For your horse, a saddle is a necessary piece of equipment. It keeps him at ease while assisting you in maintaining the proper riding position. Both you and your horse may experience issues if your saddle does not fit properly. Read more on how to know what size saddle my horse needs.
READ MORE:
- How To Tell If A Western Saddle Fits A Horse
- How To Saddle A Horse English Style
- How To Clean A Horse Saddle
Gullet Width
The saddle’s gullet, which runs down the center, gives your horse’s spine room to move. Using a measuring tape or ruler, measure the interior of the gullet where it joins to the pommel from one side to the other to determine the gullet’s breadth.
Your saddle’s gullet should not be too tiny to avoid putting undue strain on your horse’s back. A saddle that has a too-large gullet can shift from side to side, which is uncomfortable for your horse as well. To ensure that your saddle fits properly and that your horse is comfortable, you must have a gullet that is the right size.
Cantle Height
You’ll need a ruler or tape measure to determine the saddle’s cantle height. Lay a straight edge first, spanning the tops of the pommel and cantle. Next, find the distance between the straight edge and the seat’s deepest area. You’ll learn your cantle height from this.
A cantle typically stands about 3.5 inches tall. Look for a saddle with a taller cantle if you need additional support or more room to attach a cantle bag. Select a saddle with a shorter cantle height if you want less support.
Saddle Length
A saddle’s bars and skirts shouldn’t touch your horse’s last rib or its haunches, respectively. Western saddles typically have a 16-inch seat height and skirts that are about 26 inches long.
Seat Size
If the seat is unusually wide, you might slide back and forth and lose some of your control over the horse. When selecting the seat size for your Western saddle, there are a few factors to take into account. You should select a higher seat size if your lower body is thick. Even if you are tall and slim, you should be able to squeeze into a smaller seat size.
A deep seat might be more appropriate if you want to use the saddle for ranch work or barrel racing, while a shallow seat might be more pleasant if you plan to do a lot of relaxed trail riding.
Saddle Size
Sit in various saddles to test them out; your backside should softly rest against the lower cantel, your thighs should be only about a finger’s width from the swells, and your body should be four inches from the horn.
Most saddles come with seats that measure 16 inches, 17 inches, 18 inches, and 19 inches. Measure the distance between the cantle seam and the back of the pommel to estimate the saddle’s size.
Final Thoughts On How To Know What Size Saddle My Horse Needs
It’s critical to remember that a variety of things influence how well a horse saddle fits the rider. You must test them all out before making your final choice because they range from fork angle and style to cantle slope or “dip” to seat depth and slope.
Maintaining a saddle is essential once you’ve found one that fits well. Regularly clean and condition the leather, and inspect each stitch for signs of wear. A properly maintained saddle ought to have a long lifespan.