We all want to believe our equipment is perfect, but as we’ve learned at Balance Point Saddlery, the horse’s body doesn't lie. Are you riding in a "Neutral Point of Stability," or is your gear a "gorgeous shoe that’s too small"?
Take this quiz to see if your horse is trying to tell you something you might be missing.
When you bring the saddle out or tighten the girth, what is your horse’s immediate reaction?
A) Ears forward, eyes soft, totally relaxed.
B) A slight shift or a bit of "fidgeting," but they settle down.
C) Pinning ears, snapping at the air, or trying to walk away. (The "Girthy" Protest).
When you go to mount, does your horse:
A) Stand like a statue until you ask them to move.
B) Start walking off as soon as your foot hits the stirrup.
C) Hollow their back or "scoot" away from the block before you’re even seated.
Once you’re in the arena, how is their "gas pedal"?
A) Willing, rhythmic, and ready to go.
B) They need a lot of "nagging" or leg to stay in a consistent gait.
C) "Behind the leg" or resistant to moving forward into the contact.
Does your horse have a "bad side" or struggle with specific leads?
A) They pick up both leads easily and stay balanced.
B) One lead is slightly more difficult, but they eventually get it.
C) They consistently "cross-fire," struggle to pick up one lead, or buck into the transition.
When you are riding on the flat, where do you feel your weight?
A) Centered, upright, and plugged into the seat.
B) I feel like I’m constantly tipping forward onto my crotch.
C) I feel like I’m stuck in a "chair seat," fighting to keep my legs under me.
After you unsaddle, what does the sweat pattern look like?
A) Even and consistent across the entire back.
B) Mostly even, but with a few small dry spots.
C) Large "bridge" patterns (dry in the middle) or obvious "pressure points" (dry spots surrounded by wet hair).
When you look at your horse’s back in the sunlight, do you see:
A) Smooth, consistent muscle and healthy coat.
B) A few stray white hairs near the wither or spine.
C) Obvious muscle atrophy (hollows) behind the shoulder or clusters of white hair.
Watch your horse's tail during transitions or lateral work. What do you see?
A) A quiet, swinging tail that follows the rhythm of the body.
B) Occasional swishing, especially when I ask for more effort.
C) Constant wringing, pinning, or a "crooked" carriage to one side.
Congratulations! It sounds like you and your horse have found a great balance. Your horse is moving freely and communicating comfort. Keep monitoring for seasonal changes in body composition to stay ahead of the game!
Your horse is whispering. These "fidgets" and minor resistances are often the first signs that the physics are shifting. As horses age or their fitness level changes, a saddle that once fit may now be creating minor pressure points. A professional evaluation now can prevent "B" behaviors from becoming "C" problems.
Your horse isn't "misbehaving"—they are shouting. These behaviors (girthiness, lead struggles, hollow backs) are classic indicators of biomechanical distress. Like a nurse in the OR, we see that continuing to ride through this pain can lead to long-term issues like Kissing Spine or muscle atrophy. It’s time to listen.
Don't guess when it comes to your partner's comfort. Book a professional 80-Point Evaluation today.
Balance Point Fit | Precision for the Rider, Freedom for the Horse.
Book Now: charlene@balancepointfit.com
