How does saddle sizing work

Saddle seat size affects your comfort level, ability to move and your effectiveness in your riding. Ignore the seat size measurement of the saddle, and work with what actually fits your body.

Every manufacturer's saddle sizing will feel different between models of saddles. Most saddles require that you fit between three to four fingers or a hand's width behind your bottom and the tip of the cantle.

If you feel confined in a deep seated saddle, then try the next seat size up. Flap length , as described previously, is less important than the way the flap shape complements the angle of your leg.

As a very general guideline, the flap will fall only about a third of the way down your calf. The goal in determining flap length is to avoid having the edge of the saddle flap interfere with the top of your tall boot or half chap. Riding style , your own personal preference for any one factor of the saddle and your position as determined by your unique physical build is always important. For some riders, having two fingers behind their bottom and the cantle is sufficient as they prefer a snug seat.

Others prefer a roomier feel in the seat. Tip: The saddle seat size of an English saddle is measured in inches from either of the nail heads or brads on each side of the pommel to the middle of the cantle.

Twist width is usually a fairly personal choice, too, though the twist is an aspect of saddle design that is supposed to accommodate the horse's shape more than the rider's. The front of any saddle tree has a steep angle to accommodate the horse's withers, while the back of the tree has a flatter angle to accommodate a horse's back. The twist occurs where the bars of the tree "twist" to form the transition between the front and back of the tree. The twist is located behind the pommel and at the front of the actual seat, as illustrated in the next two photos.

The area of the twist on this saddle tree is outlined in blue. The width of the strip of leather over the twist is not necessarily indicative of the width of the twist. The area of the twist on this saddle is highlighted between the orange lines. When you try a saddle, if you feel as though you are sitting on a wide board, then the twist is too wide. The potential problem with riding in a saddle with a twist that is too wide for your build is that it could force you into a chair seat position.

A twist that is appropriately narrow for you will allow your legs to hang down loosely on either side of the saddle. If a twist is too narrow for you, you may feel that your thighs are not being supported. This photo shows a very good fit of jumping saddle for this rider.

Note how the shape of the flap complements the natural position of the rider's leg. Her knee hits at the point of the flap with exactly two fingers to spare. The saddle flap is long enough so that its bottom edge will not interfere with the top of her boot, yet she has plenty of calf area exposed for riding. The saddle seat size is to her liking for jumping; she can fit exactly four fingers behind her seat and the cantle. This photo shows the same rider in a dressage saddle that fits her nicely.

Note how the shape of the long flap and the placement of the thigh block complement the shape of her leg. The flap length is excellent and to her liking as the top of her boot will not interfere with the edge of the saddle flap. She can sit deeply in the saddle, fitting three fingers behind her seat and the cantle. Tip: Some saddle manufacturers offer saddles that have removable or adjustable thigh or knee blocks. These may be an excellent option if you don't like blocks or need to adjust them due to your changing riding position.

Shipping to the 48 Contiguous U. This option is only available on orders which weigh less than 0. Not available for shipments to P. If you need an expedited order between pm ET, please call customer service. These orders typically ship within hours of the order being placed. Click here to see all our shipping information including international and non-contiguous states. Sit in the same size of a variety of different styles and brands of saddles and you'll find significant differences in the fit.

There are a number of measurements in addition to seat size that impacts the fit of a western saddle. These include:.

Each of these features can affect the way a saddle fits a rider. Unfortunately, none of these other measurements are standardized or published in a saddle's measurements. So, when shopping for a western saddle, the only way to determine fit is to sit in each saddle. Only then will you know if the saddle is a good fit for you. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Many riders also have underlying issues in their riding that are responsible for their horses back pain, but they mistake these issues for a problem with saddle fit. Sitting too far back or too far forward in the saddle can put uneven pressure on the horses back and cause discomfort. Always consider your position before concluding that a saddle doesn't fit.

To start, you can choose from a leather or synthetic western saddle. Leather is the classical and durable option that has been used by riders for hundreds of years.

If you properly care for your leather saddle it will last for years. However, synthetic saddles are cheaper, lightweight, easy to clean, and look almost identical to their leather counterparts. Next, there are lots of different western saddles types to pick from.

Consider the type of riding you want to do with your horse and choose the saddle type that best meets your needs. Western Trail Saddle: These saddles are typically used for trail riding as they are lightweight, padded, and can be used for hours.

These saddles have round skirts which help the horse move with ease under the saddle, wide stirrups to provide the rider with comfort, and a cantle of medium height to give the rider more support during their rides. Western Youth Saddles: These are smaller sized western saddles specifically designed for children. Western Work Saddles: These saddles are designed to be used for ranch work and riding on trails.

They are padded, durable, and perfect working and riding on rough terrain. Western Ranch Saddles: These saddles are used for horses who work long hours on ranches. They are very comfortable with a hard, deep seat and a high cantle. They are also heavy weight and have a strong structure to accommodate for the long hours of use.

Ranch saddles also have high and thick horns that riders use for roping and dallying, and the saddle has double rigging for security. Additionally, they come with saddle strings so riders can easily attach saddle bags and other equipment they might need to their saddle.

Western Reining Saddles: Reining saddles cater specifically to an event called reining, which is popular in the west. Shorter skirts also allow the rider to be more in contact with the horse while they ride.

Reining saddles also have thinner fenders, and a lower seat to increase the mobility of the horse during the competition. Western Endurance Saddles: These saddles are specifically designed for endurance races which can be anywhere from miles long.

They are engineered to be lightweight and comfortable. Most Endurance saddles have extra padding on the seat and stirrups to increase the comfort of the rider during these events. They also come with d-rings and strings to allow the rider to attach saddle bags and other equipment necessary for their ride. They usually have a very short horn or no horn to prevent the horn from stabbing the rider in the stomach. Centerfire rigging is also used on this saddle to keep it from tipping forward.

Western Show Saddles: These saddles are primarily used for showing, and usually feature beautiful eye-catching designs and patterns. These saddles have a lower cantle to aid with mounting and dismounting, and a longer skirt to make room for more fancy saddle designs. Western Barrel Racing Saddles: These saddles are specifically made for barrel races, gymkhana events, and horse training. Barrel racing saddles are the smallest and lightest of all the adult western saddles as they are made to encourage speed and free movement of the horse.

Barrel racing saddles also have short skirts and single rigging to allow the horse to bend freely around obstacles. These saddles also use a roughout seat to give riders more grip during the event.