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A Comprehensive Guide: How To Measure a Horse For a Saddle
Choosing the right saddle starts with accurate measurements. A poorly fitting saddle can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and lead to long-term health issues for your horse. Whether you're buying a new or second-hand saddle, knowing how to measure your horse correctly ensures the best possible fit.
This guide will walk you through the key steps for measuring your horse, selecting the right saddle size, and ensuring a comfortable, balanced fit.
Measuring your horse
Understanding conformation and back shape
Every horse is unique, and their conformation plays a major role in saddle fit. Some horses have high withers, while others have broader backs with lower withers. Identifying these characteristics are the best way to determine which saddle styles and tree shapes will work best.
To measure your horse accurately, start with a flexible curve or a wither tracing kit. Position it just behind the scapula (shoulder blade) and mould it to the shape of the withers. This will help identify the width and shape needed for a saddle tree.
For horses with high withers, a quality saddle like the Kent & Masters High Wither Compact GP 17.5" Adjustable Brown is designed to provide extra clearance while maintaining even contact.
Sizing up your saddle
Finding the right seat size
The seat size of a saddle affects both rider comfort and balance. Too small, and the rider will feel restricted. Too large, and stability may be compromised.
Seat sizes are typically measured in inches from the pommel to the cantle. Most saddles range from 16” to 18”, with the ideal size based on the rider’s height and leg length.
The Black Country Classic Show Saddle 17" W Brown features a flatter seat, offering flexibility for different rider sizes while enhancing the horse’s profile.
Getting the right fit
Checking tree width and gullet clearance
A well-fitting saddle distributes weight evenly along the horse’s back. The tree width should match the shape of the withers, while the gullet must provide enough clearance along the spine to prevent pressure.
A saddle that is too narrow will sit high over the withers, creating pressure points. One that is too wide will drop at the front, causing instability. The correct fit ensures an even connection between the panels and the horse’s back.
The popular Thorowgood T8 Cob 17.5" Adjustable Brown is designed specifically for broader, low-withered horses, sitting closer and lower for improved stability.
Tips for proper measurement
Assessing saddle length
The saddle should not extend past the horse’s last rib (T18). Any further back, and it will sit on the lumbar region, an area that cannot support weight effectively.
For shorter-backed horses, compact saddles with a shorter panel design are often the best choice. A well-balanced saddle will distribute weight evenly without causing pressure points or discomfort.
The Black Country Eloquence Dressage 17.5" MW Black is designed to optimise rider position while ensuring even weight distribution across the panels.
Matching horse to saddle
Understanding panel shape and girthing options
Different saddle models cater to different back shapes. Horses with flatter backs require saddles with broader panels, while those with more defined withers need deeper panels for additional support.
Adjustable saddles, such as the Kent & Masters High Wither Compact GP 17.5" Adjustable Brown, offer greater flexibility as they allow for changes in the horse’s shape over time.
Girthing also plays a key role in the stability of a saddle. Some saddles feature multiple girthing options to allow for better positioning, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Importance of accurate sizing
Avoiding pressure points and discomfort
A poorly fitting saddle can lead to pain, muscle atrophy, and behavioural issues. Signs of an ill-fitting saddle include:
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White hairs or rub marks on the back
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Resistance when being tacked up
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Hollowing through the back when ridden
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Difficulty maintaining rhythm and balance
Checking for even contact under the panels helps identify pressure points. Running a hand underneath the saddle when girthed can highlight areas where the saddle may be too tight or too loose.
Ensuring comfort and performance
Why professional saddle fitting makes a difference
Even with careful measurements, working with a professional saddle fitter ensures the best possible fit. A fitter can assess your horse’s shape, check balance, and recommend adjustments to improve overall comfort.
At Sheepham Saddles, we are able to connecting riders with experienced saddle fitters in your area to ensure the perfect match.
Avoiding common mistakes
Checking fit over time
Horses change shape due to age, fitness, and training. A saddle that fits well today may need adjustments in the future. Adjustable gullet saddles can be a great solution for growing horses or those in regular training.
The Thorowgood T8 Cob 17.5" Adjustable Brown takes S-bar gullets, making it a versatile choice for horses whose shape may change over time.
If a saddle is not quite right, Sheepham Saddles offers a 5-day trial on all saddles, giving riders the chance to assess fit before committing to a purchase.
How can we help?
Measuring your horse correctly is the first step in finding a well-fitting saddle. Understanding tree width, gullet clearance, and overall length ensures comfort and balance for both horse and rider.
At Sheepham Saddles, we stock a wide selection of used and second-hand saddles, all carefully inspected to ensure quality and fit. Why not get in touch and see how we can help?
Posted on February 27th 2025
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