Learning from the Experts: Spotlight on Becks Nairn
As a saddle fitter, I believe that the more we understand about the horse beneath the saddle, the better we can serve their comfort and performance. One of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had in my training journey was attending a full horse dissection with Becks Nairn in September 2024.
Who is Becks Nairn?
Becks is an equine anatomist, biomechanics specialist, and educator who is passionate about bringing riders, trainers, vets, and fitters closer to the horse’s true structure. Through dissections, workshops, and teaching, she helps us see beyond the surface — literally — and understand how bone, muscle, ligaments, and fascia work together in movement.
Her ability to explain complex anatomy in a clear, practical way is what makes her teaching so valuable.
👉 You can find out more about Becks and her work here:
Why This Matters for Saddle Fitting
Attending Becks’ dissection completely changed how I view the horse under the saddle. Seeing the muscles of the back, shoulders, and thoracic sling up close made it clear just how much a saddle can influence — positively or negatively — the horse’s ability to move freely.
Some of my key takeaways included:
How delicate and interconnected the thoracic sling really is.
The way different muscles engage to lift the back under the rider’s weight.
Why pressure points on the longissimus or trapezius muscles can cause resistance, tension, or even long-term damage.
This deeper anatomical knowledge feeds directly into every fitting I do. It’s not just about whether the saddle “sits” well — it’s about whether it allows the horse to carry the rider correctly and without restriction.
Final Thoughts
I’m grateful to professionals like Becks Nairn who open the door to a better understanding of the horse beneath the saddle. Her teaching reinforces why saddle fitting isn’t just about tack — it’s about horse welfare, biomechanics, and the partnership between horse and rider.
If you ever get the chance to attend one of her dissections or biomechanics workshops, I’d highly recommend it. The experience will change the way you look at your horse forever.