What adjustment should be made if the saddle has its balance shifted in the cantle?

When the balance of the saddle is shifted toward the cantle, it indicates that the back of the saddle is sitting higher than the front. This can negatively impact the rider's position and the horse's movement. Adding a riser or bump pad at the front of the saddle helps to elevate that area, thereby redistributing the weight and restoring the proper balance. This adjustment is crucial for ensuring that the saddle fits properly and functions optimally, facilitating both comfort and performance for the horse and rider.

Using a riser maintains the security of the saddle's fit without needing to completely change the saddle structure or adjust stirrup lengths. It directly addresses the issue of balance, enhancing the overall riding experience. Other adjustments, such as changing the saddle tree size or lowering the stirrups, do not specifically target the cantle's imbalance and could potentially introduce new fitting issues. Similarly, repositioning the girth might alter saddle placement but wouldn't effectively correct the cantle's excessive height. Thus, the addition of a riser or bump pad is the most effective and immediate solution to correct a saddle that has an imbalance at the cantle.