Ever feel like one of your stirrups is always longer than the other, no matter how many times you check the holes? Or perhaps your instructor constantly reminds you to “stop leaning to one side,” even when you feel perfectly centered.

If this sounds familiar, the culprit might not be your stirrups or even your riding—it could be your horse’s natural “handedness.” Just like humans, most horses have a preferred side, a phenomenon known as laterality. This subtle, inborn preference creates a chain reaction that affects their muscle development, how they carry a saddle, and ultimately, your balance.

Understanding this concept is the first step toward solving those frustrating, persistent feelings of crookedness and achieving true harmony with your equine partner.

What is Equine Laterality? Your Horse’s Natural ‘Handedness’

Equine laterality is simply a horse’s tendency to prefer using one side of its body over the other. Think of it as being right- or left-handed. Research suggests that over 90% of horses show a clear preference for one side, and this influences everything from the canter lead they find easier to the way they prefer to bend on a circle.

This isn’t a training flaw or a sign of a problem—it’s a fundamental aspect of their biomechanics. A “left-dominant” horse, for example, is often more flexible to the left precisely because it pushes more strongly with its right hind leg. While this makes bending left feel easy, the horse may struggle to maintain a true bend to the right.

Recognizing this tendency is crucial, as it directly shapes your horse’s physical development over a lifetime.

The Telltale Signs: How Laterality Shapes Your Horse’s Body

A lifetime of preferring one side creates predictable patterns of asymmetrical muscle development. This isn’t just a mental preference—their entire body comes to reflect it.

A common pattern in a ‘left-handed’ horse, for instance, is a more developed and muscular right shoulder. Why? As they move, they tend to bear more weight on that right front leg, using it as a stronger pillar of support. Consequently, their left side can become more hollow and less developed, creating a subtle but significant imbalance.

You can learn to spot these signs:

• Uneven Shoulders: One shoulder may feel or look visibly larger and more defined than the other.
• Hollow Spots: You might notice a dip or hollow area just behind the weaker shoulder blade.
• Saddle Placement: Your saddle consistently wants to slide toward the weaker, more hollow side.
• Movement Preference: Your horse easily picks up one canter lead but struggles with the other, or falls out on circles in one direction.

The Domino Effect: From One-Sided Horse to One-Sided Rider

This physical asymmetry has a direct impact on your saddle. Imagine placing a perfectly symmetrical saddle on an asymmetrical back—it simply won’t sit straight.

The more developed shoulder (in our ‘left-handed’ example, the right one) acts like a wedge, consistently pushing the saddle off-center and toward the weaker, hollower side.

And this is where the domino effect hits you, the rider. When the saddle shifts left, your body shifts with it. To feel balanced, you instinctively collapse your left hip, push more weight into your right stirrup, and hike up your right hip just to feel centered.

Suddenly, that “one stirrup feels longer” sensation makes perfect sense. It’s not the leather. It’s your body compensating for a crooked saddle, which itself is sitting on a crooked horse. This cycle of constant adjustment destabilizes your seat and sends mixed signals to your horse, creating a spiral of imbalance.

Why Static Saddle Fitting Can Miss the Mark

A common frustration for riders is a saddle that seems to fit perfectly when the horse is standing still, only to shift dramatically during a ride.

This highlights a critical point: a horse’s asymmetry is most apparent in motion. When a qualified fitter performs a static evaluation, they’re getting a snapshot of the horse at rest. But as soon as the horse starts to trot or canter, the powerful, asymmetrical push from the hind legs and the uneven shoulders begin to work on the saddle.

This is why a dynamic approach—assessing the fit while the horse is moving—is so essential for horses with distinct laterality. The true test of a saddle’s balance isn’t how it sits on a stationary back, but how it interacts with a body in motion.

Finding Balance: A Two-Part Solution

Addressing laterality isn’t about a magic bullet; it’s about a holistic approach that combines corrective training with adaptive saddle solutions.

1. Training the Ambidextrous Athlete

The long-term goal is to help your horse become more “ambidextrous” by building more symmetrical muscle. Through targeted gymnastic exercises—lateral work, serpentines, transitions—you can encourage your horse to engage and strengthen its weaker side. This process takes time and consistency, but it lays the foundation for a more balanced horse.

2. Adaptive Saddle Solutions

While you work on the training, your saddle needs to support the journey. This is where corrective shimming and thoughtful saddle design come in.

A skilled saddle fitter can use specialized shims to temporarily fill in hollow spots and create a more level surface for the saddle. This prevents the saddle from collapsing into the weaker side and gives those underdeveloped muscles room to grow.

It’s important to remember that shimming is a tool, not a permanent fix. As your horse’s training progresses and their musculature changes, the shims will need to be adjusted and, eventually, removed.

Furthermore, saddle design itself plays a role. For horses with significant shoulder asymmetry, innovations like short panels can provide greater freedom for the larger shoulder, preventing it from being restricted while allowing the saddle to remain stable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Laterality

Is my horse’s laterality a sign of a problem?

No, it’s a natural trait in most horses. However, if it isn’t managed through correct training and proper saddle fit, it can lead to chronic imbalance, uneven wear on joints, and performance issues.

Can I “fix” my horse’s handedness completely?

The goal isn’t to eliminate the preference but to develop ambidexterity. You’re training your horse to use both sides of its body with equal strength, straightness, and flexibility, much like a person can learn to write with their non-dominant hand.

Will a new saddle solve the problem?

A well-fitting saddle is a critical piece of the puzzle, but it won’t solve the underlying muscular asymmetry on its own. The right saddle accommodates the horse’s current shape, supports its journey toward symmetry, and allows the rider to sit in a balanced position so you can give clear aids. It works in partnership with your training.

How often should I check my shimmed pads?

You should have your saddle fit and shimming checked regularly, especially if you’re in a consistent training program. A good rule of thumb is every 3-6 months, as a horse’s back can change surprisingly quickly with correct work.

The Journey to Harmony: Embracing Your Horse’s Asymmetry

Discovering your horse is one-sided isn’t a setback—it’s an insight. It gives you a roadmap for more effective training and a deeper understanding of their physical needs. When you view laterality as a characteristic to be managed, not a flaw to be corrected, you can unlock a new level of balance, comfort, and communication.

The journey begins with observation. The next time you ride, pay close attention to the subtle cues: Does your saddle drift? Does one circle feel smoother than the other? Asking these questions is the first step toward becoming a more empathetic and effective partner to your horse.