Saddle Guide – Find the Right Saddle for Your Horse

Finding the right saddle among the many models, brands, and features can be difficult, even for experienced riders. Here are some tips to help you determine if the saddle fits your horse correctly!

Step 1 – Assess Your Horse’s Conformation

Start by evaluating your horse’s build. Ensure that your horse stands evenly on a flat surface. Then, assess the specific requirements of your horse’s withers, shoulders, back, and muscles. For example, if your horse has high withers and a broad back, the saddle must provide enough space to avoid discomfort.

Step 2 – Measure the Saddle Tree Width and Angle

Your horse should be able to move freely under the saddle, so it’s important to measure its specific needs. The tree width is the width of the saddle’s front arch, while the tree angle determines the shape of the saddle’s front, which can be either U-shaped or V-shaped. The tree angle should match the shape of your horse’s withers and muscles to ensure even pressure distribution across the back.

Using a Flexi Curve can help measure your horse’s back. If you don’t have one, a thick, flexible wire or a metal hanger can work as an alternative.

1. Locate your horse’s shoulder blade.
2. Slide your fingers back over the shoulder blade until you reach the upper edge of the scapula.
3. Move your fingers upward to the highest rear point of the bone. Mark a spot about 5 cm behind the tip of the shoulder blade.
4. Place the midpoint of your Flexi Curve on the marked point and gently press it down to mold it to the horse’s shape.
5. Carefully lift the Flexi Curve off while maintaining its shape.
6. Place it on a piece of paper or cardboard and trace the outline. The resulting shape represents your horse’s tree width and angle.

Step 3 – Measure the Saddle Length (Weight-Bearing Surface)

If you're unsure about the correct saddle length, locate the 18th rib and trace it up to the spine—this marks the rear boundary of where the saddle should sit. Measure from the previously marked point behind the shoulder blade to the rib marking to determine the suitable saddle length for your horse.

Step 4 – Measure the Gullet Width

The gullet is the free space between the saddle’s panels. It is crucial that this channel is wide enough to avoid pressure on your horse’s spine or ligaments. A gullet that is too narrow can restrict movement and cause discomfort.

To measure:

1. Feel where the withers meet the back. Press firmly downward at the sides of the withers.
2. As you move downward, you will feel a transition to softer tissue—mark this point on both sides.
3. The distance between these two points is your horse’s gullet width.

If you have trouble locating these points, you can also measure across the horse’s back by placing your thumb on one side of the spine and your index finger on the other. Gradually widen the gap between your fingers while pressing down. Once you reach the softer muscles, stop and measure the distance between your fingers—this is your horse’s gullet width.

Step 5 – Measure the Horse’s Back Shape

Horses are often described as having a straight or curved back when discussing saddle fit. If you find it difficult to visually determine this, you can measure your horse’s back shape.

1. Use your Flexi Curve again.
2. Place it at the last rib marking and mold it along the horse’s spine.
3. Lift it off carefully and trace the inside curve onto paper.

Tip! If you don’t have a Flexi Curve, a 60 cm wire or cable can work as an alternative.

Step 6 – Measure Your Seat Size

Unsure of which seat size you need? The easiest way to measure is by determining the distance between your knee and hip joints.

1. Sit upright on a chair.
2. Measure from your kneecap to your hip bone.
3. Since saddle seat sizes are measured in inches, it is easiest to measure in inches from the start. Otherwise, keep in mind that one inch equals 2.54 cm.

Step 7 – Check for Even Weight Distribution

Make sure the saddle distributes weight evenly across your horse’s back. You can check this by placing the saddle directly on your horse’s bare back in the correct position.

1. Place one hand in the center of the saddle and press down.
2. Use your other hand to feel along the panels—pressure should be evenly distributed.

Step 8 – Check for a Level Seat Position

Your saddle should sit evenly on the horse’s back to prevent you from tipping forward or backward.

1. Saddle up and tighten the girth.
2. Check if the saddle sits horizontally on the horse’s back.
3. Remember that the horse’s back lifts slightly during work, so check the fit both before and during riding.
4. Minor imbalances can be adjusted with a saddle pad.

Step 9 – Assess Your Horse’s Movement

Once you’re in the saddle, ride in all gaits to ensure everything feels right and that your horse moves freely under the saddle.

1. While sitting in the saddle, check if 2-3 fingers fit between the withers and the saddle.
2. This ensures that the saddle does not press on the withers or the spinous processes of the horse’s back.