Western Horse Saddle Measurement Guide

Discover the Right Western Horse Saddle Size for Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide

To measure a western saddle that you are already riding, you'll need to take a few measurements:

It's important to note that these measurements can vary slightly from saddle to saddle, so it's always a good idea to measure the saddle that you are considering purchasing to ensure that it will be the right size for your horse.

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To measure a western saddle that you are already riding, you'll need to take a few measurements:
Measure the length of the seat:

To do this, measure the distance from the front of the saddle to the back of the cantle (the back of the saddle).

 Western Horse Saddle Seat Size Measurement

14" - 16" Double T Western Barrel Saddle #6568

Measure the width of the saddle:

To measure the width of the saddle, measure the distance from the outside of one stirrup bar to the outside of the other stirrup bar.

 Skirt Width Measurement Western Saddle

14" - 16" Double T Western Barrel Saddle #6568

Measure the gullet width:

To measure the gullet width, measure the distance from one side of the gullet (the space between the tree points that allows for the horse's spine) to the other side of the gullet.

The size of the gullet may also depend upon the type of saddle tree that the saddle is made out of. Find out more about the different types of materials used in saddle tree's in our guide here. 

Gullet Size Measurement For Western Horse Saddle

14" - 16" Double T Western Barrel Saddle #6568

Measure the skirt length:

To measure the skirt length, measure the distance from the top of the saddle to the bottom of the skirt (the part of the saddle that hangs down on either side of the horse).

Skirt Length Measurement Western Horse Saddle

14" - 16" Double T Western Barrel Saddle #6568

  

Measure the Horn Height:

Measure from the base of the horn, where it attaches to the saddle, to the tip of the horn. This is the length of the horn. Measure the circumference of the horn at its widest point. This is the width of the horn.

The size and type of horn used on a saddle will vary and depend largely on the saddles intended riding purpose. Check out our guide on choosing the correct type of western horse saddle here. 

 

Horn Size Western Saddle Measurement

 

Measure the Cantle Height: 

Measure the distance from the skirt to the top of the cantle. This is the height of the cantle. The cantle is the back of the saddle, and its size can affect the fit and comfort of the saddle for both the rider and the horse. 

Cantle Height Measurement Western Horse Saddle

 

It's important to note that these measurements can vary slightly from saddle to saddle, so it's always a good idea to measure the saddle that you are considering purchasing to ensure that it will be the right size for your horse.

Wondering how much you should pay for a new saddle? Checkout our guide here. 

Quick Guides To Western Saddle Seat Sizing Charts:

How To Measure A Western Saddle By Age

western saddle size by age chart

Riders Age Western Saddle Seat Size English Saddle Seat Size
 0 - 3 Years 7" - 8" 9" - 10"
4 - 7 Years 9" - 10" 11" - 12"
8 - 10 Years 11" - 12" 13" - 14"
12+ Years 13" - 14" 15" - 16"
Teen / Adult 14" - 15" 16" - 17"
Adult 15" - 16" 17" - 18"
Large Adult 16" - 17" 18" - 19"
Big & Tall 17" + 19" +

 

How To Measure A Western Saddle By Weight

Saddle Size By Weight

Riders Weight Western Saddle Seat Size English Saddle Seat Size
 0 - 40 lbs. 7" - 8" 9" - 10"
40 - 80 lbs. 9" - 10" 11" - 12"
80 - 100 lbs. 11" - 12" 13" - 14"
100 - 130 lbs. 13" - 14" 15" - 16"
130 - 150 lbs. 14" - 15" 16" - 17"
150 - 170 lbs. 15" - 16" 17" - 18"
170 - 200 lbs. 16" - 17" 18" - 19"
200 lbs. 17" + 19" +