How to Determine a Western Saddle Seat Size

The size of a western saddle seat allows the rider to know if the saddle will provide a comfortable fit. Western seat sizes are typically measured in inches, ranging from a 12-inch seat for a small child rider to a 17-inch seat for an extra large adult. While measuring your saddle's seat size will give you information on your saddle, not all saddles with the same seat measurements are the same, due to variations in seat depth, slope and style, among other considerations.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put your saddle on a secure saddle rack that will support your saddle while you measure it. Measuring your saddle's seat size on a horse or flimsy rack often makes getting an accurate measurement difficult.

    • 2

      Place the end of your measuring tape at the base of the horn, the raised part on the front of a western saddle. Put one end of your tape at the bottom of the horn, where it connects to the seat of the saddle. Hold the tape in place with one hand or ask a friend to help hold the measuring tape secure.

    • 3

      Pull the tape tight and place the other end on the middle top of the cantle, or the raised part at the back of the saddle's seat.

    • 4

      Read the measurement from the tape to determine you saddle's seat size. The length between the saddle's horn and cantle is considered the seat size. Round your measurement to the nearest half inch.

    • 5

      Check that the saddle's seat size is appropriate for you by sitting in it. When sitting in the saddle, most riders prefer 4 inches between the front of their body and the saddle's forks, the raised part at the front of the saddle seat where the horn is attached, with the back of their seat resting comfortably on the base of the cantle.