DK Saddlery — Danny & Crystal Kroetch
Saddle Fitter & Grand Prix Rider Team

Course Length: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

“Rider balance shapes the horse beneath you.”

In this engaging and eye-opening Team Talk, Danny and Crystal Kroetch of DK Saddlery explore the profound influence rider position and saddle fit have on equine movement, comfort, and performance. While no rider intentionally sits out of balance, even small degrees of asymmetry or instability can significantly affect how a horse is able to move, carry weight, and perform.

Drawing from the combined expertise of professional saddle fitting and Grand Prix riding, this session examines how rider balance, weight distribution, and saddle stability work together as a system. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how proper saddle fit can positively influence weight placement, support the rider in motion, and reduce unnecessary strain on the horse’s body.

This webinar breaks down the mechanics behind how a saddle disperses a rider’s weight—both effectively and inefficiently—and how these forces impact the horse’s musculoskeletal system. Attendees will leave with a clearer awareness of their own position in the saddle, how to recognize imbalance, and why addressing these factors is essential for long-term soundness and performance.

This course is ideal for riders of all levels, equine professionals, coaches, trainers, and anyone seeking to improve harmony, balance, and communication between horse and rider.

Key Topics Covered:

✔️ How rider balance directly influences equine movement and performance
✔️ Understanding the impact of small positional asymmetries in the saddle
✔️ The role of correct saddle fit in supporting rider stability
✔️ How saddle design and stability affect weight distribution on the horse
✔️ Positive vs. negative weight dispersal and its effects on the horse’s body
✔️ Recognizing signs of rider imbalance and saddle-related challenges
✔️ Supporting both horse and rider through improved fit and alignment