How Do You Determine Saddle Seat Size?
The saddle was developed as a means to increase the security and comfort of the horseback rider. It has developed to include versions of the western stock saddle, the European or “English” flat-saddle and the Australian stock saddle, as well as lesser known cultural variations. Regardless of the style of saddle used, the key to maximum security and comfort for the rider is using the correct size of saddle seat. In the stock saddle, where a rider may be riding a horse that is “cold-backed” or prone to buck, this is especially critical. Determine the height of the cantle. This is the large, dished projection at the rear of the saddle seat. It is designed to keep the rider in the seat. Your cantle height will depend on the riding purpose. Many rodeo timed-event athletes such as tie-down calf-ropers and steer-wrestlers, or “bull-doggers,” will prefer a very low cantle that allows them to exit the saddle safely while the horse is still moving at high speed. For the bronc rider or working ra
