Before you purchase a new saddle, measure your leg length and seat measurement.
A 16-inch size saddle will be sufficient if you have a short leg.
A longer leg should not exceed 17 inches. You can get a 17-inch saddle if you have a longer legs.
A larger seat should be between 18-19 inches.
Remember, the saddle pad must be at least one inch larger
than its size.
Before buying a saddle, you need to determine the horse's size.
A standard-sized saddle will fit an average-sized pony.
For larger horses, a saddle may have a wider gullet.
Your horse's breed can also influence the size of your saddle's mouth.
For example, the back of an Arabian horse is shorter than that of a Thoroughbred.
Consult your trainer to get an exact measurement.
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 behind the saddle bars may be necessary for horses
with narrower shoulders. 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 withers needs
a wider tree.
If you're between two sizes go up. Most saddles are available in 17-inch sizes.
Smaller saddles can cause discomfort. Consider the
type of riding that 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 are unsure, measure the same as men.
Western saddles have different seat sizes. The Western saddle
seat size measures approximately four inches wider
than an average adult saddle. If you are too tall, you
may need to change your size. A short rider might need a larger seat, or vice versa.
Depending on your weight and height, the right saddle size will fit you
comfortably. Before buying a saddle, you will need to
measure your height.
If you are unsure about your thighbone measurements, you can try
on a few saddles to find the one that best fits your thigh bone.
English saddles are typically one to two inches smaller.
If in doubt, increase a size. A good rule of thumb is to measure at the saddle's nail.
This nail is located near top of the saddle. The seat size is the high point of the saddle's cantle.
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