Superior Saddlery — Andy Mashke
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Certified Used Saddles — David Solum
A saddle that rocks laterally is not just uncomfortable — it signals that the saddle and horse back geometry are fundamentally mismatched at the bar level.
Lateral saddle rocking has three primary causes: tree too wide, worn or collapsed panel stuffing, or significant back muscle asymmetry in the horse. Each requires a different correction, and misidentifying the cause leads to ineffective solutions.
The most common cause. When the tree is wider than the horse's back, the bars drop inward and the saddle balances on the edges rather than the full bar surface. Diagnosis: place the saddle on the horse without a rider and rock it by hand side to side. A wide tree moves freely. Check the gullet channel clearance under load.
Used saddles with wool or foam panels develop uneven wear. If one panel packs down more than the other, the saddle tips toward the lower panel and rocks laterally. Diagnosis: place the saddle upside down on a level surface and look at the panels from above. If one panel is visibly flatter, uneven wear is the cause. Reflocking by a qualified saddle maker is the correct solution.
Many horses develop asymmetric topline muscle from natural bend preferences, rider dominance, or previous injuries. A saddle fitting the more developed side will rock toward the less developed side. Stand behind the horse and look at the topline from directly behind. Significant visible asymmetry indicates uneven development that a physiotherapist or bodywork practitioner should evaluate.
David Solum has been evaluating saddle fit problems for 40+ years. Call, text, or email him directly — he can advise on whether it's a fit issue, a tree problem, or a saddle you should replace.
See also: Free Saddle Tools · How to Fit a Western Saddle · Parts of a Western Saddle · How to Buy a Certified Used Saddle