🪡 Deciphering saddle sizing…

When it comes to saddles, size really does matter for both horse and rider. A saddle that doesn’t fit correctly can cause discomfort, restrict movement or even lead to long-term injuries and problems.

🧑For you:

The saddle seat, size of flap and positioning of blocks are important.  Saddle seat sizes are usually measured in inches across the seat, whereas flap lengths are measured in inches from the stirrup bar.

Seat sizes can range from 10” to 19” however, the most common seat sizes are 16.5", 17", and 17.5", with 18" also an option for those fuller figures or taller or longer-legged riders.  Manufacturers often measure seat sizes from different places, some from the headnail to the back of the cantle, others from the front of the pommel to the back of the cantle.  Measurements can also vary depending on the materials used and how the seat of your saddle is covered, so if you have extra foam in the seat it may measure bigger!  The depth of the seat and the height of the cantle can also affect the space for the rider.  It is important to remember that every saddle tree is a different shape which will affect the amount of space in the seat for the rider.  A flatter broader tree might displace the rider weight across the horse, so a rider may require a smaller seat size in comparison to something that is more curved and deeper in the seat.   

The size and positioning of knee/thigh and calf blocks are also important which come in all shapes and sizes as does the length of the saddle flaps.  A larger block positioned too far back can push your weight to the back of the saddle or tip you forward and any altered positioning of the rider in the saddle will impact the horses way of going.   Equally a block too far forward can leave you reaching for support and an incorrect leg position and alter your position in the saddle.  Being central so the horse can effectively carry you is so important.

Choosing the right design and size of seat, flaps and blocks ensures you can sit in balance and feel secure, without feeling restricted or swimming around in the seat! 

But there’s a catch…. Can you really have what you want, all of the time?  The simple answer is NO.  Often there is a compromise between the rider desire and requirements versus the needs of the horse.  Horse welfare is paramount and MUST be the first priority when considering saddle fit.  This comes back to having the honest conversation about your equine partnership and whether you are suitably mounted.  When we think about suitably mounted, we often think about whether the horse’s conformation and size is suitable for your needs as a rider.  We often are immediately drawn to think about those taller, longer legged teenagers who have outgrown their equine partner or the whole weight debate around larger adults on smaller equines, but what about those petite riders on broader cobs – a flatter broader seat that is built on a wider, broader tree that will accommodate the horse is not necessarily the best fit for the petite rider who may need a tree with a narrower twist or deeper seat. Having the right equine partnership is key to meeting your needs as a rider and the welfare needs of your horse when it comes to saddle fit.

 Whether or not you and your horse are the right partnership is a whole other debate entirely and one we’ll save for a future blog.

🐴For the horse:

Saddle tree shape and panel design are so important for your horse’s comfort, health and performance.  The tree essentially is the internal skeleton of the saddle that distributes your weight evenly across your horse’s back, reducing pressure.  For the purposes of the blog we’ll focus in on trees and save panels for another day.

It is important that the tree length is positioned within the range of the horse’s rib cage when ridden to help distribute your weight across the central part of the horse’s skeletal frame. If the size seat and tree you require can’t be accommodated by your horse, there may be a bespoke solution that can be made, but this will inevitably cost more than something that is off the peg.

Saddle tree widths are measured in degrees and are commonly available in what is know as medium, medium-wide, wide and extra-wide fittings but they can range from narrow through to 4XW depending on the brand. Each saddle brand measures differently so, no two are the same.  Some European brands measure in cm and take a measurement from the scapula where commonly in the UK we measure 2” behind the scapula.

These widths reflect the angle the horse behind the scapula at one point and can equate to different measurements in degrees, they do not reflect the shape or dimensions of the tree, nor do they reflect the design of the saddle or the panel type or shape.

A tree that is too narrow may perch high on the horse's back, contacting only on the lowest part of the tree points creating high-pressure points along the spine and withers. It may pivot or rock and can lead to  muscle atrophy (hollowing) behind the shoulders.

A tree that is too wide or too flat will drop down too low at the front, which can cause the tree points to pinch the trapezius muscle or for the saddle to sit directly on the withers. It can also cause the saddle to rock or slip from side to side, creating instability.

A properly fitting saddle with the correct tree width allows the horse to use its back and shoulders freely and correctly. Studies have shown that both excessively wide and narrow saddles can reduce the range of motion in the horse's back and alters the horses gait.

It is important to note that "tree width" alone isn't enough; the entire shape and angle of the tree must match your horse's conformation. Factors such as the angle of the tree points, the shape of the bars (flat vs. curved), and the width of the gullet channel all interact to determine a proper fit. 

Getting the right fit of saddle tree and panel helps distribute pressure evenly along the saddle and allows the horse freedom of movement through the back and shoulders.  There are so many factors to saddle design and fit with 1000s of different options and solutions.

Why tree shape matters:

• A mismatch in the shape of tree concentrates pressure in small areas, which can lead to discomfort, pain, muscle atrophy and longer term injury.
• The tree's design (including the width, angle, and shape of its points and bars) must accommodate the horse's natural movement and allow freedom of the scapula (shoulder blade) to rotate backwards and upward when moving.  The tree must have the correct width and angle at the front to avoid hitting and damaging the shoulder cartilage and surrounding muscles.
•  The gullet (the channel running down the centre of the saddle) must provide adequate clearance all along the spine, ensuring no part of the saddle presses on the sensitive vertebrae.
• Different horses have different back shapes (e.g., high-withered, broad/flat-backed, curvy/banana-shaped). The tree's curvature must match the horse's back profile. Using a tree with too much curve on a flat-backed horse can cause the saddle to rock or pivot, concentrating pressure at the front and back.  Equally using a tree that is too flat on a curvy back can cause "bridging," where the middle of the saddle loses contact, increasing pressure at the ends.

An ill-fitting saddle causes the horse pain and discomfort, which often manifests as behavioural issues (e.g., resistance, rushing, unwillingness to use its back correctly). A well-fitting saddle allows the horse to move freely, comfortably, and correctly, leading to better performance and a happier partnership. 

Not sure what size saddle you or your horse need? That’s where a professional saddle fitter comes in, taking the guesswork out and ensuring both horse and rider are comfortable and safe when you’re riding.

To ensure your saddle's tree shape is correct, it is essential to work with a qualified saddle fitter. They can assess your horse's unique conformation and muscle development and ensure the saddle fits both statically (at rest) and dynamically (in motion). 

Regular saddle fitting checks are crucial, as a horse's shape will change with fitness development, age, and seasonal variations. The Society of Master Saddlers is a good resource for finding a registered, qualified professional in your area.