A Conversation with Saddle Fitter Jordan Kopras
Saddle fit, movement, and horse–rider communication
There’s something about horse people–we notice the little things. A pinned ear. A shortened stride. A horse that suddenly doesn’t want to pick up a lead or stay soft through a turn. Sometimes those subtle changes are easy to brush off. Other times, they’re the horse quietly trying to tell us something.
For Jordan Kopras, listening to those whispers became the foundation of her career.
Jordan, owner of Saddles in Motion, has been involved with horses for more than 38 years. Growing up near Stillwater, she started riding at just 3 years old and has spent decades in both English and Western disciplines.
“I’ve always paid attention to horse behavior,” Jordan explained. “Especially the subtle changes that happen under saddle.”
That curiosity started early. While riding in a jumping barn as a young rider, Jordan remembers one particular horse who struggled every time he was saddled. The trainer dismissed it as behavior, but Jordan couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to the story.
Years later, while barrel racing, she experienced it firsthand with her own horse.
“My horse was winning, but she kept having intermittent lameness issues,” Jordan recalled. “We did testing through the University of Minnesota, gave her six months of rest, and still couldn’t fully solve it.”
That search for answers eventually led her to saddle fitting.
Working alongside mentor Tina Fox, studying videos, and evaluating saddle fit opened Jordan’s eyes to how much discomfort a poorly fitting saddle can create. In her horse’s case, the saddle was pinching, creating problems that looked like training or soundness issues.
That experience changed everything.
Today, Jordan is an independent saddle fitter serving clients throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. What makes her approach unique is that she doesn’t represent a specific saddle brand.
Instead, her focus stays where she believes it belongs: on the horse.
“When it comes to saddle fit, the horse gets an opinion too,” she said.
Jordan explains that every saddle brand is built differently, with varying tree designs, shoulder angles, and fit profiles. A saddle that works beautifully for one horse may create pressure and restriction for another.
And horses often communicate discomfort long before it becomes a major issue.
Jordan explained that signs of saddle discomfort are often subtle at first–things like struggling with lead changes, tripping, elevated head carriage, flared nostrils, resistance under saddle, pacing, or suddenly becoming difficult in situations where the horse was previously comfortable.
Then she shared a line that really stuck with me:
“The horse often whispers before they scream. It’s up to us to listen.”
More Than a Fit: Understanding Your Horse’s Saddle Needs
Jordan’s professional saddle fittings are detailed and horse-centered. Her evaluations typically take about an hour and include both static and dynamic assessments when appropriate. More importantly, riders leave with what Jordan describes as a “tool kit” for future saddle shopping. It provides better understanding of their horse’s anatomy, the measurements that matter, and the knowledge to recognize what will and won’t work for their horse moving forward.
She measures:
- Gullet width
- Shoulder angle
- Wither angle
- Back length
- Girth circumference
- Right-to-left imbalances
- Rider seat size
- Saddle support area and back profile
If a saddle doesn’t fit safely during the static evaluation, the dynamic portion isn’t completed.
Rather than selling a specific product, Jordan provides riders with measurements, anatomy-based recommendations, and guidance on what saddle designs may work best for their horse.
“I don’t push any brand,” she explained. “I guide riders based on anatomy, physiology, and what I’ve seen work with certain horses.”
She’s also seeing positive changes within the horse industry itself. Riders are becoming more educated and asking better questions about saddle construction, tree design, and fit.
According to Jordan, some saddle makers are even becoming more transparent — occasionally sending tree information or allowing fitters to evaluate the tree itself against the horse’s back profile and saddle support area.
And while technology continues to evolve, Jordan believes hands-on experience still matters.
“AI offers great tools,” she said, “but it doesn’t replace the need for a knowledgeable saddle fitter.”
In addition to saddle fitting, Jordan also offers full flocking replacement services using 100% natural wool, including foam-to-wool conversions. Saddles receive a full inspection and fit evaluation before and after reflocking to help ensure optimal balance and comfort for both horse and rider.
At the heart of it all, Jordan’s work comes back to something simple: paying attention to the horse in front of you.
Because sometimes the smallest changes tell the biggest story.
Upcoming Saddle Fitting Clinic
Jordan will also be hosting a saddle fitting clinic June 15–16 at KR Acres in Hill City. Riders can book professional saddle fitting or recheck appointments with Jordan Kopras and learn more about how proper saddle fit impacts comfort, movement, and performance.
📍 KR Acres
33528 State Highway 200
Hill City 55748
📅 Reserve your spot here:
Schedule Appointment
The clinic is a great opportunity for horse owners to evaluate how their current saddle is working for their horse and address subtle comfort or performance issues before they become bigger problems. Jordan works one-on-one with riders to explain saddle shape, pad selection, cinch placement, and overall balance. Even horses that have been fitted previously can benefit from a recheck, as body condition and workload can change saddle fit over time.
Contact Jordan
For more information about saddle fitting services, flocking replacement, or upcoming clinics, contact Jordan Kopras at [email protected].
Website: saddlesinmotion.com
Facebook: Saddles in Motion