How to Buy a Western Saddle

Fit the saddle to the horse, not the horse to the saddle.

Things You'll Need

• 8-foot Lead Rope
• Western Saddles
• Halter
• Saddle Pads

Instructions

1. Know that horses come in all shapes and sizes. You'll need to find a saddle that properly fits your horse. It's best to bring your horse to a saddlery so you can fit several saddles at a time.

2. Select a saddle that fits snugly over the horse's withers, shoulders and back without digging in.

3. Set the saddle on top of a saddle pad without snugging the cinch down. There should be no gaps around the entire skirt of the saddle.

4. Tighten down the cinch to secure the saddle to the horse.

5. Slide your hand in between the horse and the saddle pad. You should be able to move your fingers all the way around the saddle without forcing it.

6. Look to see that the saddle doesn't hit the horse's withers.

7. Choose a saddle that fits properly over a saddle that doesn't fit as well but is designed for the type of riding you'll be doing. Fit comes before function.

Tips & Warnings

• Most saddle shops will let you pay for a saddle and take it home for a day or so to try it out before they spend your money.

• Don't buy a saddle and then try to find a horse that fits it.

• Saddles that fit improperly may create small patches of white hairs where the saddle rubs the horse, typically near the withers or scapula.