The ‘Strong Side’ Problem: How Your Saddle Can Help Balance Your Dominant and Weaker Side

Ever feel like you’re constantly shortening one stirrup, only for it to feel too short again a few minutes later? Or that your horse bends beautifully to the right but resists turning left? If you’ve ever felt a little lopsided in the saddle, you’re not imagining it—and you’re certainly not alone.

This familiar frustration often stems from a simple human trait: we all have a dominant side. This “strong side” asymmetry is one of the most universal yet overlooked challenges in riding. But what if your saddle could do more than just sit there? What if it could actively help you become a more balanced, effective rider?

Why We All Have a “Strong Side” (And It’s Not Just Your Hands)

When we talk about being “right-handed” or “left-handed,” we’re describing laterality—the natural preference for one side of the body over the other. This goes far beyond the hand you write with. It’s a full-body pattern that affects your posture, muscle development, and coordination.

In the equestrian world, this has a profound impact. Up to 90% of riders are right-dominant. For a right-handed rider, this dominance often creates a subtle yet powerful biomechanical chain reaction:

• The right side of the body becomes more stable and engaged.
• To compensate, the left hip often collapses or drops slightly lower.
• This shift places more weight onto the left seat bone.
• Consequently, the left leg can feel functionally shorter, making it harder to apply an effective aid.

This isn’t a flaw; it’s simply how our bodies are wired. The problem arises when this natural asymmetry goes unaddressed, especially when we’re sitting on an animal as sensitive as a horse.

Your Asymmetry Becomes Your Horse’s Asymmetry

Your horse is a master of non-verbal communication, constantly responding to the subtle signals your body sends. When you ride with an uneven pelvis or more weight on one side, your horse feels it instantly and compensates.

This is how a rider’s imbalance often becomes what we perceive as a “horse problem.” An uneven rider can cause the horse to:

• Mirror the imbalance: A rider collapsing their left hip often causes the horse to grow stiff on their left side to brace against the uneven weight.
• Evade pressure: To avoid the constant, uneven pressure, the horse may drift or evade on the opposite side (in this case, the right).

Suddenly, that difficulty with the left-lead canter or the feeling that your horse is “ignoring” your left leg starts to make sense. It’s not necessarily disobedience; it’s your horse reacting to the unintentional messages your asymmetrical body is sending.

When a “Perfectly Fitted” Saddle Isn’t Enough

We’re all taught that good saddle fit is essential for a horse’s comfort and performance. We schedule appointments with saddle fitters who meticulously check every angle and panel on our horse’s back. But there’s a critical piece often missing from this equation: the rider.

Traditional saddle fitting evaluates the saddle on a static, riderless horse. While this is a crucial starting point, it overlooks the dynamic influence of the person sitting in it. A perfectly symmetrical saddle can unintentionally amplify a rider’s asymmetry. If your pelvis is tilted, a perfectly level saddle can actually make you feel more crooked as you fight to find your center.

This is where the concept of [link to the concept of rider-centric saddle fitting] offers a more complete solution. It acknowledges that true harmony requires a saddle that supports both horse and rider, creating a balanced system for the partnership to thrive.

How a Saddle Can Become a Tool for Balance

The goal isn’t to force a crooked rider into a symmetrical saddle. It’s to use a thoughtfully designed saddle as a tool that supports the rider’s current state while helping them train their body toward greater symmetry. Instead of being part of the problem, the right saddle becomes part of the solution.

Modern saddles with adjustable features are at the forefront of this approach. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution, they can be tailored to accommodate and correct imbalances over time.

Shimmable Panels: Leveling the Foundation

Think of shimmable panels like orthopedic inserts for a shoe. If a rider’s pelvis naturally drops to the left, a thin, precisely placed shim can be inserted into the saddle’s panel on that side. This doesn’t force the rider straight; it provides a whisper of support, filling the “gap” created by the collapsed hip. This helps level the pelvis and distribute weight more evenly, allowing the rider to feel what a centered position is truly like. As the rider builds strength and awareness, these shims can be adjusted or removed.

Adjustable Stirrup Bars: Aligning the Leg

For the rider whose left leg feels shorter and less stable, an adjustable stirrup bar can be a revelation. By allowing the position of the stirrup leather to be altered, it helps the leg hang in a more natural, effective alignment. This simple adjustment can provide the stability needed to apply a clear, effective aid, breaking the cycle of compensation and crookedness. These same principles are at the core of solutions like [link to Iberosattel’s Amazona Solution], designed to address unique anatomical needs for balance and comfort.

These features transform the saddle from a passive piece of equipment into an active training partner, guiding you toward a more symmetrical and effective seat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rider Asymmetry

What is rider asymmetry?

Rider asymmetry is the natural tendency for one side of your body to be stronger, more coordinated, or more dominant than the other. This affects your posture, muscle engagement, and weight distribution in the saddle, which in turn influences your horse.

Can I completely “fix” my crookedness?

The goal is functional symmetry, not perfect, machine-like straightness. Since laterality is part of your neurological wiring, you may always have a dominant side. The aim is to build awareness and strength to the point where your natural asymmetry no longer hinders your horse or your riding effectiveness.

How do I know if my saddle is making my asymmetry worse?

Look for tell-tale signs: one stirrup leather is consistently more stretched out than the other; your saddle pad shows uneven sweat or dirt marks after a ride; the saddle itself consistently shifts to one side, no matter how well it seems to fit your horse’s back; or you constantly feel like you’re fighting to stay centered.

Are exercises off the horse just as important?

Absolutely. A supportive saddle is a powerful tool, but it’s no substitute for your own fitness and body awareness. Practices like yoga, Pilates, and targeted physiotherapy are essential for building core strength, improving flexibility, and training your body to be more symmetrical both in and out of the saddle.

Your First Step Toward a More Balanced Ride

Understanding your body’s natural tendencies isn’t about finding flaws; it’s about gaining the knowledge to become a better partner for your horse. Your “strong side” is a part of you, but it doesn’t have to define your ride.

By acknowledging your own asymmetry and recognizing how your equipment can either hinder or help, you open the door to a new level of communication and harmony. Seeing your saddle not just as equipment, but as a dynamic tool for connection and balance, is the first step in transforming your riding from the inside out.