development.

Equine asymmetry can be broken down into two main types, as highlighted in research by biomechanics expert Dr. Hilary Clayton:

1. Functional Asymmetry: This is the most common form, arising from uneven muscle development. One shoulder may be larger and more powerfully muscled due to the horse’s natural crookedness, training patterns, or even a past injury that caused it to compensate.

2. Anatomical Asymmetry: This is less common and involves the horse’s underlying skeletal structure. It’s a permanent state that must be accommodated for life.

For most riders, functional asymmetry is the primary challenge. The horse’s dominant side—often the left—develops more muscle mass through the shoulder and back, creating an uneven landscape for the saddle to rest on.

This isn’t just a minor fitting quirk. A landmark 2018 study led by Dr. Sue Dyson found that of 506 sport horses, 47% had issues like lameness or poor performance. Critically, 73% of the lame horses showed asymmetry in their trot. While not all asymmetry leads to lameness, it underscores how these imbalances can significantly affect a horse’s soundness and comfort.

The Domino Effect: How Uneven Shoulders Impact Saddle Fit

Imagine placing a perfectly level board on an uneven surface. It’s going to tilt. The same thing happens with your saddle.

When a saddle is placed on a horse with a larger left shoulder, it naturally follows the path of least resistance. The saddle’s tree is pushed away from the larger shoulder, causing it to shift and rotate to the right—the side of the smaller shoulder.

As explained in the work of equine anatomy expert Gillian Higgins, this creates a domino effect of fitting problems:

• Pinching the Large Shoulder: The front of the saddle tree digs into the trapezius muscle behind the larger shoulder, restricting movement and causing pain.
• Excessive Pressure on the Small Shoulder: As the saddle tilts, the rider’s weight is transferred unevenly, putting concentrated pressure on the muscles on the side of the smaller shoulder.
• Spinal Twist: The entire saddle can twist, putting torque on the horse’s spine and leading to long-term back soreness.
• Rider Imbalance: The rider is constantly fighting to stay centered, which can, in turn, exacerbate the horse’s asymmetry, a concept detailed by Gerhild and Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel in The Rider’s Seat.

You might notice the signs without realizing the cause: your saddle pad is always more compressed on one side, your horse is reluctant to bend in one direction, or you simply can’t keep your saddle straight. These aren’t just annoyances; they are signals of uneven pressure that can hinder performance and compromise your horse’s well-being.

Beyond the Basics: Using Billeting to Create Stability

A common first instinct is to fix asymmetry with shims or corrective pads. While these can be part of a solution, they can also create new pressure points if not used correctly. A powerful yet often-overlooked tool for creating stability is the saddle’s girthing system—specifically, the billet straps.

The goal of an advanced billeting strategy isn’t to force the saddle into place, but to anchor it in a way that prevents rotation and allows it to sit squarely on the back, respecting the horse’s natural shape.

Let’s look at a few options:

• Standard Billeting: Most saddles have two billets hanging straight down. This works well for symmetrical horses but offers little resistance to rotation on an asymmetrical back.
• Point Billet: This front billet is attached directly to the tree points of the saddle. It provides a strong anchor at the very front, preventing the saddle from sliding forward and helping to minimize rotation.
• V-Girthing System: This system uses a V-shaped strap to connect both the front and rear of the saddle tree to a single billet. By distributing girth pressure across a wider section of the saddle, it offers superior stability and prevents the saddle from rocking or slipping sideways.

At Iberosattel, our experience fitting thousands of horses has shown that a strategically designed girthing system can be a game-changer for asymmetrical horses, offering stability without restricting the larger shoulder’s freedom of movement.

Practical Strategies for Asymmetrical Horses

So, how can these concepts be applied? While the final solution must be determined by a qualified saddle fitter, here are some strategies they might use:

1. The Asymmetrical Billet Configuration:
   A highly effective technique is to use a different billet on each side. For a horse with a larger left shoulder, a fitter might recommend:

• On the left side (larger shoulder): Using a point billet. This anchors the front of the saddle firmly, preventing the larger shoulder from pushing it backward and to the right.
• On the right side (smaller shoulder): Using the rear billet. This allows the back of the saddle to settle correctly without being pulled forward and down onto the smaller, less-developed shoulder.

1. Professional Adjustments:
   These strategies are not DIY fixes. A professional saddle fitter has the expertise to assess your horse’s specific asymmetry and determine the best approach. In some cases, they may even move the billet attachments on the saddle itself to create a truly custom solution. This ensures that the fundamentals, like the saddle tree angles and the shape of the saddle panels, are also correct.

2. A Holistic Approach:
   Billeting is just one piece of the puzzle. The ultimate goal is to improve the horse’s symmetry over time through corrective training. A balanced approach that includes targeted exercises for building a balanced topline, regular bodywork, and a well-fitting saddle will deliver the best long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I just use a thicker pad or a shim on the smaller side?
While shims can be useful, especially for significant anatomical asymmetry, they can also be counterproductive. Simply stuffing a pad can create a new pressure point or “lump” that irritates the muscle. Billeting adjustments work by stabilizing the entire saddle, which is often a more effective and less intrusive solution.

Will my horse’s asymmetry ever go away?
If it’s functional (muscular), yes! With correct, targeted training focused on straightness and even muscle development, you can significantly improve your horse’s symmetry. If it’s anatomical (skeletal), the goal isn’t to “fix” it but to accommodate it for your horse’s lifelong comfort.

How do I know if my saddle is slipping because of asymmetry or something else?
Consistent, one-directional slipping is a key indicator of asymmetry. If your saddle always shifts to the right, for example, it’s likely being pushed there by a larger left shoulder. Other causes can include a crooked tree or flocking that needs adjustment, which is why a professional evaluation is so important.

Is this something I can fix myself?
Adjusting which billet you use on your girth is simple, but diagnosing the problem and confirming the solution is complex. We strongly recommend working with a qualified saddle fitter who can assess your horse’s unique conformation and see the full picture.

Your Path to a Balanced Ride

Understanding that your horse is likely asymmetrical isn’t a cause for concern—it’s an opportunity for a deeper connection. It’s the first step toward finding a solution that provides true comfort and stability for both of you.

Pay attention to the subtle signs: the direction your saddle slips, the sweat marks on the pad, your horse’s willingness to bend. These are all clues. By addressing the root cause, you can move beyond a frustrating cycle of adjustments and create a stable, comfortable foundation for every ride.

The foundation for solving any saddle-related challenge is a comprehensive understanding of proper saddle fit. A balanced saddle isn’t just about equipment; it’s about clear communication. By addressing asymmetry, you open the door to a more harmonious partnership with your horse.