Lori Anderson
Bridging the gap between manufacturing reality and the living horse since 2005.
A Combined Approach to Saddle Fitting
As an independent Saddle Fitter, one of the first things I learned alongside “fitting” was English saddle repairs and re-flocking. I was hooked after that, and at the time there were plenty of well loved saddles available for me to take apart, clean, inspect and test, replace billets, tidy up any loose staples or nails and of course replace the wool flocking. In doing this for years and years you really get a good feel for the integrity of different trees and how consistently they are made.
It took me years to assemble this knowledge into what is now the Master Saddle Brand Matrix, a proprietary intelligence bank comprising over 150 brands and thousands of models. This tool allows for a deeper level of analysis by cross-referencing internal tree geometry against your horse’s specific back shape. Having taken apart and inspected so many saddles helps to solidify matching these specifications with my knowledge of tree structure and billet configuration.
It is with this hard-earned experience that I share with you what I truly feel to be the most important part of saddle fitting. This is where it helps to have all the knowledge I learned from ripping apart any saddle that I could to learn from it, and now I hope you will enjoy and benefit by learning from me.
As an independent Saddle Fitter, one of the first things I learned alongside “fitting” was English saddle repairs and re-flocking. I was hooked after that, and at the time there were plenty of well loved saddles available for me to take apart, clean, inspect and test, replace billets, tidy up any loose staples or nails and of course replace the wool flocking. In doing this for years and years you really get a good feel for the integrity of different trees and how consistently they are made.
It took me years to assemble this knowledge into what is now the Master Saddle Brand Matrix, a proprietary intelligence bank comprising over 150 brands and thousands of models. This tool allows for a deeper level of analysis by cross-referencing internal tree geometry against your horse’s specific back shape. Having taken apart and inspected so many saddles helps to solidify matching these specifications with my knowledge of tree structure and billet configuration.
It is with this hard-earned experience that I share with you what I truly feel to be the most important part of saddle fitting. This is where it helps to have all the knowledge I learned from ripping apart any saddle that I could to learn from it, and now I hope you will enjoy and benefit by learning from me.
Solving the "Tricky" Fit
Over the years, I have helped many horses and their owners by guiding them towards the correct saddle and model that has the tree that will best benefit them both. It is not easy, and it is not quick. Most of the clients that come to me come so with a "tricky" horse to fit.
Central to my approach is a strong emphasis on tree shape as the foundation of any effective saddle. By understanding saddle tree types and how they align with different horse shapes, owners can make informed choices that benefit their horses' health and performance. Horses depend on us to make the right decisions—let’s be their best advocates.
Over the years, I have helped many horses and their owners by guiding them towards the correct saddle and model that has the tree that will best benefit them both. It is not easy, and it is not quick. Most of the clients that come to me come so with a "tricky" horse to fit.
Central to my approach is a strong emphasis on tree shape as the foundation of any effective saddle. By understanding saddle tree types and how they align with different horse shapes, owners can make informed choices that benefit their horses' health and performance. Horses depend on us to make the right decisions—let’s be their best advocates.
Practical, Horse-Specific Solutions
Having worked hands-on with hundreds of saddles across a wide range of makes and models, I offer practical solutions. These may include panel configuration changes for unique conformations, wool replacement, air-to-wool panel conversions, flocking adjustments, billet replacement, and ongoing saddle-fit consultations and coaching.
I integrate saddle mechanics with evaluation of hoof balance, posture, core strength, and the rider’s ability to achieve and maintain balance. My mission is to educate riders while supporting long-term comfort, soundness, and mobility for their horses.
Having worked hands-on with hundreds of saddles across a wide range of makes and models, I offer practical solutions. These may include panel configuration changes for unique conformations, wool replacement, air-to-wool panel conversions, flocking adjustments, billet replacement, and ongoing saddle-fit consultations and coaching.
I integrate saddle mechanics with evaluation of hoof balance, posture, core strength, and the rider’s ability to achieve and maintain balance. My mission is to educate riders while supporting long-term comfort, soundness, and mobility for their horses.
About Lori Anderson
Lori Anderson, CESMT, is an independent saddle fitter and equine bodywork practitioner based in Wisconsin. She has served the Wisconsin equestrian community since 2005, when Sport Horse Therapeutic Services was established.
Lori helps riders and horse owners understand saddle fit through clear, practical education, offered both in person and through remote consultations. With twenty years of experience, Lori has supported equestrians with comprehensive saddle evaluation, fit-improving customizations, tree and flocking analysis, rider balance assessment, and used-saddle selection.
Her work is informed by advanced training in multiple equine bodywork and saddle-fitting modalities. Her certifications include Equine Sports Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Western and English saddle fitting and flocking, among others. She is committed to continued education to better serve both horse and rider.
Lori is the founder of SaddleFitSolved.com, where she provides individualized diagnostic reports, consultations, free educational resources, and in-depth guides for horse owners seeking clarity in saddle fit, function, and selection.
Lori Anderson, CESMT, is an independent saddle fitter and equine bodywork practitioner based in Wisconsin. She has served the Wisconsin equestrian community since 2005, when Sport Horse Therapeutic Services was established.
Lori helps riders and horse owners understand saddle fit through clear, practical education, offered both in person and through remote consultations. With twenty years of experience, Lori has supported equestrians with comprehensive saddle evaluation, fit-improving customizations, tree and flocking analysis, rider balance assessment, and used-saddle selection.
Her work is informed by advanced training in multiple equine bodywork and saddle-fitting modalities. Her certifications include Equine Sports Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Western and English saddle fitting and flocking, among others. She is committed to continued education to better serve both horse and rider.
Lori is the founder of SaddleFitSolved.com, where she provides individualized diagnostic reports, consultations, free educational resources, and in-depth guides for horse owners seeking clarity in saddle fit, function, and selection.
Get in Touch
Ready to Find the Right Fit?
Whether you are local to Southern Wisconsin or looking for remote guidance from anywhere in the world, I am here to help you navigate the saddle search with confidence.
Location: Waterloo, Wisconsin 53594 (Serving clients locally and globally)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 920-350-5479
Ready to Find the Right Fit?
Whether you are local to Southern Wisconsin or looking for remote guidance from anywhere in the world, I am here to help you navigate the saddle search with confidence.
Location: Waterloo, Wisconsin 53594 (Serving clients locally and globally)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 920-350-5479
Sport Horse Therapeutic Services