The saddle-fit process is based on many things. The photo at left illustrates points of measurement for a set of  templates, that creates an objective assessment of a specific saddle for a specific horse. The first point ("X") behind shoulder blade or scapula corresponds to the correct point of contact for the point of the tree in the saddle. From that point the slope off the center of the back or spine (spinous processes) is delineated at 4-inch intervals. This concludes 16 inches from the wither tracing ("X").  Templates are made at the 4-inch intervals, along with a template the length of the back (See photos below).  These are then used to compare individual saddles for adequate fit along the entire length of the back, not just at the withers.The sixth template is a single "rocker" template that runs in a head-to-tail direction down the back, to show whether or not a saddle would tend to "bridge" across the back (last photo below).   Bridging can create painful (bruising) pressure points at the four corners of a saddle, if left unchecked.    Photo on right shows a plaster-casted molding of the same region. This proves invaluable when facilitating a custom saddle-fit for a saddlemaker over the miles, so that a 3-D model is available. This cast can be set on a saddle stand and saddle placed on it. This along with photos of the horse and the 2-D templates allows more than enough objective data to insure the recommendation of the saddle is correct. (see testimonials for results of this method).