The Unlevel Truth: A Rider’s Guide to Fitting the Asymmetrical Horse

Does your saddle consistently slip to one side? Do you feel like you’re constantly correcting your own posture, fighting to stay centered?

You might assume it’s your riding, but the answer often lies beneath the saddle—in the subtle yet surprisingly common reality of equine asymmetry.

Many riders believe a horse’s back should be a perfect mirror image from left to right. In truth, nearly every horse is asymmetrical to some degree, just as we are right- or left-handed. This isn’t a flaw; it’s a fundamental aspect of biomechanics.

The real challenge arises when a symmetrical saddle is placed on an asymmetrical body. This creates a cascade of issues that can hinder performance, comfort, and communication.

Understanding this ‘unlevel truth’ is the first step toward creating true harmony with your horse. This guide will help you see, feel, and address your horse’s unique shape, transforming your approach to saddle fit forever.

Why Asymmetry Is More Common Than You Think

If you’ve noticed your horse is uneven, you’re in good company. A groundbreaking 2017 study by Greve et al. on elite dressage and jumping horses revealed a high prevalence of uneven back muscles (epaxial muscles) and spinal rotation.

The research confirmed that these asymmetries were not just minor quirks but were directly linked to reduced spinal mobility and, crucially, associated with poorly fitting saddles.

This research tells us two important things:

1. Asymmetry is normal: Even top-level athletes have it.
2. Saddle fit is critical: The wrong saddle can worsen existing asymmetry or even contribute to it, leading to problems with uneven pressure distribution and restricted movement.

Your horse’s asymmetry could stem from genetics, pasture posture, repetitive training patterns, or a past injury. The key is not to label it as a ‘problem’ but to see it as a piece of information. Your job is to provide equipment that supports their body’s potential for balance, rather than working against it.

Your Diagnostic Toolkit: How to Spot Asymmetry

Before you can address unevenness, you have to know how to spot it. You don’t need fancy equipment—just your eyes, your hands, and a few minutes of focused observation.

The Visual Check: See the Difference

Start by standing on a sturdy box directly behind your horse, ensuring they are standing as square as possible on level ground. Look down the center of their spine toward their withers and shoulders.

What do you see?

• Is one shoulder blade more prominent or muscular than the other?
• Does one side of the back appear more ‘filled out’ or developed?
• Does the muscle along one side of the withers look fuller than the other?

Often, a horse will have one larger, more developed shoulder (frequently the left) and a hollow or less-developed area behind the opposing shoulder.

The Palpation Check: Feel the Story

Your hands can often detect what your eyes might miss. With your horse standing square, place your hands on either side of their withers and run them down their back, applying gentle, even pressure.

As you move along the saddle support area, pay attention to:

• Muscle Mass: Does one side feel fuller and more robust?
• Muscle Tone: Is one side harder and more contracted, while the other feels softer?
• Temperature: Sometimes, overworked muscles can feel warmer to the touch.

This hands-on check helps you build a mental map of your horse’s back, making an abstract concept tangible.

Two Paths to Fit: Shimming vs. Dynamic Flocking

Once you’ve identified asymmetry, the crucial question is how to accommodate it. A symmetrical saddle on an asymmetrical back will inevitably bridge, rock, or press unevenly. This is where saddle fitting philosophy comes into play, leading to two distinct approaches.

Approach 1: The Static Fix with Corrective Shims

Shimming is a common method where foam or felt inserts (shims) are placed in a saddle pad pocket to fill the ‘hollow’ or less-developed side. The logic is simple: fill the gap to make the saddle level.

• How it Works: A shim physically lifts the saddle on the weaker side, preventing it from collapsing into the hollow.
• The Hidden Cost: While shimming can level the rider, it often acts like a crutch. The shim occupies the very space where the underdeveloped muscle needs room to grow and activate. By ‘plugging the hole,’ you may inadvertently prevent the horse from redeveloping symmetrically. This can create new pressure points and restrict the natural movement needed for rehabilitation.

Approach 2: The Dynamic Solution with Adaptable Flocking

A more dynamic approach involves custom-flocking a saddle’s panels to match the horse’s specific asymmetry. At Iberosattel, this philosophy is central to our design, particularly with features like our Comfort Panel.

• How it Works: Instead of adding an external shim, a skilled saddle fitter adjusts the wool flocking inside the saddle panels. On the more developed side, the flocking might be softer or have less volume to provide space. On the less-developed side, the flocking is adjusted to offer consistent, gentle support without pressure, encouraging the muscle to lift and engage.
• The ‘Aha Moment’: This method doesn’t just fill a void; it creates an environment for change. It supports the weaker side while ensuring the stronger side isn’t constricted, promoting balanced muscle development over time. As the horse’s back changes, the flocking can be re-adjusted—it’s a living solution that evolves with your horse.

Ultimately, the goal of a well-fitted saddle isn’t just to sit level—it’s to allow for a full range of motion, especially complete shoulder freedom, and to support the body’s journey back toward balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is my horse’s asymmetry permanent?

It depends. Functional asymmetry, caused by muscle imbalances, can often be improved or resolved through correct training, bodywork, and a saddle that allows for redevelopment. Structural asymmetry, which is skeletal, is permanent and must be accommodated for the horse’s lifetime. A veterinarian or equine therapist can help you determine the cause.

Can the right saddle fix my horse’s uneven muscles?

A saddle itself cannot ‘fix’ a muscular issue, but it plays a crucial role. The wrong saddle can prevent improvement and worsen the problem. The right saddle creates the ideal conditions for the horse’s body to heal and rebalance itself through proper movement and training. It clears the path for progress.

How often should I check my horse for asymmetry?

It’s good practice to perform a visual and palpation check at least once a month. If you are actively working to improve your horse’s balance, you might check more frequently. Horses change constantly, and staying aware of these shifts is key to their long-term comfort.

Won’t a custom-flocked saddle become ‘wrong’ if my horse changes shape?

This is the beauty of wool flocking. Unlike foam panels, wool can be easily and repeatedly adjusted by a qualified saddle fitter. A dynamically fitted saddle is designed to be changed as your horse builds or loses muscle, ensuring the fit remains optimal throughout their career.

The First Step to a Balanced Partnership

Recognizing and understanding your horse’s asymmetry is a profound act of empathy. It shifts your perspective from ‘Why won’t my horse go straight?’ to ‘How can I better support my horse’s body?’

Your horse’s shape tells a story. By learning to read it, you can make informed decisions about their care, training, and especially their saddle. Remember, the rider is also part of the equation, and addressing your own asymmetry is equally important for a balanced partnership.

Start today. Go out to your horse, take a deep breath, and look with new eyes. Feel with intention. The journey to a more comfortable, connected, and balanced ride begins with this simple, unlevel truth.