Do you know how to saddle a horse correctly? Getting a saddle that fits well is perhaps the most critical aspect of any ride. Consider that for a moment. Properly saddling a horse not only affects your riding skill, but it may also be hazardous to perhaps you and your horse. In comparison to You, The Saddle -You ought to be able to fit a palm between yourself and front of the saddle (the pommel) and a hand between yourself and the end of the saddle while you're sitting in it (the cantle). If you've never done it before, measuring a saddle might be a difficult process.

But fret not! We have the perfect method to measure a horse saddle for you. The seat size of a saddle is simple to determine. Saddle fit is mostly determined by seat size. Here’s how you can measure the horse saddle.

Step #1 Measure the seat size

Many individuals are aware of the seat size that is most comfortable for them, but there are certain rules to follow when selecting seat size. Your hand should be able to rest flat behind the swell (pommel), contacting the swell and then almost touching your pants. As you hang down, your legs should have two inches of space from the swell. The seat size is determined by this measurement. When deciding whether or not a particular seat size will fit you, consider the cantle height and angle. These pointers can assist you in selecting the ideal seat size. The position of the rider on the saddle has a big impact on how well a saddle fit. A rider in a saddle with an excessively big seat cannot avoid but slide back and forth. This will cause the saddle to slip out of its normal position over time. If the rider slips too far back, the saddle will lift up in front of the rider, putting all of the weight to the back of the saddle and perhaps producing pressure points. All of the rider's weight is shifted to the shoulders if the rider is pushed too far forward.

Step #2 Saddle Seat Dimensions

The lesser of two evils is determining the saddle seat size. Just a tape measure and the saddle in front of you are essential. Start by measuring from the middle of the saddle badge/head nail to the middle of the cantle by using a tape measure (at mark 0). This is the saddle seat size in inches, which is measured in whole and Fractional units, e.g. 16", 16.5", etc.

*Please note: Each brand may use different measurements, which will end up different results.

Step #3 Saddle Width

Measuring the saddle width may be difficult, and you may be unsure where to begin. A saddle can be measured in a variety of ways, such as the approximate width between the saddle points, the panel, and so on. Placing your fists at the front of the saddle between the panel, you can get a good idea of the width quickly.

Step #4 Gullet Gauge

If all of this still makes you nervous, you can get a handy little instrument from the Simple fit solution range. The Gullet Gauge is a tool that can assist you in choosing the right gullet size for your horse. Every three to six months, you may use the Gullet Gauge to keep an eye on any changes in your horse's muscles. The gullet's function is to allow the horse's shoulders and back to move freely. A horse's back will be pinched if the gullet is too small. If your horse requires a wider gullet, pinching is likely an issue you're having with regular saddles. A gullet that is too large for your horse will sit on his back and create rubbing, which can lead to painful sores.

The Takeaway

It's always great to sit on the saddle and experience how it feels. Most riders (particularly trail riders) prefer a saddle that has a little additional space rather than one that is overly tight. Fast event riders, on the other hand, like their saddle seats to be tight. There is no right or wrong answer to sit in the saddle as long as your leg is at least 2 fingers away from the closest point of the swell.

Happy Riding!