How to Measure a Horse for a Saddle: A Step-by-Step Guide
When buying a saddle for your horse, one of the most important factors is getting the correct fit. A saddle that’s too tight or too loose can cause discomfort, pain, or even injury to your horse. The right saddle will allow your horse to move freely and comfortably. In this guide, we’ll explain how to measure your horse for a saddle in the UK.
Step 1: Understand the Saddle Fit Terminology
Before we begin, it's helpful to know the key terms that will come up during the measuring process:
Gullet Width: The width of the saddle's channel that sits over the withers.
Seat Size: The size of the saddle for the rider, measured in inches, but affects how the saddle fits the horse.
Tree Width: Refers to the width of the saddle tree (the base structure) at the front, under the withers.
Panel Fit: The padding of the saddle beneath the rider’s seat and stirrups. The panel should distribute the rider’s weight evenly across the horse’s back.
Step 2: Assess Your Horse’s Back Conformation
Before taking any measurements, observe your horse’s general build and back shape. This will help determine the type of saddle tree that would best fit your horse. The two main types of back conformation are:
High Withered Horses: Horses with a prominent wither, making it more difficult to fit a saddle.
Low Withered Horses: Horses with less defined withers or a flatter back.
Mutton-Withered Horses: Horses with no withers or very low withers.
The type of wither, along with the general shape of your horse’s back, will influence how the saddle fits.
Step 3: Measuring Your Horse's Withers and Gullet Width
To begin the fitting process, you will need to measure your horse’s withers and the gullet width. This helps to determine the right tree width for your saddle.
1. Gullet Width
The gullet is the channel between the pommel (front of the saddle) and the seat. It should not press against the withers, nor should it be too wide, leaving gaps.
To measure gullet width:
Use a flexible tape measure and measure the width of the horse’s withers at the point where the saddle would sit.
The width can be broken down into three common gullet widths:
Narrow (N): 6 ½ inches (16.5 cm) or less
Medium (M): 7 inches (17.5 cm)
Wide (W): 7 ½ inches (18.5 cm) or more
Tip: Always check for clearance. When the saddle is placed on the horse’s back, the gullet should provide about 2-3 fingers of space between the saddle and the withers.
2. Wither Clearance
Place the saddle on the horse’s back without a saddle pad.
Look for clearance under the pommel area (the front of the saddle) and measure the distance from the saddle to the withers.
You should be able to fit two or three fingers between the saddle and the withers, depending on the horse’s body type.
Step 4: Measuring the Horse's Back Length
The length of the saddle's seat must match the length of the horse's back to ensure a balanced fit. Too long or too short of a saddle can cause discomfort for your horse.
To measure back length:
Step 1: Place a saddle pad or blanket on your horse’s back.
Step 2: Use a soft measuring tape to measure from the top of the withers (where the saddle will sit) to the point just above the last rib on your horse’s back (typically located about 2-3 inches behind the last rib).
Step 3: Measure the length of the saddle tree, which is the area where the saddle's tree touches the horse’s back.
You can find saddle length charts for different horses based on their breed and conformation. For example, a pony may need a saddle with a tree length of about 16-16.5 inches, whereas larger horses might require saddles with trees between 17-18 inches.
Step 5: Measuring the Horse's Spine
Understanding the horse's spine is critical for proper saddle fitting. A well-fitted saddle will avoid putting direct pressure on the spine, which can cause discomfort.
To measure the spine:
Place the saddle on the horse’s back and measure the distance from the point where the saddle touches the withers to the centre of the saddle’s tree (the gullet).
Ensure that the saddle has enough space to avoid pressure on the spine while providing proper weight distribution across the horse’s back.
Step 6: Consider the Horse's Shoulder Angle
The angle of the horse’s shoulders affects the fit of the saddle. If the saddle doesn’t allow for sufficient freedom of shoulder movement, your horse may experience discomfort, particularly during activities like jumping or galloping.
To assess shoulder angle:
Stand beside your horse and observe the slope of the shoulders.
Ideally, the saddle panels should fit evenly along the horse’s shoulders without pinching or sliding backward.
Many saddles have adjustable trees, which allow for customization to better suit your horse’s shoulder angle.
Step 7: Check Saddle Panel Fit
The saddle panels should lie flat against the horse's back without gaps. The panels distribute the weight of the rider and should be in contact with the horse’s back along the entire length of the saddle.
When checking panel fit, you can use a “saddle-fitting pad” to help identify any pressure points.
After placing the saddle on the horse’s back, gently press on the panels to check if there’s any excessive pressure. A saddle pad or shim can help balance out any unevenness.
Step 8: Test Ride and Adjust
Once you have all your measurements, it's crucial to test the saddle on your horse. Here's how you can ensure that the saddle fits properly:
Place the saddle on your horse’s back and secure it with a saddle pad and girth.
Check for fit by gently pressing the saddle into position. Ensure it stays in place and does not move too much.
Observe your horse’s movement. When your horse moves, check that the saddle doesn’t cause any discomfort or restrict movement.
Ride in the saddle. If possible, take a short ride to see how the saddle behaves under the weight of the rider.
Common Saddle Fit Issues to Avoid
Too Narrow: The saddle may pinch the withers, causing discomfort and irritation.
Too Wide: The saddle may move around too much, affecting balance and comfort.
Saddle Rocking: This means the saddle isn’t balanced correctly, and may cause pain or injury to the horse.
Conclusion
Properly measuring your horse for a saddle is essential for ensuring comfort, safety, and overall well-being. By following these steps, you can make sure that your saddle fits properly, provides the best possible support, and works in harmony with your horse's movement. If you're unsure about your measurements or saddle fit, it’s always worth consulting a professional saddle fitter to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your horse.
At HORSED, we understand the importance of saddle fitting, and we encourage all riders to prioritize comfort and quality for both themselves and their horses.
