How to Measure Western Saddles to Fit

A poorly fitting saddle can be very uncomfortable and even harmful to your horse. Likewise, it will make riding less enjoyable for both rider and horse. The proper fit of a saddle is important. Measuring your horse is not very difficult. Making a form to take with you when you shop for a new saddle will make getting the right-sized saddle easier. All you'll need to accomplish this is a flex-i-curve or heavy piece of wire and some cardboard for sketching the form.

Things You'll Need

  • Flex-i-curve (or 1/2-inch coated wire)
  • Cardboard
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Locate your horse's shoulder blades, and using your fingers, measure the thickness of two fingers back. This is where you should be placing your saddle. As such, it's where you want to take your measurement.

    • 2

      Bend the wire across your horse's back. The wire should be approximately two feet long for this. Make sure the wire sits flat across your horse's sides for a proper fit.

    • 3

      Trace this curve onto your piece of cardboard to take with you for fitting the saddle. Cut along the curve so you can more easily slip it inside a saddle to test the fit.

    • 4

      Select a saddle that fits the curve of your form to try out on your horse. Simply slip the cardboard curve under saddles until finding a good match.

    • 5

      Place the saddle on your horse's back, using the regular pad you intend to use. Slip the saddle back until it sits at the proper place behind the shoulders and cinch it as you would for riding.

    • 6

      Check the saddle's fit. See if the saddle is sitting level. Try sliding you hand under the saddle on both sides of the withers to make sure the saddle isn't too tight. Likewise, you should be able to stick a couple of fingers under the saddle horn. Check the back end of the saddle to make sure it doesn't rub against your horse's hip bone.

    • 7

      Test the fit by riding in the saddle or by walking the horse for about five minutes. Pay attention to your horse's behavior. If he acts differently, it could be because the saddle isn't fitting properly. After walking a bit, dismount and repeat the process to check the fit.

    • 8

      Consider how well you fit in the saddle as a final consideration. Was there room for your hand to rest on your thigh between the saddle's pommel and your leg? If your feet weren't in the stirrups, could your legs still hang comfortably? With your feet in the stirrups, did you ride in a natural position?