Saddle Fit and Choosing a Seat Size
A saddle must fit two bodies: the rider and the horse. A seat that is right for you on a badly fitting tree still hurts the horse. This guide covers the choice of saddle type, how seat size works and the checks that matter most on the horse.
Start with the discipline
Different saddles are made for different jobs. All-purpose English saddles suit general riding and lessons, jumping saddles have a forward flap and a close-contact seat, dressage saddles have a deep seat and a long, straight flap, and western saddles spread weight over a large area for long days and cattle work. The Saddle Type Finder asks about your riding and matches a saddle type, and the Riding Style Finder helps if you are still choosing a discipline.
Seat size for English saddles
English seat size is the distance in inches from the nail head at the pommel (just below the front of the seat) to the center of the cantle, measured along the seat. Most adult riders ride in a 16 to 18 inch seat, and smaller riders and children use smaller seats. Size depends on the rider's thigh length and seat measurement, not on weight. A common check is to sit in the saddle and see whether you can fit about four fingers between your seat bone and the cantle, and whether your thigh lies comfortably on the flap without the knee blocked. The Saddle Seat Size Calculator turns your measurements into a suggested size.
| Rider (rough guide) | Typical English seat size |
|---|---|
| Child | 13 to 15 in |
| Small adult | 15.5 to 16.5 in |
| Average adult | 16.5 to 17.5 in |
| Larger adult or long thigh | 17.5 to 18.5 in |
Western seat sizes are measured differently, from the base of the horn to the top of the cantle, so a 15 inch western seat is not equal to a 15 inch English seat. Make sure you compare like with like.
The most important part: the horse
A saddle that does not fit the horse causes sore backs, short strides, resistance and behavior problems, and it can do lasting damage to the muscles. These are the main checks.
- Tree width. The tree must match the shape of the withers and shoulders. Too narrow pinches and restricts the shoulders; too wide lets the saddle sit down on the withers and bounce.
- Clearance at the withers. There should be room, usually two to three fingers, between the withers and the pommel when you are seated, so nothing presses on the spine.
- Channel. A clear channel along the spine stops pressure on the backbone.
- Panel contact. The panels should lie evenly along the back, with no bridging, where only the front and back touch, and no rocking.
- Length. The saddle must stop behind the shoulder blade and before the last rib. A saddle too long for the back puts pressure on the loin.
- Balance. The seat should sit level, with the lowest point in the middle, so that you are not tipped forward or back.
Horses change
A horse's back shape changes with age, fitness, condition, and the time of year. A saddle that fits when the horse is fat and unfit may be too wide once the horse is fit. Have the fit checked at least once a year, and after any large change in weight or muscle. A qualified saddle fitter will assess the fit, and many will provide an on-site visit. A well-fitting saddle also needs a clean, appropriate pad, which can help, but cannot fix a bad fit.
Check the rider's fit
- With your legs hanging, your knee should sit just below the front edge of the saddle flap.
- You should be able to ride with your heel, hip and shoulder in a line without being forced to.
- Your seat should not be wedged against the cantle or sliding forward.
- Check the flap length and the thigh blocks for your leg.
Buying tips
- Try several saddles on the horse and with the rider, ideally with a trial period.
- Be careful with used saddles: a tree that is broken or twisted cannot be fixed by simple adjustments.
- Consider adjustable trees and gullet systems, but have a fitter set them up.
- Think about the horse's weight when choosing a rider and tack; see Rider Weight and How Much a Horse Can Carry.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a saddle by seat size and ignoring tree width.
- Comparing English and western seat sizes directly.
- Padding up a saddle that does not fit.
- Not rechecking the fit when the horse changes shape.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size saddle I need?
For English saddles, seat size depends on the rider's thigh length and seat. Most adults ride in a 16 to 18 inch seat. Sit in the saddle: you should have about four fingers' space behind your seat, and your knee should sit just behind the front edge of the flap.
How do I check a saddle fits my horse?
Look for clearance at the withers and along the spine, even contact along the panels without bridging, a saddle that stops behind the shoulder and a level seat. Have a qualified saddle fitter check it, and recheck when the horse's condition changes.
Is a western saddle seat size the same as an English one?
No. They are measured differently, so a 15 inch western seat is not the same as a 15 inch English seat. Use the right measuring method for the saddle type.
Tools used in this guide
More guides
- Rider Weight and How Much a Horse Can Carry
- How to Estimate Your Horse's Weight Without a Scale
- Feeding Horses: Hay, Grain and Supplements
- Body Condition Scoring with the Henneke Scale
- All HorseCalcs guides
Figures in this guide are general guidance for planning. Every horse is different, so work with your veterinarian, farrier or trainer on health, hoof and training decisions, and read our disclaimer.