Checking Wither Clearance
There should be enough clearance over the withers so the saddle doesn't pinch, even when a rider is mounted and the horse is moving.
Even Panel Contact
The saddle's panels should contact the horse's back evenly along their length, without bridging or rocking that creates pressure points.
Watching for Behavioral Signs
Pinned ears, girthiness, or resistance to being saddled can all signal saddle fit problems worth investigating before assuming it's purely a training issue.
Re-Checking Fit Over Time
A horse's back shape changes with fitness and age, so saddle fit should be re-evaluated periodically rather than assumed to stay constant.
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