English Saddle Sizing Information

Range of Sizes

• With the exception of saddle-seat saddles, which are also known as cutback saddles, English saddles generally measure from 14 to 19 inches. Saddle-seat saddle sizes run larger, usually from 17 to 22 inches. Saddle size equates to measurement in inches. Saddles are made in inch and half-inch sizes, much in the same way as shoes sized for people. Measures from the saddle nail (or brad) at the side of the pommel upward and back to the back of the cantle.

Different Types of English Saddle and Effect on Measurement

• Generally, the proper-sized English saddle will, with the exception of saddle-seat saddles, remain fairly consistent among the different styles of English saddle such as Eventing, Dressage and Hunt. However, riders will find that certain styles feel roomier than others in the same size designation. Endurance saddles, for instance, will feel more spacious in the same size than most other saddle styles.

Considerations

• In determining the correct English saddle size for a particular horse and rider, there are three primary considerations and one secondary consideration. The first consideration is the fit of the saddle to the horse. There are also two sizing measurements with regard to the rider: the fit of the rider in the seat of the saddle and the fit with reference to the measurement of the rider's leg in relation to the saddle. The final possible consideration is for the rider who already rides using a well-fitted Western saddle. For most types of English saddle, a good guideline is that for the same rider an English saddle is likely to be about two sizes larger than a well-fitted Western saddle for the same rider. For example, a rider using a size 17 Western saddle will probably find a good fit with a size 19 English saddle, plus or minus a half-size variation.

Fitting the Saddle to the Horse

• An important consideration in determining the correct size of an English saddle is how it fits the horse. Some considerations include clearance of the horse's withers, shoulders and above the spine; a size that is not so large as to have the rear of the saddle rest farther back than the horse's last rib; and sufficient width across the horse's back so as not to crowd or pinch about the horse's spine.

Determining Size: The Rider's Fit to the Saddle's Seat

• When a rider is sitting comfortably in the saddle, she should find clearance room both forward to the pommel and back to the cantle. In most seat styles, the clearance will be 1½ to 2 times more forward to the pommel than back to the cantle, although some riders prefer to be nearly centrally seated. The rider should take her seat position preference into account. Generally, a good clearance back to the cantle is the width of two to four fingers depending on how centrally located a rider prefers to sit in the saddle.

Determining Appropriate Saddle Size: Length of the Rider's Thigh

• The length of the rider's upper leg, when calculated while seated with the upper and lower leg at right angles to each other, also factors into the determination of the appropriate size of an English saddle. Riders can find charts of suggested saddle sizes based on this measurement, such as the one at the CrazyHorseTack.com website.