How to Fit a Western Saddle

Making sure your saddle fits your horse is essential for your piece of mind and to save your horse's backside as well. An ill-fitting saddle will cause saddle sores and back irritation for both you and your horse.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 piece of heavy coated electrical wire, ½-inch wide, 2 inches long.
  • 1 piece of cardboard
  • Western saddle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your horse. To do this you need to find your horse's shoulder blade. Move two fingers behind his shoulder blade. Take your wire and bend it over your horse's back.

    • 2

      Trace the inside of the wire on your piece of cardboard. This is your guide when you go to buy your saddle, or sort through the ones you already have. The form should fit into the saddle and tell you if it will fit your horse's back or not.

    • 3

      Have your horse stand on level ground with the saddle pad you normally use on his back. Place the saddle on the pad, sliding it until it sits naturally behind the shoulder blade.

    • 4

      Test the fit. Slide your hand under the saddle on both sides. If it pinches, it is too tight. Stick a couple fingers under the horn of the saddle; they should fit comfortably. Check your horse's hip, see how far back the saddle sits. There should be enough space between his hip and the end of the saddle so it doesn't rub.

    • 5

      Walk him by hand. Does he nip at his sides? Does he try to buck or kick when you move him into a walk? Double check your fit, as these can be signs of discomfort from the saddle.

    • 6

      Take your horse for a short five-minute ride to judge where the saddle sits after some weight on it. Then check the fit again. Do this at a trot and canter as well, checking the fit after each gait.

    • 7

      Watch your horse's attitude. Does he pin in ears when you shift your weight? Does he swish his tail when you turn? Or hop into the next gait? Any of these is a sign that the saddle is not fitting right. Hop off and check the fit again. In some cases, you may need to remeasure and try another saddle.