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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Quick Guides To Western Saddle Seat Sizing:
How To Measure A Western Saddle By Age
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
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" + |