How to Tell Saddle Seat Size

For the best ride on a horse, you must have a saddle that fits the horse and your body, too. Seat size makes a big difference in a saddle's fit--a saddle that is too small will pitch your lower leg back and your upper body forward, and a saddle that is too large will make it difficult to maintain a solid, centered position. You can take simple measurements to determine the seat size of any English or Western saddle. These measurements will help you determine if the saddle properly fits your body.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth measuring tape
  • Saddle stand or sawhorse
  • Saddle to be measured
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on the stand or sawhorse so the pommel (front of the seat) and the cantle (back of the seat) are level.

    • 2

      If you are measuring an English saddle, place one end of the measuring tape on either of the rivets on the pommel. If you are measuring a Western saddle, place one end of the tape at the base of the horn.

    • 3

      Run the measuring tape across the seat to the center of the cantle.