Step Two: Angle Of The Points

To find the points, lift the flap of the saddle and look for a little leather pocket into which the processes of the pommel are fitted. This is the point pocket and there is one on both sides of the pommel of the saddle just under the stirrup bars. These points should lie parallel to the withers. If the angles are too narrow, the points will dig into the musculature, also causing the middle of the saddle to be in uneven contact with the horse's back. If they are too wide the saddle will sit down in front putting pressure on top of the withers. To assess the point angels, stand looking from the front with the flap lifted; the points should be parallel with the musculature within 10 degrees of the heaviest side. Some points are concealed making it difficult to determine their angles. If this is the case, you will have to rely more on the panel pressure procedure to determine if the point angles are correct.

Tip from Angela - Without having an eye for this, it can be useful to place one chopstick against the horse and compare that angle by placing another chopstick against the angle of the headplate. If the angle look like they are going to cross then it is likely the saddle is too narrow. If it looks like the angles are too far spread it is likely the saddle is too wide. Some saddles have very angled headplates and so this task might not give you a fair reading in which case you will need to rely on the panel pressure test to better estimate the fit of your saddle.