Q. How to Measure a Saddle

There are many methods to measure a saddle. The basic steps are the identical for both types. Measure from your lower leg to the saddle and measure the distance between your knees and the seat. You may need to measure slightly smaller or larger than what you normally wear depending on your height. Before buying a new saddle, ensure your measurements are accurate.

Begin by figuring out the horse's shoulder width. You can use a measuring instrument that is approximately two feet wide if your horse is small. You can measure the horse's withers using a string or an eight-inch wire. The center of the measurement should be marked with a pencil. Place eight inches of measuring line on each side. Next, wrap it around the horse's shoulders and press it down until it touches the horse's skin.

A general English saddle has a cantle and pommel that are about the same width. The cantle may be higher than the pommel. It should fit the horse's back evenly. A western saddle is a little different. The saddle should be about two to three fingers wide at its gullet. If it's too narrow, a different type of saddle may be recommended. Although English saddles are easier, it is still important to other types of saddles.

The gullet plays a vital role in the saddle. The saddle can slip and roll, injure the horse's back or even cause the rider to lose control of the horse if the gullet is not properly measured. These outcomes are not ideal, especially on busy roads. Before you buy a saddle for your horse, measure his gullet size. A medium-sized horse needs a medium sized gullet.

First, measure the thighs of your child. The thigh height should be between ten- and eleven inches. The upper leg length should be between eleven and twelve inches. Once you have determined the thigh measurement of your child, you can measure their height and then use that information to purchase a saddle. The seat width should not be more than one-half inch to two inches larger than their thigh.

Next, measure the width of your saddle. Measure the width of the saddle across the entire font, level with the conchos. This is important, as the width of your saddle bars will tell you how wide it is. Half-quarter and fullQtr bars measure 6.5 inches to seven inches, while draft bars measure eight to ten inch. In the picture below, the old saddle on the right is a full quarter into a draft-sized tree, but the angle of the saddle bars is flat.

Besides the waist size, other measurements of the saddle are important to ensure a proper fit. Remember to consider the age of the child when you buy a saddle for a child. For future use, buy a larger size saddle if your child is just starting to ride. If your child is growing, buy a saddle that will grow with them. They can grow into the saddle as they grow and lose weight, which will allow you to adjust the size accordingly.