How to Measure a Saddle

Whether you are having a custom saddle made or are simply purchasing a pre-made saddle from a horse supplier, it is extremely important that you get the right size for you. While the stirrups and belly straps of any saddle can be adjusted to fit your horse, the seat of the saddle must be perfectly fit to you. A few tips can make your new saddle purchase much easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ruler
• Tape measure

1. Find a saddle that you can use for your base measurements. If you love your old saddle but it has seen a few too many horse back rides, you can still use it to make the right measurements. If you do not have your own saddle to take measurements, you can use display saddles in a horse supply store. Even if you don't like the style of the saddle, if the fit is right, you can measure the seat so that you know the measurements you need for your new purchase.
2. Sit in the saddle and lean back. Make sure that you fit snugly into the seat and can still rest your hand on the pommel, or the horn, comfortably. You also want to make sure that there is not too much space, as you do not want to be sliding in the seat while riding your horse.
3. Measure the seat once you have found a comfortable fit. Place a ruler straight up and down, holding the bottom of the ruler at the base of the pommel where it connects to the seat. Hold the ruler in place and stretch a tape measure across the seat to take the measurement.
4. Hold the end of the tape measure at the stitching in the cantle, or the highest point of the saddle's seat back. Extend the tape straight across the seat until it meets the ruler. This number is the measurement you need for your new saddle and will ensure a comfortable ride on your horse.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you do not make the common mistake of measuring from the tip of the pommel, as most pommels lean forward a bit. This measurement will be far too large to be comfortable.