How to Measure a Western Saddle Fit for a Rider & Horse

When it comes to saddle fit, fit for the rider is important, and fit for the horse is crucial. Measuring your saddle so it fits you gives you a comfortable ride, as well as ensuring that your weight does not cause pressure points under the saddle along the horse's spine or withers. The withers are located at the base of the neck and over the shoulder blades. Fitting for the horse is far more difficult and important to keeping the horse healthy and comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Flexible wire
  • Ruler
  • Cardboard
  • Pencil
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Instructions

  1. The Horse

    • 1

      Cut your selected wire to an approximate 2-foot length. Go ahead and curve it a little in the middle in preparation for putting it over the horse's back.

    • 2

      Find the horse's shoulder blade, the large flat bone high in the shoulder. Having someone stand in front of your horse and pick up and pull its leg forward may help. Measure two finger widths behind the edge of the shoulder blade when the leg is under the horse.

    • 3

      Place the wire at the two-finger-widths point behind the shoulder blade, and begin to work it to match the shape and contour of the horse's back. Do each side separately, and take great care that your mold is accurate.

    • 4

      Lay the finished wire mold on a piece of cardboard, and make a tracing inside it using a pencil. This tracing can be taken with you to a saddle shop and will give an expert saddle fitter a good idea of your horse's needs.

    The Rider

    • 5

      Measure the Western saddle seat size by placing a ruler directly behind the center of the pommel (the front rise of the saddle) and measuring to the center of the cantle (the rise at the back of the seat).

    • 6

      Sit in a saddle either on a horse or on a saddle stand. You should have enough room to rest your hand on your thigh without touching the pommel, and your legs should hang comfortably and at the proper angle for your discipline (equitation, trail riding, gaming). An average saddle seat size is 15 to 16 inches.

    • 7

      Ride in the saddle to make sure it does not cause you any discomfort or soreness.