How to Tell What Type of Bars Are on Your Saddle

A properly fitting Western saddle can make a horse's job easier by distributing the rider's weight over the horse's back. To that end, an important element in that correct fit is the saddle's bars, the actual weight-bearing portion of the saddle. These bars run parallel to the horse's back and should keep weight off the animal's spine and withers. You can easily determine the type of bars your saddle has with measurements at the top of the bars.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler or tape measure
  • Saddle rack or stand
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a stand. You will gain a more accurate measurement if the saddle is in a position that more closely parallels the way it sits on the horse.

    • 2

      Locate the top of the bars. This is where the gullet, the raised part of the saddle holding the horn, meets the saddle.

    • 3

      Measure the width of the gullet at the top of the bars. This is approximately at the top of the saddle's front conchoes. This measurement will give the type of bars. The commonly accepted measurements as listed in the Western Saddle Guide are a width of 5 3/4 inches for a saddle with regular Quarter Horse bars, a width of 6 inches for semi-Quarter Horse bars, and a width of 6 1/4 to 6 1/2 inches for full Quarter Horse bars. A measurement of 6 3/4 to 7 inches denotes extra wide Quarter Horse bars. A saddle with Arabian bars will also measure 6 1/4 to 6 3/4 inches although the angle will be much flatter than saddles with Quarter Horse bars.