Although you probably know the size of your saddle, how do you measure it? Here are some general guidelines for measuring the saddle seat size. The width of your seat bone is the distance between your buttocks, and the point where you meet your knees. Your riding style and build will impact the size of your saddle. To find the right size saddle for you, take a seat in a larger saddle than your normal size and measure your sit bone.

It is important to examine your horse's conformation in order to measure its saddle size. If your horse's wither is narrow, you might need to add padding between the saddle bars. You should also place a shoulder bridge pad behind the saddle bars. A medium-sized tree should be sufficient for horses of average height. A wide-tree-saddle is recommended for a narrow-withered horse. It should be at most two fingers wide between the horse's withers and the cantle.

To measure your English saddle's width, you can place your hand in the panel between the pommel and the saddle skirt. The distance between the saddle's nailhead and the saddle's center cantle will be measured. This measurement should be in half-inch increments. A wider saddle will be an Extra Wide/XW saddle. You may need to adjust the width of your fist. It will be easier to find the right measurement for your English saddle.

Consider your horse's size and riding style when choosing a saddle. A shallow saddle will fit a small, thigh-high rider, while a deep one will suit a big, tall adult. Although they are not precise, saddle size charts can help you double-check the measurements. They won't tell exactly how large or small your sitting bone is so get measurements from two people.

To accurately measure the saddle size of horses, you can use a wire measurement tool. The measuring tool is made from a 16-inch long piece of stiff wire. It can be molded to the form and then retained its shape when it is removed. Wire that is soldered or coated is ideal. Its eight-inch-long point can help you accurately measure a horse's wither size. The wire should contact the horse's skin and be flat and parallel to the saddle's back.

When measuring your saddle, be sure to include the size of the cantle as well as the seat size. The finished size of the saddle seat is smaller than that of the tree seat. It depends on the type of saddle you're getting and the manufacturer. A slick, padded saddle will typically be three to five more inches than a full-padded. If your seat is larger, you might consider buying a saddle that has a longer fender.

You can also measure your gullet size. This is a vital component of an English saddle. The gullet is a part below the fork that rests upon the horse's withers. The gullet's angle and width determine the saddle size. A proper gullet height is two to four fingers above the saddle fork. You can also measure your horse's gullet by placing a flexible wire on top of the horse's legs. The wire should bend into an arch shape.