You’ve found it. The perfect saddle. It’s the right color, the leather is exquisite, and you can already imagine cantering off into the sunset. You click “buy,” wait excitedly for it to arrive, and tack up your horse, heart full of hope.

Then, reality hits. Your horse pins his ears. He feels tense and restricted underneath you. The dream saddle has become a nightmare, and you’re left wondering: Where did I go wrong?

This scenario is painfully common. The reason is often simple: we shop for a saddle based on how it looks to us, not how it feels to our horse. But what if you could start your search with a simple, objective blueprint of your horse’s back—a tool that cuts through confusing marketing terms and empowers you to advocate for your horse’s comfort?

That tool is a wither tracing, and learning how to make one is the single most important first step you can take toward finding a saddle that truly fits.

The Problem with “Guesswork” in Saddle Fitting

When you’re looking for a saddle, you’ll hear terms like “medium,” “wide,” or “extra-wide.” These labels might seem helpful, but they’re notoriously inconsistent between brands. A “medium” from one company can easily be a “wide” from another. Relying on them is like buying a pair of jeans based only on the label “regular” without knowing the waist or length measurement.

The consequences of this guesswork are staggering. Independent studies have found that over 70% of saddles in use are incorrectly fitted, leading to pain, resistance, and behavioral problems. In fact, a 2021 study in the Equine Veterinary Journal found that an alarming 84.1% of riders reported their horses showing behavioral issues like bucking, refusing jumps, or being “girthy”—many of which can be traced back to saddle discomfort.

A wither tracing replaces this guesswork with data. It gives you your horse’s unique measurement—a personal starting point to help you and your saddle fitter understand the precise shape and angle needed for true comfort.

How to Create a Perfect Wither Tracing in 5 Steps

Creating a wither tracing is simple, inexpensive, and takes less than ten minutes. Think of it as creating a template of your horse’s unique shape—a critical piece of information to have before you ever speak to a saddle seller.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You don’t need anything fancy; the goal is simply to capture the shape accurately.

• A Flexible Curve Ruler: Also known as a flexicurve or architect’s ruler, this is the ideal tool. It’s a piece of flexible metal or plastic that holds its shape perfectly. A simple piece of firm-but-pliable wire (like a straightened coat hanger) can also work in a pinch.
• Cardboard or Sturdy Paper: You’ll need a surface to trace the shape onto. A flattened cardboard box is perfect.
• A Marker or Pen: For tracing and labeling.

Step 2: Find Your Landmark—The Scapula

This is the most critical step. A tracing taken in the wrong spot is useless. You need to find the back edge of your horse’s shoulder blade (the scapula).

Why is this so important? Research shows that the horse’s scapula can move upwards and backwards by as much as 10 cm during movement. A saddle that sits too far forward will pinch the shoulder, restricting movement and causing pain.

To find the spot:

1. Stand at your horse’s side, facing their shoulder.
2. Run your hand firmly down from the wither area onto the shoulder. You will feel the distinct, hard ridge of the scapula.
3. Ask a friend to lift your horse’s front leg and move it forward and back. You’ll feel the shoulder blade rotating underneath your hand.
4. Identify the very back edge of that bone. This is your landmark.

Step 3: Mold the Shape

With your landmark identified, you’re ready to take the measurement.

1. Place your flexible curve ruler over your horse’s back, about two to three fingers’ width behind the back edge of the scapula you just located.
2. Gently and evenly, press the ruler down to mold it perfectly to the shape of your horse’s withers and the muscles on either side. Ensure it makes contact all the way down.
3. Don’t force or flatten it; you want to capture the true angle and shape.

Pro-Tip: Horses, like people, are often asymmetrical. Once you have molded the curve, take a moment to see if one side feels fuller or steeper than the other. This is valuable information for a saddle fitter.

Step 4: Transfer Your Blueprint

This step requires a steady hand.

1. Carefully lift the molded ruler off your horse’s back, taking care not to change its shape. Hold it by the ends to maintain its form.
2. Lay it gently on your piece of cardboard.
3. Use your marker to trace the inside edge of the curve. This line is the exact shape of your horse’s back at that specific point.

Step 5: Label Everything

A tracing without context is just a drawing, so make it a useful record by adding:

• Your horse’s name.
• The date the tracing was taken.
• A mark indicating the left and right sides of the horse.

Why the date? A horse’s back shape can change significantly with age, fitness level, and even the season. A fit horse in summer will have a different back from an unfit horse in winter. Taking a tracing every few months is a fantastic way to monitor these changes.

You Have a Tracing. Now What?

Congratulations! You now have an objective piece of data that puts you in control. This simple tracing is your first, most powerful tool in the saddle-fitting process.

It gives you a clear visual for gullet width—one of the most important factors in saddle fit. It helps you instantly see if a prospective saddle is obviously too narrow (pinching the withers) or too wide (collapsing onto the spine).

While a wither tracing is an excellent starting point, it’s just one part of a bigger picture. The shape of the tree must also match the rest of your horse’s back, and the panels need to distribute weight evenly. True saddle fitting is a holistic process, but it all begins with this one simple, empowering measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my horse’s tracing looks crooked?

It’s very common! Just like people, most horses are naturally asymmetrical due to genetics or training patterns. Make a note of which side is steeper or more developed. This is crucial information that helps when selecting a saddle and may indicate a need for corrective padding.

How often should I make a new tracing?

A good rule of thumb is every 3–6 months, or anytime there’s a significant change in your horse’s workload, diet, or age. For young, developing horses, you might do it even more frequently.

Can I use this tracing to buy a saddle online by myself?

A tracing is a fantastic screening tool to rule out obviously incorrect saddles, but it’s not a substitute for a full evaluation by a qualified professional. It tells you about the angle and width at one spot but doesn’t account for the rock, twist, or length of the tree. Use it to narrow down your options and have more informed conversations with sellers and fitters.

Your First Step Toward Harmony

A comfortable horse is a willing partner. By taking ten minutes to create a wither tracing, you shift from being a passive consumer to an active, educated advocate for your horse’s well-being. You are gathering the data needed to ensure the equipment you use fosters communication, rather than causing pain.

Now that you have your wither tracing, you’re ready for the bigger picture. The next step is to learn how this single measurement fits into the overall shape of your horse’s back. Ready to continue your journey? Explore The Ultimate Guide to Assessing Your Horse’s Back for Saddle Fit.