How to Convert English to Western Girth

Horse saddle manufacturers in different parts of the world use different sizes. Typically, a horse will wear a western size that is 8 to 16 sizes smaller than his English size. Saddle size measurements are always a guide. Different saddle brands fit slightly differently and your horse may prefer a saddle that is a size or two larger or smaller than the guide suggests. You may have to try several different brands of saddles before deciding on the perfect saddle.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

  1. Determine the English Girth

    • 1

      Measure your horse's body. Place a tape measure over the place where the horse's neck and back meet and wrap the tape around the horse's body so that both ends of the tape measure touch.

    • 2

      Pull the tape taught. Mark the measurement.

    • 3

      Divide the measurement by two and subtract by 3 to find the English girth. For example, if your horse's measurement was 70, the girth would be (70/2) - 3, or 32.

    Convert

    • 4

      Measure your horse's height. Place a tape measure along the place where the horses neck and body meet.

    • 5

      Pull the tape measure to the ground. Make a note of this measurement. Divide this number, in inches, by 4 to determine the height of your horse in "hands." Most horses are between 13 and 17 hands.

    • 6

      Convert the English girth saddle size to the western saddle size. For a horse that is smaller than 14H, subtract 8 from the English size (38) to find the western size (30). For a horse that is between 14 and 15H, subtract 10 to find the western size. For a horse that is between 15 and 16H, subtract 14. For a horse that is between 16 and 17H, subtract 16.