A pre-season saddle MOT is a structured check of saddle fit and condition carried out before workload increases.
It helps identify fit issues early, supports comfort and performance, and reduces the risk of soreness or long-term problems for both horse and rider.
As horses change shape with fitness, age and work, saddle fit should never be assumed. A saddle that felt comfortable last season may no longer be suitable once training intensity increases. Taking time to check your saddle before the season begins is one of the simplest ways to protect your horse’s way of going and your own balance in the saddle.
In this guide, we explain what a saddle MOT involves, how to carry out a simple saddle fit check at home, and when to seek professional advice, so you can start the season confident your saddle is supporting, not limiting, your riding.
What Is a Saddle MOT?
A saddle MOT is a structured check of both saddle fit and saddle condition. It looks at how the saddle sits on your horse, how stable it is in motion, and whether the leather and components are safe and fit for purpose.
It’s not a replacement for a qualified saddle fitter, but it is a valuable way to:
Spot early warning signs
Track changes in your horse’s shape
Prevent discomfort before it escalates
Why Saddle Fit Should Be Rechecked Before the Season Starts
Horses don’t stay the same shape. Changes in fitness, age, muscle development, workload and even the time of year all affect how a saddle fits.
4 reasons to check your saddle fit:
- Your horse has gained or lost topline
- Workload has increased
- You’ve changed discipline or intensity
- Your own balance or position has evolved
Small fit issues can have a surprisingly big impact once work ramps up. This is particularly important for riders using GP saddles, which need to accommodate a wide range of movements and disciplines as workloads increase.
Step-By-Step Saddle MOT
Step 1: Girth straps, buckles & leathers
Girth straps are one of the most critical safety components of your saddle. That's why we're starting with these.
What you’re looking for:
Cracks, splits or fraying
Stretching (billets longer on one side)
Thinning or soft, spongy leather
Stitching pulling away at the top
Step 2: Assess all stitching
Use your fingernail to gently press along the stitching.
What you’re looking for:
Broken, missing or loose stitches
Stitch holes elongating
Thread that looks fuzzy or worn
Step 3: Flocking condition
How to check your saddle's flocking:
Turn the saddle upside down.
Run both hands slowly along each panel.
Compare left and right panels carefully.
What you’re looking for:
Even, springy feel
Symmetry between panels
No hard lumps or hollow areas
Step 4: Check panel straightness & alignment
Twisted or uneven panels can cause uneven pressure and movement.
What you’re looking for:
Panels sitting evenly
Gullet running straight
No obvious tilt to one side
Step 4: Check panel straightness & alignment
Twisted or uneven panels can cause uneven pressure and movement.
What you’re looking for:
Panels sitting evenly
Gullet running straight
No obvious tilt to one side
Step 5: Check for a twisted or damaged tree
Tree damage is rare — but serious.
How to check (basic rider check):
Hold the pommel with one hand and cantle with the other.
Apply gentle, even pressure (never force).
Place the saddle on a stand and view from front and rear.
What you’re looking for:
Symmetry
No creaking, clicking or movement
Even resistance on both sides
When to Involve a Professional
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instinct. Qualified saddle fitters are essential for adjusting flocking, assessing tree suitability, way of going and ensuring a correct fit for both horse and rider.
However, we know not everyone can access a fitter. We offer virtual saddle fitting and expert recommendations as a starting point, so you aren't out there alone. By combining templates, photographs and expert analysis, our aim is to give you informed guidance remotely.
While nothing replaces a professional saddle fitting, these blogs can help you assess whether something might be amiss.
Tracking Changes in Your Horse’s Shape
As well as a saddle MOT, it's also a good opportunity to assess your horse's back shape. Because horses change shape gradually, fit issues aren’t always obvious day to day. Regular templating allows you to track muscling and topline development over time.
Back templating tools such as the Perfect Fit Kit help riders monitor changes between professional checks, making it easier to identify when a saddle may need adjustment before discomfort appears.
A saddle MOT isn’t just about fit... condition matters too!
Leather condition directly affects strength and longevity.
Look for dryness, cracking or mould
Smell the saddle (musty odour = damp storage)
Check sweat flaps and underside carefully
Regular cleaning and correct storage are key parts of any saddle MOT, and using dedicated saddle cleaning kits helps keep leather supple, safe and fit for purpose.
Need to stock up on tack cleaner? check out our saddle care collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-season saddle MOT?
A pre-season saddle MOT is a structured check of saddle fit and condition carried out before workload increases. It helps identify fit issues early and ensures the saddle remains comfortable and safe for both horse and rider.
How often should saddle fit be checked?
Saddle fit should be checked at least every 6–12 months, and more frequently if your horse’s workload, fitness level or shape changes. A pre-season check is especially important before increasing work especially during fitness building or rehabilitation.
Can a saddle stop fitting even if it was fitted recently?
Yes. Horses can change shape in as little as 12 weeks due to fitness, muscle development, weight fluctuation or age. Even a recently fitted saddle may need adjustment as your horse’s shape evolves. Regular templating is a great way to remove the guesswork and track your horse's development.
What are the signs that a saddle doesn’t fit properly?
Common signs include resistance under saddle, tension through the back, reluctance to move forward, uneven sweat marks, soreness after riding, or changes in behaviour when being tacked up. It's important to know that some horses can be stoic and won't display any signs of discomfort,
Is a saddle MOT a replacement for a saddle fitter?
No. A saddle MOT helps riders spot potential issues early, so you can get a qualified saddle fitter out to make any flocking adjustments or fit changes required to keep you and horse comfortable.
Can saddle fit be checked remotely?
Yes. Virtual saddle fitting can provide expert guidance using templates, photographs and professional assessment, making it a practical option for riders without easy access to a fitter. However, for the most accurate fit or if your horse has had previous saddle-related issues we would always recommend an in-person fitting.