Why use a crupper on a riding saddle?
The main job of a crupper is to steady the saddle when the horse's conformation or the discipline you ride makes it likely to slip forward. Horses and ponies with flat withers, a rounded back or a girth groove set far forward are particularly prone to this. On descents, on the flat or over fences, a saddle that creeps forward can restrict the shoulders and press on the withers.
This piece of tack consists of a main strap attached to the cantle and a dock piece that sits under the tail. It works in several ways:
- Saddle stability: it stops the saddle moving up towards the neck, helping the rider stay balanced.
- Free shoulders: by keeping the tree in its place, it stops the panels from restricting the movement of the forehand.
- Back comfort: it reduces the repeated rubbing caused by a saddle that moves forward during the ride.
How do you choose a crupper to suit your saddle and the way you ride?
The right crupper depends on your discipline, your horse's conformation and the type of saddle you use. Each type of riding needs suitable tack to keep the horse safe and comfortable at work.
- For classic, general-purpose riding: the HARRY'S HORSE Adjustable Crupper lets you set the length precisely to suit your horse's size. The NORTON CLUB Crupper is also a simple, tried-and-tested way to keep the saddle steady day to day.
- For traditional Camargue riding: the ACAMPADO Traditional Lined Camargue Crupper meets the demands of traditional tack and suits the saddles used in this working style of riding.
- For outdoor and working riding: the NORTON PRO crupper for RANDOL'S Stock saddles is designed to fit Australian and trekking saddles directly.
Each model has its own features, set out in the product description. If you are unsure which to choose, our BPJEPS-qualified instructor can advise you by phone and email and point you to the most suitable item.
How do you fit a crupper when the saddle has no ring?
To attach a crupper, the saddle should ideally have a D-ring fixed at the centre of the cantle. However, many jumping, dressage and general-purpose saddles have no metal ring at the back of the tree.
You do not need to modify your saddle. There are simple ways to attach your crupper:
- Fixing to a fitted ring: if the saddle already has a rear ring, the strap attaches to it directly with a snap hook or a buckled loop.
- Using an adapter: the NORTON CLUB Removable Crupper Attachment slides under the panels at the back of the saddle to create a secure, discreet anchor point, without drilling or altering your saddle.
Once the anchor point is in place, always adjust the strap so it is not too tight, to keep your horse comfortable.