Lateral Saddle Slip and Your Horse’s Soundness

Correct saddle fit is fundamental to equine comfort, performance and, above all, welfare. Yet one of the most common, and most misunderstood issues affecting ridden horses is saddle slip. Often subtle, frequently undetected, and too easily blamed on the rider, saddle slip can have significant implications for a horse’s soundness and symmetry if left unaddressed.

To explore this important topic, Allison Lowther spoke to Mark Fisher, Society of Master Saddlers’ Master Saddler and Saddle Fitter, who has dedicated many years to researching and managing saddle slip in practice. Mark will also be sharing his expertise at the Horses Inside Out Conference 2026, where Soundness & Symmetry will be explored in greater detail.

A Common Issue

Saddle slip affects both horse and rider, but research increasingly shows that it’s primarily driven by the horse, not the rider.

Research shows that saddle slip is mainly driven by the horse rather than the rider.

 “We've got an awful lot of evidence that saddle slip is horse driven rather than rider driven,” explains Mark. “The rider can help to stabilise or destabilise the saddle depending on their own asymmetries, but saddle slip itself is extremely common - probably around 60 to 70% of horses exhibit some form of lateral saddle slip. That’s far higher than most people realise, because it often goes undetected.”

In many cases, it’s only brought to the rider’s attention during a routine saddle fitting appointment, or when a vet or physiotherapist becomes involved.

“Unfortunately, most of the horses referred to me by vets and physios have long-term problems,” says Mark. “It’s subtle slip that’s the issue and often it hasn’t been correctly diagnosed or dealt with.”

One Rein Tells the Story

Typically, saddle slip shows up more clearly on one rein. For example, if a saddle slips to the right, it will usually be most apparent on the left rein, while appearing relatively straight on the right. It’s this asymmetry that has a direct impact on the rider:

“If the saddle is slipping to the right, the rider’s pelvis is taken to the right,” Mark explains. “Most riders will then collapse slightly to the left. The right leg appears longer, the left shorter — simply because the stirrup bars have dropped on one side and lifted on the other.”

Coaches may notice a rider sitting crooked and attempt to correct them, often recommending exercises, Pilates or strength work. While these can be helpful, Mark stresses they don’t address the root cause if the issue originates with the horse.

“No number of exercises will fix saddle slip if the horse is the primary cause,” he says. “We need to look at the bigger picture, consider horse, saddle and rider, and ask why the rider is sitting crooked in the first place.”

The Long-Term Consequences

When saddle slip goes unnoticed over time, both horse and rider adapt - often unknowingly.

“When you finally level and straighten the saddle, riders can’t believe the difference,” says Mark. “They don’t realise how much they’ve been struggling, because they’ve got used to compensating.”

For the horse, the consequences can be far more serious. Chronic uneven loading can perpetuate weakness, restrict muscle development and compromise soundness.

“Generally, the saddle will slip towards the weaker hind leg,” Mark explains. “If it’s slipping right, the right hind is often weaker or compromised. Research shows it’s very rarely a forelimb issue - it’s usually hind limb related, or a hind and front limb combination.”

Underlying causes may include sacroiliac dysfunction, stifle or suspensory issues, kissing spines, gastric ulcers, foot balance problems, weakness in young horses, or arthritic changes in older ones.

Why Qualified Saddle Fitters Matter

Mark is clear that addressing saddle slip properly requires a qualified, registered Society of Master Saddlers Saddle Fitter.

Society of Master Saddlers' Qualified Saddle Fitters will see the horse ridden to assess the fit of a saddle

“As part of a proper fitting, a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified and Registered Saddle Fitter will carry out a dynamic saddle fit - they must see the horse ridden,” he explains. “They are trained to assess the horse from behind and in front, looking for lateral instability, as well as from the side to evaluate front-to-back balance.”

Modern saddles offer far more adjustability than in the past, and skilled saddle fitters have multiple tools at their disposal.

“Our aim is to get the saddle as straight as possible, you can’t leave it slipping to one side,” says Mark. “We can adjust flocking, use shims, alter girthing arrangements, alter tree width, or use a combination of all four, depending on the degree of slip.”

Through research and years of experience, Mark and colleagues have even developed a grading system for saddle slip, similar to lameness grading, to objectively assess severity.

Importantly, while saddle fitters address the symptoms, diagnosis of the cause must involve the wider professional team.

“It’s not the saddle fitter’s job to diagnose lameness,” Mark emphasises. “But it is our responsibility to straighten the saddle and refer the owner to their vet, physio or farrier to establish what’s behind it. The welfare and comfort of the horse must come first.”

Regular Reviews Support Soundness and Symmetry

Once a saddle has been corrected, regular follow-ups are essential.

“What works on day one may be wrong a few weeks later,” Mark explains. “As the horse changes — hopefully becoming stronger and more symmetrical — the saddle needs to evolve too.”

During a saddle fitting a Society of Master Saddlers' Saddle Fitter will take and record templates of your horse

This is why Society of Master Saddlers' Saddle Fitters take templates and detailed records, enabling informed decisions about review intervals and adjustments.

“If a horse is weak behind and the saddle is dropping that way, the horse can’t get stronger until the saddle is straightened,” says Mark. “Only then does it have a chance to become more symmetrical and sound.”

Learning More About Soundness and Symmetry

It’s no coincidence that saddle slip sits firmly within the theme of the Horses Inside Out Conference 2026: Soundness & Symmetry. Understanding how asymmetry affects performance, comfort and long-term welfare is vital for anyone involved in horse care and training.

Mark will be sharing his practical expertise at the Soundness and Symmetry In Practice Day on Monday 23 February 2026, hosting a hands-on workshop titled Horse, Rider, Saddle Symmetry. This session will bring theory into real-world application, highlighting exactly how these interconnections influence soundness.

Soundness and Symmetry IN PRACTICE

£249.00£224.10

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The Take-Home Message

“Saddle slip is very rarely caused by the saddle itself,” Mark concludes. “If it were, it would slip both ways. All the evidence points to the horse being the primary cause.”

Early recognition, correct saddle fitting by a qualified Society of Master Saddlers’ Registered Saddle Fitter, collaboration with the wider professional team, and regular reviews are essential - not just for performance, but for equine welfare.

When we address saddle slip properly, we’re not just straightening a saddle, we’re supporting soundness, symmetry and the long-term wellbeing of the horse.