How to Measure Western Saddle Seat Size

Riding Western style is a tradition that dates back to the cowboys of the Old West and beyond. A Western saddle is identifiable by a horn that rises up in the front, and a high back called a cantle. Riding in a properly fitted Western saddle can be a very comfortable and relaxing experience. But if your saddle is too small, it can rub and be painful. If your saddle is too big, you might slight around in your seat. There is a simple way to pick the right saddle size.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Go to a tack store and sit in a few saddles that fall into your size range. You can figure out this range by following this formula: a child should use a 12- to 13-inch saddle, a small adult should use a 14-inch saddle, an average adult should use a 15-inch saddle, a large adult should use a 16-inch saddle, and an extra large adult should use a 17-inch saddle.

    • 2

      Measure the room in front of you. There should be three to five inches between your body and the fork, or the area below the saddle horn.

    • 3

      Feel behind you and see if you rump is up against the cantle, or the back of the saddle. You should be resting against it comfortably, but not pressing hard into it or spilling over top of it.

    • 4

      Shift around in the saddles you try and make sure that they feel comfortable, above all else.