NEWS

Before you buy a new seat, measure your leg. If your leg length is less than 16 inches, a 16 inch saddle is recommended. A longer leg length should not exceed 17 inches. A 17-inch saddle is possible for those with a longer leg. A larger size seat should be between 18-19inches. Remember, the saddle pad must be at least one inch larger than its size.

Before you buy a saddle, measure your horse. A standard size will fit an average-sized horse. You may need a bigger saddle for a larger horse. The breed of horse will also affect the size of your saddle's gullet. For example, an Arabian's back is narrower than that of a Thoroughbred. For an exact measurement, consult your trainer.

First, determine the horse's conformation to find the right size saddle. It is important to scan your horse from side to side, as well as from the front. Extra padding may be required for horses with narrower withers. A shoulder bridge pad can be purchased to ensure a perfect fit. A medium-to large tree is sufficient for horses with average to wide withers. A horse with average or flat miters will need a larger tree.

If you are in between two sizes, consider going up a size. Most saddles have 17-inch seats. These can make saddles uncomfortable. You should also consider the type of riding you'll be doing. Saddles made for leisure riding may be shorter and more comfortable than those used for barrel racing or ranch work. If you're not sure, take the same measurements for men.

Western saddles can have different sizes of the seat. The Western saddle seat is approximately four inches longer than an average adult saddle. If you're too tall, you might need to go up a size. A shorter rider might require a larger seat or vice versa. The size of your saddle will depend on your weight, height, and other factors. Before you buy a saddle for your horse, you'll need to measure and weigh yourself.

You can try on several saddles to determine which one fits your thighbone. The seat size of a Western saddle is usually one to two inches smaller than the English. If in doubt, increase a size. A good rule of thumb is to measure at the saddle's nail. This nail is located at the top. The saddle's highest point is the seat size.