SADDLE FITTING GUIDE

'ENGLISH SADDLE' SIZES

The correct method of measurement for an 'English' saddle is different from the method used for a 'Western' saddle. We find that many US riders often specify their saddle size as smaller than really required. For example, a Western 15" saddle equates to a 17" English saddle.

The image of the saddle shows from where you should measure your 'English' saddle. Take a straight line from the saddle 'nail' (A) to the centre of the cantle (B)....this will give you the actual tree size of your saddle. Generally most sizes below 17" are for Junior riders or very small adults. 17" and 17.5" saddles are the most popular sizes, with 18" and above being more suited to the larger rider. The width of a saddle is usually denoted by the letters N (narrow), M (medium), W (wide) and XW (extra-wide). These graduations can also be shown numerically by the numbers 2,3,4,5. Some English saddle tree manufacturers will make trees in MW (medium-wide) and NM (narrow-medium) graduations, whereas other European trees may come in centimetre graduations, which can be confusing as different manufacturers use differing means of measuring tree widths. For example, Prestige offer width fittings from 28cms to 37cms., Stubben offer width fittings from 27cms. to 32 cms, and Amerigo define their width fittings as +/- half a centimetre either side of Medium. Many of the most expensive French Close-Contact saddles are generally only made in a 'regular' medium tree width, with the possibility of a Narrow or Wide option. In England most saddles are manufactured on a BS6635 English tree, which is normally hand-made using laminated beech wood and steel, and guarantees a high standard of quality and strength. However, Synthetic saddle trees are becoming increasingly popular (Bates, Kieffer, Prestige are all examples), and these now offer great strength, reliability and total symmetry. If you are in doubt about the sizings for a particular brand, email us, and we will try to help. With most high-quality jumping saddles there is an option of flap sizes to suit riders of differing heights and leg lengths. French saddlemakers usually offer flap sizes denoted by the numbers 1,2 and 3, sometimes with intermediates; whereas English jumping saddles may have simpler regular/short/forward/long options. Most top-quality dressage saddles will also offer short, regular and long flap options. Again, you can email us for advice.

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FINDING THE CORRECT FITTING SADDLE

When you have determined the style of saddle you require, it is necessary to choose the size seat, tree width, flap size and colour. The seat size is determined by the size of the rider (see notes above), and by the size of the horse.

The length of the horses back does also affect the optimum saddle size, and the correct choice is essential to remove any possibility of undue pressure on the wrong areas of the horse's back. If your saddle is too long it will sit too far back and, if resting on the horse's loins, will cause pressure, causing discomfort and inhibit free movement. The rider must also be placed centrally in the saddle seat to allow perfect balance, and free movement, and to maximise the bearing surface on the horse's back.

The 'balance' of your saddle is equally very important. You should sit centrally and comfortably, at point E on the diagram, the lowest point of the seat, with your knee comfortably placed on the kneepad, just below any kneeblock which may be fitted. A correctly fitting, well balanced, saddle should show a difference of under one inch The height point of the pommel of the saddle should always be slightly lower than the highest point of the cantle of the saddle. It is most important to realize that breeds of horse can vary considerably when it comes to finding the most suitably shaped saddle. Here we can help...we have qualified English saddlers who can advise you, and direct you towards the best saddles for your needs. This advice will be totally unbiased as TheTackGuide.com is not a Saddle Dealer, but purely an Information Resource.

When you have decided the size seat you need, you then need to assess the width fitting and flap size. Actual width fittings do vary, depending on the country of manufacture of the saddle...see our notes above.

It is important that you obtain proper advice about the width fitting of your new saddle. You need to be sure that the saddle adequately clears the horse's spine, and that it sits comfortably with an even bearing surface at the front and the rear. With a sitting rider there should be at least 2 fingers' width vertical clearance between the horse's wither and the underside of the arch of the saddle. Many of our European Dealers will be happy for you to send a template pattern of your horse's wither so that they, or their Saddler, can advise you with regard to the correct fitting.....

MAKING A TEMPLATE OF YOUR HORSE'S WITHER

This is easily done with a piece of bent wire (approximately 20" long), or a flexicurve (bought from an artists shop or stationers). All you need to do is bend the wire/flexicurve over your horse's back, just behind the wither, at the point where the front of the saddle will sit. Make sure it is pressed firmly to shape...then transfer this pattern to a suitable piece of paper (A4 sheet is preferable for faxing). This can then be sent by fax or email to our Qualified Saddler, or to the European Dealer we recommend, so they can assess and confirm the fitting you require. If it is possible to take some pictures of your horse's back, with a digital camera, and email them as well, this will allow the saddler to give an even better appraisal of your horse.

Flap size, if offered by the particular manufacturer, can best be advised by the Dealer for the particular brand, as these sizings do vary somewhat between brands.

GENERAL SADDLE ADVICE

Learn to recognise changes in your horse's shape. This will be related to his age, the amount of work he does, and his feed management. Any changes may seem inconsequential to you, as you see him every day, but over a period of time these changes may substantially affect his saddle fit. Have your saddle checked regularly by an experienced saddler.

Make sure the flocking of the saddle stays soft and smooth. Any irregularities, lumps and unevenness on the underside of the saddle must be corrected by your saddler, so as to prevent any undue pressure on your horse's back. Pressure points can easily occur on your horse's back if this is not done. Also uneven flocking can cause your saddle to sit to one side, which can also cause problems to your horse's back. A Close-Contact saddle is generally padded with latex foam, which retains its shape, and does not need regular maintenance. However, this type of saddle should be regularly checked by your saddler to ensure optimum fit.

When you are spending a substantial amount on a top quality hand-made saddle, which is built to last a lifetime, make sure you take care to store and maintain the saddle in the best possible way. Do not store your saddle in a hot dry atmosphere, as this will dry out the leather, causing it to loose it suppleness and lasting qualities. Regular use of a good brand of saddle cleaner will help the leather stay supple, and improve its longevity. Check stitching of, especially, girth straps regularly for maximum safety, and if you have a fall, always have your saddle tree checked by an experienced saddler, as a saddle with a broken or fractured tree can cause permanent damage to your horse's back.

You can always email us for saddle advice...

We are here to help riders, and we have qualified English Master Saddlers who will be able to answer your queries.

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