How do you size a western saddle seat?

What size saddle do I need?

• I have a western saddle that is a size 16 seat. I am looking to buy a dressage saddle. Since my western saddle is a 16, will I need a 16 in a dressage saddle as well?

• Answer:

  17 1/2" or 18" probably. The size has more to do with your femur length (hip to knee measurement) than how big your butt is. Measure your upper leg length, and then the following is a basic recommendation of saddle fit for an english saddle: less than 15"- 14" seat 15-16.5"- 15" 16.5-18.5"-16" 18.5-20"-16 1/2" 20-21.5"- 17" 21.5-23"- 17 1/2" 23+ - 18" seat, larger than 25" requires a custom saddle size Obviously, this is really more a rule of thumb, but it tends to hold pretty true, and saddle makers keep this rule in mind then they design the flap size and block placement. Some riders sit differently in different saddles, and your seat size may actually become smaller or larger over time, depending on your individual flexibility and strength at one point or another. The sizing I gave is a basic guideline, so if you measure your leg length, try saddles in that seat size, or the half sizes right around it. Ride in those sizes and also check your seat size by placing your hand flat behind your butt. You should fit all four fingers flat on the back of the saddle behind you. If you can't get your hand back there, either the saddle is too small for you, or it is too small for your horse and sitting too high up in front or you aren't sitting correctly in the saddle. Either way, it will place pressure incorrectly on the panels and tree of the saddle and make your horse sore and also make your position incorrect.