How to Measure a Western Saddle Pad

You need to have the appropriate size of saddle pad for your saddle, otherwise the pad won't do what it was designed to: protect your horse's back and your saddle from each other. Most western saddle pads measure 32 inches by 32 inches. However, with the popularity of oversized saddle skirts in western saddles, some saddle pads now measure even larger, such as 34 inches by 36 inches.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

  1. Measuring for Appropriate Saddle Pad Fit

    • 1

      Measure for width across your saddle at the widest part, and at the middle of the saddle for the length.

    • 2

      Add 4 inches to both measurements to get the minimum length and width you'll need for your pad.

    • 3

      Measure the width and length of a pad you already own to find out if it is a good size for your saddle by measuring along the pad's side to get the length, and along the front or back end of the pad to get the width.

    • 4

      Determine the thickness of the pad by measuring the depth of the material from top to bottom.