Physio & Saddle Fitting: What Your Horse’s Body Might Be Telling You

This week, we hosted a combined Physio & Saddle Fitting Clinic with  Bells Cross Physiotherapy and saddle fitter Freda McBain – Equine 360 —and it reinforced why comfort is at the centre of everything we do at Ardeo.

Why Comfort Comes First

A horse that’s not physically comfortable cannot perform consistently. Simple as that. Discomfort leads to:

• Resistance under saddle

• Hollow frames and tension

• Head tossing or girthiness

• Inconsistent movement

  
  

These signs often get labeled as “bad behavior” when they’re really cries for help.

Our Pre-Sale Comfort Checklist

Every Ardeo horse goes through a systematic check:

1. Dental Exam

Sharp teeth can cause pressure points, pain, and resistance to contact. We float all horses upon arrival or ensure recent work has been done.

2. Saddle Fit Assessment

Pressure points, slipping saddles, and bridging are all red flags. We adjust or re-fit saddles to ensure even pressure distribution and freedom of movement.

3. Back Sensitivity Check

We look for reactions to palpation, reluctance to be girthed, or uneven sweat patterns that suggest soreness.

4. Movement Screening

Our team watches for tail swishing, reluctance to bend, or toe-dragging—clues that something isn’t right.

The Result: Real Performance

When comfort issues are addressed, horses:

• Stretch and soften in work

• Show more rhythm and balance

• Respond more willingly to aids

• Film better—which leads to better buyer confidence

  
  

What Buyers Should Know

If you’re shopping, ask the right questions:

• When was the horse last seen by a dentist?

• Has saddle fit been assessed professionally?

• What kind of bodywork has the horse received?

Comfort isn’t just about kindness. It’s about setting both horse and rider up for success.

Ardeo: Where the Details Matter

Our aim at Ardeo is to truly understand each horse so we can match them with the right rider. Comfort is a huge part of that. Before you assume a horse is being difficult, ask what their body might be trying to say.