How to Measure a Saddle

There are several methods of measuring a saddle, but the basic steps are the same for both types. To determine the correct saddle size, sit in the saddle at an angle to your lower leg and measure from the back of your buttock to the point where your knee meets your seat. Depending on your build, you may need to measure a bit smaller or bigger than what you normally wear. Make sure the measurements are accurate and you have the right measurements before buying a saddle.

Begin by figuring out the horse's shoulder width. A measuring tool about two feet in diameter is enough for a small horse. Measure the horse's legs with a string or 8-inch wire. The center of the measurement should be marked with a pencil. Then, position eight inches of measuring wire to each side, mold it around the horse's withers, and press it down until the line is in contact with the horse's skin.

A general English saddle is made with a cantle (and pommel) that are roughly equal in width. The pommel might be higher than the cantle. It should be able to fit the horse's back evenly. A western saddle is slightly different. The saddle should be two to three fingers wide at your gullet. If it is too narrow, you can try a different type. While English saddles can be more easily fitted, it's important to measure any other types of saddles.

The gullet is a crucial part of the saddle. A wrongly-measured gullet can cause the saddle to slip and roll, hurt the horse's back, or even put the rider off the horse. These are all undesirable outcomes, especially when you live on a busy road. Before purchasing a saddle, measure the horse's gullet. A medium-sized horse will usually need a medium-sized saddle.

First, your child’s thighs. The thigh length should be between ten and eleven inches. The length of your upper leg should be between eleven inches and twelve inches. Once you have determined the thigh measurement of your child, you can measure their height and then use that information to purchase a saddle. The seat width should be approximately one-half to two inches longer than their thigh.

Next, measure the width of your saddle. It is important to measure the width across the entire font of your saddle, aligned with the conchos. This is important as the widths of the saddle bars are indicative of how wide your saddle is. Half-quarter, full Qtr and full Qtr bar widths are 6.5 to 7 inches while draft saddle bars are 8 to 10 inches. The old saddle on right is a quarter into a draft-sized tree. However, the angle of the saddle bars can be seen in the image below.

It is important to consider other dimensions of the saddle in order to ensure a proper fit. When buying a saddle for your child, be mindful of their age. For future use, buy a larger size saddle if your child is just starting to ride. Buy a saddle that can grow with your child if they are growing. You can let your child grow into the saddle as he or she loses weight.