i'm not sure cuz i use tree-less saddles. get a horse- person out there w/ you who knows this stuff. i don't think the skirt should be raised from the horse's body at all. for western saddle, i think you should not see light, but if english saddle, t...
Could we see a picture of it on your horse? The front of the saddle should not rest on the horses withers, there should be enough space there to get your hand into. After a good sweat up, check and see if there are dry spots where the saddle has been...
They are called breastplates and of course you can use them for English (previous poster). Usually they slide over the neck and the chest band attaches to the girth strap. That will really anchor your saddle better than those that attach to the D rin...