Western Saddle Seat Size Chart Guide
Different types of riding will also have different seat requirements. Barrel Saddle for quick turns and fast starts may lead you to want more security in your seat.Trends in barrel racing and roping have competitors moving towards smaller, snugger fitting seat sizes. Climbing hills or sticking with your cutting horse will require a little more room. Trail Saddle for pleasure riders, cutters, and ranchers are staying with a little more relaxed fit.
Seat sizes refer to rider fit considering your height and weight
The following will give you a very general idea of saddle sizes:
- Youth: 12 to 13 inches
- Small adult: 14 inches
- Average adult: 15 inches
- Large adult: 16 inches
- Extra-large adult: 17 inches and above
|
Rider's Height |
|||
|
Rider's Weight |
5' - 5'5" |
5'6" - 5'9" |
5'10" + |
|
100 - 125 lbs (45.35 kg - 56-69 kg) 10 |
15" |
15" |
16" |
|
126 - 145 lbs (57.15 kg - 65.77 kg) 12 |
16" |
16" |
16" |
|
146 - 165 lbs (66.22 kg -75.29 kg) 14 |
16" |
16" |
16" |
|
166 - 185 lbs (75.29 kg- 83.91 kg) 16 |
16" |
16" |
16" |
|
166 - 195 lbs (Pear Shaped Women) 16-18 |
17" |
16" |
16" |
|
196 - 225 lbs (88.77 kg - 102.05 kg) 18 |
17" |
17" |
17" |
|
226 - 250 lbs 18inch and above |
17" |
17" |
17" |
|
226 - 250 lbs (Pear Shaped Women) 18 inch and above |
18" |
17" |
17" |
|
250+ lbs (113.398 kg ) 18 inch and above |
18" |
18" |
18" |
Why the Differences?
There are a number of measurements in addition to seat size that impacts the fit of a western saddle. These include:
- Seat depth: Some saddles have deep seats designed to keep you in place during extreme activity, and others have shallower seats to allow for more movement.
- Seat slope: The seat angles from the hand-hold back towards the cantle and the slope can range from relatively flat to steep.
- Cantle slope: The cantle can be high and straight or have a slope that is mild or steep.
- Cantle dish: The cantle can be flat or have a recess or dish on the front side that can be an inch or more in-depth.
- Fork style: Fork styles can range from wide swells to slick fork saddles with barely any swell.
- Fork angle: Forks can be straight or angle away from the rider.
Each of these features can affect the way a saddle fits a rider. Unfortunately, none of these other measurements are standardized or published in a saddle's measurements. So, when shopping for a western saddle, the only way to determine fit is to sit in each saddle. Only then will you know if the saddle is a good fit for you.