How Do I Know What Size Australian Saddle to Buy?

Many riders like the security of a traditional Western saddle, but not the weight. On the other hand, many English riders would like the ability to attach saddle bags and other items for those long trail rides without sacrificing the freedom of movement that an English saddle provides. An Australian saddle can provide the best of both worlds, combining the comfort and security of the traditional Western saddle with the light weight and freedom of the English saddle.

  1. Try Several Saddles

    • While there are some guidelines you can use to choose the best Australian saddle for your size and body type, the best way to tell if your saddle fits properly is to sit on the saddle and try it out. If you have a saddle maker or tack shop in your town, visit the shop and try out several saddles. Australian saddles fit a bit differently than either English or Western saddles, so it might take a little while to get used to these differences. English riders will need to get used to the swell on the saddle and the presence of the saddle horn, while Western riders will need to get used to the different-style seat.

    Ride in a Friend's Saddle

    • If a friend has an Australian saddle, ride in it a few times to see how it fits. A properly fitted Australian saddle should have a seat that feels secure but not confining. If you feel that your seat is loose in the saddle, the seat size is too large for your body. If the seat begins to become uncomfortable after only a few minutes of riding, it probably is too small. To measure the seat on an Australian saddle, place your tape measure on the saddle horn and extend it to the back of the saddle seat.

    Pants-Size Guidelines

    • If you do not have access to either a local tack shop or a friend's Australian saddle, there are some basic guidelines you can use to make sure you get the right size saddle for your size and body type. You will need to know your normal pants size. For instance, if you wear a ladies 4/6 and weigh less than 120 pounds, a 15-inch Australian saddle should fit you properly. Women who wear a 6/8 and weigh up to 140 pounds need a 16-inch seat size, while those who wear a 10/12 and weigh up to 160 pounds would be better off with a 17-inch Australian saddle. Ladies with a pants size of 14/16 who weigh up to 180 pounds need an 18-inch saddle.

      The guidelines are similar for men, with a 28- to 32-inch pants size working out to a 15-inch seat, a 32- to 34-inch size to a 16-inch seat, a size of 34 to 36 inches to a 17-inch seat size, a 36- to 38-inch size equivalent to an 18-inch saddle and a 38- to 40-inch pant size needing a 19-inch saddle seat.