Fit Is Everything: Why HusleBos Saddles Matter at the Highest Level

Emily Miller
Jan 21
3 min read

Why Saddle Fit Is Everything

Performance is built through precision. Every aid, every transition, every moment of connection depends on alignment between horse and rider. Few pieces of equipment influence that relationship more than the saddle. Fit is everything.

My partnership with HusleBos Saddles has reinforced just how critical proper saddle fit is—not only for comfort, but for biomechanics, communication, and long-term soundness.

Why Saddle Fit Matters

A saddle is not simply a seat for the rider. It is a bridge between two athletes. When that bridge is compromised, even subtly, the effects ripple through every aspect of training and performance.

An ill-fitting saddle can:

Restrict the horse’s ability to lift and swing through the back
Create pressure points that lead to tension, resistance, or soreness
Force the rider out of neutral alignment, affecting balance and clarity of aids
Mask training issues that are actually equipment problems

Conversely, a correctly fitted saddle allows the horse to move freely and the rider to sit in balance—without bracing, compensating, or forcing position.

To watch D'Vinci in his new Custom Huslebos Saddle, click the link: Watch Here

What Proper Fit Looks Like

True saddle fit is individualized. It must account for the horse’s conformation, musculature, and stage of development, as well as the rider’s balance, leg length, and biomechanics. Panels, tree shape, balance point, and contact all matter.

With HusleBos, the fit allows:

Even weight distribution across the horse’s back
Freedom through the shoulder and spine
A balanced seat that supports correct posture without restriction
Consistent, close contact that enhances feel rather than interferes with it

The result is not dramatic in a single ride—but transformative over time. Transitions become clearer. Connection becomes lighter. Collection becomes more sustainable. Training becomes more productive, and competition rides more confident.

Signs Your Saddle May Not Fit

Even subtle fit issues can impact performance, comfort, and long-term soundness. Riders often assume challenges are training-related when, in reality, equipment is the limiting factor. Here are common indicators that a saddle may not be fitting correctly:

Signs in the Horse

Resistance to moving forward or difficulty maintaining rhythm
Hollowing through the back or reluctance to stretch
Uneven muscling along the topline or behind the shoulder
Tail swishing, ear pinning, or behavioral changes during saddling
Soreness, sensitivity, or dry spots under the saddle after work

Signs in the Rider

Feeling consistently tipped forward or behind the motion
Difficulty sitting evenly or maintaining a neutral pelvis
Excessive reliance on reins or leg for balance
Lower back, hip, or knee discomfort after riding
Feeling “perched” or unstable despite correct riding fundamentals

Signs in Performance

Inconsistent contact or connection
Difficulty with transitions or collection
One-sidedness that persists despite correct training
Sudden plateaus or regressions without a clear training cause

Why Professional Fitting Matters

Horses change shape with training, age, and conditioning. Even a saddle that once fit well may no longer be appropriate months later. Regular professional saddle fitting ensures that equipment continues to support—not hinder—progress.

A Partnership Built on Craftsmanship

This is why this partnership matters to me.

HusleBos approaches saddle design with the same mindset required for elite sport: attention to detail, respect for the horse, and a commitment to long-term performance rather than shortcuts. Their craftsmanship supports not only where we are today, but where we are going as D’Vinci continues to develop toward peak FEI performance.

As I work toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, having equipment that supports correct movement and rider alignment is non-negotiable. The right saddle is not a luxury—it is foundational.

For my investors and supporters, this partnership represents something bigger than a product. It reflects the philosophy behind this journey: building success through the right systems, the right partners, and the right decisions behind the scenes.

Because at this level, progress is rarely accidental. It is built—carefully, intentionally, and with respect for every detail.

And when it comes to saddles, fit truly is everything.