I am going to check my tack to make sure that it fits Reiss properly. The tack should never be too loose and it should not be tight or pinching in an area.
I have a custom saddle for Reiss that we got for him two years ago, but just like people a horse’s body changes. Their weight, shape, and muscle tone change depending on what they are doing. Reiss is a black colored horse, so I was told to put a lot of baby powder on the underneath of the saddle. Let the powder sit and rest for about two minutes. Then gently place it on Reiss’s back where I would place my saddle when I’m getting ready to ride. I was instructed to let it sit on his back for three to four minutes this way the powder had a chance to settle on his back then take the saddle of and set it to the side. This way when you take the saddle off the saddle outline will be left behind in powder and it will be easy to tell if there is a spot that is too lose or too tight. That will bother a horse because it will put pressure in their spine, shoulder and kidneys if it does not fit them properly.
I will also be checking the fit of Reiss’s bit. If the bit is too small for his mouth it will pinch the corners of his mouth and gums. If it is too big it will slide around and put too much pressure on their gums or tongue. I am going to barrow a bit sizer from one of the trainers at the barn and she is going to help me because I have never used one before. Right now, Reiss’s bit size is a 5.5 and the most common size for horses.
Horse Sense 