International Women’s Day: Meet Beth Williams, Our Professional Saddle Fitter
At Saddle Up & Ride, we spend a lot of time helping riders choose the right gear — from boots to breeches to bridles. But one of the most important pieces of equipment for both horse and rider is the saddle.
This International Women’s Day, we wanted to shine a light on someone whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes, yet has a huge impact on horse welfare and rider comfort: Beth Williams, our professional saddle fitter.
Beth is not only part of the team behind Saddle Up & Ride, she’s also a qualified saddle fitter with the Society of Master Saddlers, working with horses and riders across the country to help them move forward in comfort and balance.
We sat down with Beth to talk about her journey, her work, and why correct saddle fit matters more than many riders realise.
Meet Beth
“I’m Beth, mum to three home-educated children, an equestrian entrepreneur, and a qualified saddle fitter. I grew up in the UK and now live near Hay-on-Wye, where I run Saddle Up & Ride alongside my fitting work.”
Horses have always been a central part of Beth’s life, but saddle fitting came into focus during her time working with large groups of trail horses.
From Trail Horses to Saddle Fitting
Beth first became deeply aware of saddle fitting while working as herd manager at Freerein Riding Holidays.
“As herd manager caring for around 30 trail horses, I quickly saw how much correct saddle fit affects a horse’s comfort and welfare. It also makes a huge difference to rider comfort and keeping horse and rider moving forward in harmony.”
With trail horses carrying many different riders and changing shape throughout the season, saddle fit quickly became a complex and fascinating puzzle.
“I realised how much there was to learn about saddle fitting, so I decided to study it properly, which ultimately led to qualifying with the Society of Master Saddlers.”
A Lifetime Around Horses
Beth describes herself as a lifelong leisure rider who has always valued the relationship between horse and rider.
“I spent many years guiding trails at Freerein Riding Holidays, and now you’ll usually find me in the office, in the tack shop, on the yard, or out on the road saddle fitting.”
What Is Saddle Fitting?
For riders who’ve never had a professional saddle fitting, Beth explains it simply:
“Saddle fitting is making sure a saddle suits both the horse and the rider, so it sits correctly, distributes pressure evenly, and allows the horse to move freely.”
It’s not just about the saddle size.
“It’s about balance, comfort, and how the saddle supports the partnership between horse and rider as they move.”
Why Saddle Fit Matters
Correct saddle fit is essential for both horse welfare and rider comfort.
“For the horse, correct saddle fit helps prevent pain, pressure points and restricted movement. For the rider, it improves comfort and balance, allowing clearer communication so horse and rider can move forward together in harmony.”
Signs Your Saddle May Not Be Working
Beth says riders often notice subtle signs when something isn’t right.
“Common signs can be rubbed hair, white hairs, or back soreness. Behaviour changes are also important: tension, resistance, bucking, or reluctance to go forward.”
Other clues include:
-
Saddles slipping side to side
-
Saddles moving forward or backwards
-
Riders feeling unbalanced or uncomfortable
“The sooner you get it checked the better.”
What Happens During a Saddle Fitting?
A saddle fitting appointment is much more thorough than many riders expect.
“Before the appointment, I ask riders to complete a short form and send a photo of the horse. The fitting itself usually takes between an hour and an hour and a half.”
During the appointment Beth will:
• Measure and template the horse’s back
• Check the horse’s back health
• Discuss behaviour or performance issues
• Assess the current saddle or try new options
• Evaluate the saddle statically and while the rider is mounted
“If the saddle isn’t quite right, we can often adjust things such as the gullet bar or flocking to improve the fit.
And if you’re looking for a new saddle, I’ll have you try a couple for comparison—and I’m always happy to answer questions throughout."
How Often Should Saddles Be Checked?
One of the biggest misconceptions riders have is that saddle fitting is a one-time event.
“Horses change shape regularly, so saddle fit needs checking and adjusting over time.”
The Society of Master Saddlers recommends a check every six months, or every three months for young horses or horses in rehabilitation.
The Transformations That Make It Worthwhile
One of Beth’s favourite parts of her work is seeing the immediate change in a horse when a saddle fits correctly.
“The most memorable fittings are the ones where you see the horse suddenly moving freer through the back and more willing, while the rider feels balanced and secure.”
“It’s lovely to watch that improvement strengthen the partnership between horse and rider.”
What She Enjoys Most About Her Work
"I love that I’m always learning—there’s so much to explore in saddle fitting and the wider picture of horse wellbeing."
Beth attends lots of trainings each year, covering everything from saddle and bridle fitting to comfort, movement, and performance.
"I really enjoy continually building on that knowledge."
What Makes Saddle Up & Ride Different
Beth’s approach focuses on the whole partnership — not just the saddle.
“At Saddle Up & Ride, my focus is on horse, rider, and how they move together rather than just whether a saddle ‘looks right’ on the yard.”
Using her Society of Master Saddlers qualification, Beth combines detailed measurements with ridden assessment and practical adjustments to improve fit wherever possible.
Beth’s Advice to Riders
“If it’s been longer than six months since your last saddle check, it’s worth getting booked in.”
Small adjustments early can prevent much bigger problems later.
Supporting Riders and Horses — Together
This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate the expertise, dedication and passion that women like Beth bring to the equestrian world.
Because when the saddle fits correctly, both horse and rider can move forward with comfort, confidence and harmony.
Want to Book a Saddle Fit?
If you’re unsure whether your saddle still fits your horse, Beth is always happy to help.
Visit Saddle Up & Ride or get in touch to learn more about our professional saddle fitting service.
Relaxed riders and happy horses start with the right fit.
