Saddle Design | Saddle Fitting | Saddle Pads | Horse Bit Terminology | Western Seats | Chaps/Chinks
How to Measure a Western Seat
Do you have that perfect size saddle and want to make sure you get the same size?
This is how you measure a western seat.
The angle of the pommel will affect the measurement but not the actual seat size. A better measurement would be from the base of the pommel, horizontal line straight back.
| Rider's Height | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rider's Weight | 5'-5'5" | 5'6" - 5'9" | 5'10 - + |
| 100-125 lbs | 15" | 15" | 16" |
| 126-145 lbs | 16" | 16" | 16" |
| 146-165 lbs | 16" | 16" | 16" |
| 166-185 lbs | 16" | 16" | 16" |
| 166-185 lbs Pear shaped women |
17" | 16" | 16" |
| 186-225 lbs | 17" | 17" | 17" |
| 226-250 lbs | 17" | 17" | 17" |
| 226-250 lbs Pear shaped women |
18" | 17" | 17" |
| 250 + lbs | 18" | 18" | 18" |
- Measure length of seat from stitching on fore part (being the raised portion between Pommel and facing) to inside back seat.
- Measure dip in seat by placing ruler or straight edge on pommel and top of cantle. Take measurement from this ruler to lowest point of the seat.
- To measure all types of Poley knee pads place ruler in front of knee pad, take measurement from flap to highest point of knee pad.
- To measure thigh pad take measurement from flap to highest point of thigh pad at the back.
- To measure length of flap take length from stirrup leather bar to bottom of flap.
This picture shows a saddle placed properly on the horse. Note the position of the scapula bone and the corner of the saddle tree. It doesn't matter the horses conformation, the saddle is always placed behind the shoulder bone.
