How to Figure Out What Size English Saddle I Need

No matter how frequently or infrequently you ride, you need to make sure your tack fits both your body and your horse. English saddles come in a wide variety of seat sizes, from saddles for small children to ones designed for full figured riders. When choosing a saddle you want to make sure your seat is secure without being cramped.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Saddle stand
  • Measuring tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Review a basic guideline that matches rider height to recommended seat size. Keep in mind, however, that this is only a guideline, and the actual seat size you need might be larger or smaller than the recommendation.

    • 2

      Ride in a friend's saddle if you can. Riding in a friend's saddle will give you a feel for how large or small the seat should be. If you feel a lot of room in the seat as you ride, you need a smaller seat size. If you feel cramped and uncomfortable, a larger seat size is warranted.

    • 3

      Measure the seat size of the saddle you were trying out by placing one end of the tape on the small silver disk at the front of the saddle and extending the tape to the back of the saddle seat. This is the size of the saddle seat.

    • 4

      Visit your local tack shop or saddle maker and try out several of the saddles on display. Make sure each saddle is sitting on a sturdy stand. Choose the saddle that fits your body snugly without causing you to feel cramped. Measure the saddle seat to determine what size saddle you need.