How To Measure A Western Saddle To Fit Your Horse

Consider these seat sizes carefully when buying a new saddle. How do you buy a saddle that fits your horse?

Beginner's Guide to Saddle Fit The Horse Redeemer in

There are not any standards or definitions of specific tree sizes, but each saddle builder provides a description to give an idea of the size of horse the tree should fit.

How to measure a western saddle to fit your horse. To get the proper fit, measure the distance from the saddle tree to the horses shoulder to offer adequate protection to the horses back. You measure your western saddles gullet by stretching a tape measure from concho to concho across the front of the saddle directly below the pommel. The main feature of the saddle which dictates whether it will fit your horse or not is the width of the gullet.

Rigging is the method of safely securing your saddle to your horse for a snug fit. If three or more fingers fit, the gullet is too narrow. Stand behind the horse and look through the gullet, or the hollow space over the horses spine, and make sure you can see all the way to the horses.

Cut a sixteen inch piece of stiff wire that can be easily molded to fit your horses shape and retain that shape when removed from the horse. Simply put, you want the bottom of the saddle to match the shape of your horse's back as closely as possible. The bar angle is comparable to the pitch on a barns roof.

Before you try to fit a western saddle, place a saddle pad on the horse's back. Assess your age and demands to pick a seat that fits perfectly to your riding demands. If your legs are longer, you may need a larger seat than your measurement so that your knees dont hit the front fenders.

Your saddle is too narrow if the front of the saddle sits high. Ensure the saddle does not block the horses front shoulder or extend beyond the last rib in their ribcage. Stand your horse straight and square without a saddle with his left side facing you on level ground against a solid background of a contrasting color as shown in the picture below.

The numbers at the front of the card s represent the distance from b to a (just behind the scapula) in this case about 8 1/2 for this horse. How do you size and measure a saddle for proper fit? Place your hand into the space between the saddle and your horses wither, using your fingers to measure the vertical space.

The bars of the tree should lay completely flat on the back without any rocking, says oliver. To measure the post and the cap, use a straight edge to measure from the bottom of the horn to where the cap begins. How do i measure a saddle gullet?

So i thought id make it a little easier for you, and teach you how to measure for a saddle. Even if you have the luxury of an expert to help you fit your saddle, its important to learn how to measure a horse for a saddle. The front of your saddle should be positioned behind your horses shoulder blade, allowing him freedom of movement.

If you can place two or three fingers in between the horses gullet and your horses withers, that means its a good fit. There should be two to three fingers space between the top of the wither and the gullet of the saddle. Step straight back from the middle of the horses left side just far enough that.

Gullet width is only one aspect of tree fit. Place the saddle on the horses bare back without a pad. When it comes to measuring a western saddle seat size, simply measure from the base of the horn to the edge of the cantle.

If you can vertically fit your whole hand between the bottom of the gullet and the wither, the tree is probably too narrow. Gullet width or sometimes referred to as bar spread is the measurement 2 inches below the narrowest part. If fewer than two fingers fit, the gullet is too wide.

My saddle is pinching, i need a wider tree. Coated wires such as romex or soldering wire work well. Sit in a saddle, on a horse, with your legs out of the stirrups, with your upper legs and knees as straight down as possible.

You have some angles that are steep and narrow, while others are flat. To measure a western saddle you should measure the distance between the highest point of the cantle to the top of the gullet. Your saddle fits just right if it sits level on your horses back and the bars of the tree do not pinch.

Its best that you take a step back and take a close look at your horse while he is saddled to determine fit. You have to measure the withers. He wants the saddle skirt to fit close to the horse's back.

Build the saddle fitting measuring tool. To measure for both western and english saddles, evaluate your horses conformation. To help get in that position, over stretch your upper leg way back then relax.

To measure a saddle gullet, do the following. This area is known as the saddle pocket.. To make sure you have the correct size saddle for your horse, place the saddle or saddle tree on your horses back.

Locate the tape marked b, on the rock card you will see a notch cut out of the profile card place that notch on the tape at b. If the bar angle is too wide for the horse, it will pinch at the contact point. Ideally your thighs shouldnt touch the front of the.

Place the saddle tree on your horses back. To narrow down your choices, you will still need some idea of the type, size and construction of the saddle you need. If your horse has a narrow a shape, the saddle may be too wide.

The ideal angle for the bar, when viewed from the front of the horse, should match the slope of the area just behind the horses shoulder. Place it over the wither 2 behind the horses shoulder blade. A saddle is an important part of your riding experience.

Very important is your heels need to be in line with your shoulder! Remember, a good way to figure your western saddle seat size is to take your english saddle seat size and subtract 2. The seat size on a western saddle should be:

Fit the saddle for the horse, fit the saddle for the rider a saddle that doesnt fit you properly will be uncomfortable to ride in and will throw you out of position. The bar angle and rock are also very important to fit. This can be a really challenging process!

The gap should fit no more than two fingers to two and a half fingers. To measure the cap, just measure from one side to the other. Mark the middle of the wire at the 8 inch point with a marker.

Find the card that fits the best. With the saddle on without any pad, you should be able to assess the bars. But, to get the most out of your saddle, you need to find one that fits both you and your horse.

Take a flexible wire that can be bent easily.

Measuring, Describing, and Knowing Your Western Saddle