Precision Saddle Fitting
The Dennis Lane System
Every saddle Ben builds starts with the horse, utilizing the Dennis Lane Equine Back Profiling Cards. Created by Australian saddle and treemaker Dennis Lane, this system is the most standardized horseback measuring method worldwide. It is a 5-step process that gives us exact measurements of your horse’s back and type. The resulting data is clear, concise, and easy to interpret.
The Dennis Lane Equine Back Profiling Cards used to determine a horse’s unique type
Imagine the convenience if every saddle adhered to this standard - buying and selling saddles would be simplified, eliminating all guesswork. This system empowers you to understand your horse’s unique conformation, saving you thousands of dollars on misfit saddles and, most importantly, protecting your horse’s health and well-being!
Mapping Your Horse: A 5-Step Process
Shoulder Profile: 12 cards are used directly behind the horse’s scalpula (shoulder blade).
Gravity and Rigging: 12 cards are used at the lowest point of the back, acknowledging the influence of gravity on saddle fit and rigging position.
Saddle Support: 12 cards are taken exactly 9 inches back from the lowest point to define the main saddle bearing area.
Longitudinal Curve: 4 dedicated cards measure the ‘rock’ or longitudinal curvature of the back.
Overall Length: The final step is measuring the horse’s overall saddle-bearing length.
By capturing those detailed data points across the scapula, gravity-line, and back length, we translate 40 individual measurements into a custom fit that respects your horse's natural movement.
Want to see the system at work?
Watch Ben measure a horse with the Dennis Lane cards in this short Facebook video demonstration!
