Western Saddle Seat Size – – What Size Do I Need?
What size of Western saddle will you need? Well, that depends. Not the answer you wanted to hear, right? Let’s explain why this seemingly simple question isn’t so straightforward. First, start with some general rules of thumb for proper western saddle fit for the rider: • Keep in mind that Western saddle seat size refers to rider fit and has nothing to do with how the saddle fits the horse • There should be approximately four inches between the front of your body and the fork (or swells). • Your rump should rest on the base of the cantle, but should not be pressed against the back of the cantle. • Some prefer a tighter fit, some looser. In general, its better to have a saddle a smidge too big than a smidge too small. All western saddles come with a stated seat size. Seat size simply measures the distance from the base of the horn to the top middle of the cantle. This distance is then expressed as a size in half-inch increments from 12 inches to 17 inches. The following will give you a
What size of Western saddle seat will you need? Well, that depends. Not the answer you wanted to hear, right? Let’s explain why this seemingly simple question isn’t so straightforward. First, start with some general rules of thumb for proper western saddle seat size for the rider: • Keep in mind that Western saddle seat size refers to rider fit and has nothing to do with how the saddle fits the horse • There should be approximately four inches between the front of your body and the fork (or swells). • Your rump should rest on the base of the cantle, but should not be pressed against the back of the cantle. • Some prefer a tighter fit, some looser. In general, its better to have a saddle a smidge too big than a smidge too small. All western saddles come with a stated seat size. Seat size simply measures the distance from the base of the horn to the top middle of the cantle. This distance is then expressed as a size in half-inch increments
