How do I know my horse saddle size?

It's easy to measure a western saddle's seat size. Use a retractable tape measure. Start the tape measure behind the swell and stretch it across the seat to the front of the cantle. That measurement is the seat size.

What is the D ring on a saddle?

The D rings are not set in any particular place. They're not structural, and they can literally be anywhere at the front. The saddle pictured, for example, has two sets. If the D rings were to be set, for example, just one centimetre lower, this would change the 'd to d' measurement massively...

How do you pick a saddle?

Finding a bike saddle that is the right size for your body mostly has to do with the width of the saddle and how well it supports your ischial tuberosities (sit bones). Generally, you want a saddle that's wide enough for good support, but not so wide that it causes rubbing and chafing.

Is a wider saddle better?

Wider saddles tend to be more comfortable so are good for long rides or leisurely riders where extra weight from more materials isn't an issue. Thinner saddles tend to be better for short efforts – such as racing – where comfort isn't dispensed with entirely but is compromised in favour of other factors.

What's the difference between a western saddle and an English saddle?

An English saddle is much smaller in size and lighter in weight, which allows the rider to get close to their horse and feel its every movement. A Western saddle is larger and heavier, which provides more comfort and stability for long hours over rough terrain.

How to Measure a Horse’s Gullet Size (Without Special Tools)

What happens if a saddle is too wide?

When a saddle is too wide in the front, it can sink down over the withers. This takes the saddle out of balance by making the pommel lower than the cantle, which in turn carries more pressure over the front of the tree (at the withers/shoulders) than a saddle with a properly sized tree.

What size gullet is full QH bars?

Full-Quarter horse bars usually have a 7" gullet. They are designed for mutton-withered horses with broader backs.

What is the tree size on a saddle?

The greater the angle of the bars is, the wider the tree.

A saddle that has full quarter horse bars, also known as a wide tree, generally has a measurement of 90 degrees, plus or minus 3. A very wide tree will have an angle of 94 degrees plus or minus 3. Very wide trees are often used on large horses such as drafts.

How much wider Should your saddle be than your sit bones?

Many suggest adding about 20mm, as signified by the Road Bike Bros above, which would then land you on the ideal saddle. For example, if your sit bones measured 130mm, you add 20mm and voila, a 150mm saddle width will fit perfectly!

What happens if your saddle is too narrow?

If the saddle is too narrow, the pommel will be too high at the front throwing the rider's weight to the rear and putting weight and pressure through the loin area of the horse. The rider will also be unbalanced tipping forward in consequence. The panels (the soft pads under the saddle) will probably also 'bridge.

What makes a good saddle?

Check the quality of leather that the saddle is made from. Look for good-quality leather that is thick and pliable when you touch it and bend it. Avoid saddles that have thin, flimsy leather or have texture similar to cardboard or paper, which is common with cheap saddles.

What height should saddle?

If your saddle height is correct, your heel should just graze the pedal at the bottom of the pedal stroke (in the 6 o'clock position). When riding, if you encounter pain at the front of your knee, raise the saddle slightly. If you have pain in the back of the knee, drop the saddle.

What is double rigging on saddles?

Saddles with this rigging often have a flank cinch, or rear cinch, (called a “double rigging” because the saddle is attached at the front and back) to keep the saddle from tipping forward when traveling downhill or to help distribute the pressure when the rider dallies the rope to stop a steer.

How do I know if my saddle is full or semi bars?

Full quarter horse bars have a wider angle than semi-quarter horse bars. When you are looking at the saddle from the front, a saddle with semi-quarter horse bars will appear to be narrower with a steeper angle created between the skirts and the gullet.

How do I know what size gullet I need?

Place your hand into the space between the saddle and your horse's wither, using your fingers to measure the vertical space. The gap should fit no more than two fingers to two and a half fingers. If three or more fingers fit, the gullet is too narrow. If fewer than two fingers fit, the gullet is too wide.

What size gullet does my horse need?

Semi-Quarter horse bars usually have a 6 1/4" gullet, and Quarter Horse Bars usually have a 6 1/2" to 6 3/4" gullet. Designed to fit the average horse, one of these two widths will fit approximately 80% of horses comfortably. Full-Quarter horse bars usually have a 7" gullet.