Skirt blocking.
What is saddle skirt blocking?
Blocking is a layer of leather underneath the saddle tree, that the saddle maker molds to the shape of the tree. Properly blocked and shaped skirts prevent skirt pressure beyond the bars. Blocking prevents the skirts from interfering with the fit of the tree bars. We want the surface area of the tree bars, not the skirts, to distribute pressure from the tree bars to the horse’s back. Poorly made saddles are often not blocked.
How can I tell if a saddle is blocked?
Blocking isn’t visible once it’s covered with shearling, but you should be able to feel the outline of the tree bars on a quality saddle. With an unblocked skirt, you won’t be able to tell where the bars are and won’t be able to properly fit it to your horse either.
Saddle fit tips:
Feeling for the tree bars will also help you determine saddle placement behind your horse’s shoulder blade. Too much padding can also hide the shape of the tree bars, affecting saddle fit.
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