How to Measure a Western Saddle for Cantle Height

The height of the cantle must be considered when choosing a western saddle. The cantle is the back of the seat of the saddle. It provides support and helps keep the rider in the saddle. The higher the cantle, the greater the security and protection for your back, making saddles with higher cantles well-suited for barrel racing and ranch work. High cantles also encourage proper posture. Lower cantles allow a greater range of movement, necessary for cutting and reining. Cantle height is easily measured with a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Western saddle
  • Saddle stand
  • Straight ruler
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the western saddle on a stable saddle stand.

    • 2

      Use the measuring tape to make a straight line starting at the center of the pommel, under the horn, directly above the hole of the seat, and ending at the top of the cantle, at the stitching in the center of the cantle.

    • 3

      Locate the deepest part of the seat of the saddle.

    • 4

      Use the straight ruler to measure the distance from the deepest part of the seat to the measuring tape. This measurement is the cantle height.