How to Measure Saddle Bars

When referring to measuring the bars of a Western saddle, the actual measurement is taken at the fork. The fork is part of the saddle tree where the bars, or gullet (space between the bars) converge with the horn and form the swell. The saddle tree is the wooden or fiberglass frame over which the saddle is built. The bars of the saddle sit on the horse's withers; therefore, an accurate measurement for the horse in question is essential to a happy horse and safe rider.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle stand or sawbucks
  • Carpenter's square or T-square
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a stand or sawbuck.

    • 2

      Measure across the front, four to six inches from the inside of the swell beneath the horn with your square. Six inches is an average measurement, seven to eight inches is a semi-Quarter Horse bar, and eight to nine inches is a full-Quarter Horse bar.

    • 3

      Check the tree angle at the swell. If you have a good eye, you can estimate, otherwise, put your square to use again. Ninety degrees is average, while a full-Quarter Horse bar will be wider, about 94 degrees.