How to Measure an English Saddle Tree Width

A rider can determine the exact width of the saddle tree of a fully assembled English saddle only by relying on manufacturer documentation or markings on the saddle. Additionally, different English saddle manufacturers use different designations for saddle width measurements; the width of the same size saddle tree can have a different measurement designation between two different manufacturers. A rider can, however, determine the width of saddle tree needed on a particular horse and determine if a particular saddle comes close to fitting this requirement.

Things You'll Need

  • Manufacturer documentation
  • Measuring device to measure across a horse's back
  • Paper and pencil
  • Access to a saddle shop
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Instructions

  1. Baseline

    • 1

      Determine the width of the saddle tree you need for an English saddle by making a template of your horse's withers -- the ridge between the shoulder bones. Do this by placing a bent wire or a flexicurve tool over the horse's back at the point just rear of the withers where the front of the saddle will rest. Ensure that the measuring tool rests firmly against the horse.

    • 2

      Mark off the width of your horse's back on this measuring instrument by marking where the horse's back begins to slope off on each side. Write this measurement down to provide to your saddler.

    • 3

      Determine, in consultation with your saddle shop, the type of English saddle you require, such as dressage, all-purpose or eventing. Include, if possible, the manufacturer of the saddle type you intend to purchase. The more common sizing designations for an English saddle tree use "N" for narrow, "M" for medium, "W" for wide, and "XW" for extra wide. However, English saddle tree manufacturers use the numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5 to correspond to the width designations. Additionally, other manufacturers use centimeter measurements, applying centimeters in different ways.