1st. The withers must neither be pinched nor pressed upon.

2nd. The central line of the back must have no pressure imposed upon it.

3rd. The blade bones must have free and uncontrolled movement.

4th. The loins are not intended to carry weight.

5th. The weight must be imposed upon the ribs through the medium of the muscles covering them.

6th. The weight must be evenly distributed over a surface extending from the play of the shoulders to the last rib.

In rule 1st the word pressed is placed in italics; there are many who know the withers must not be pinched, but there are many who do not realise that something far short of pinching is sufficient to set up disease if long continued.

Method of fitting: Putting on a bare tree
In fitting a saddle, that size which is nearest to the horses requirements is selected. There are several sizes to choose from, and in making the choice that bare tree is tried on the back.

Having been placed on the back, the front arch resting in the pit of the shoulder, the following points are looked to: