Maryland Saddlery's Guide to Choosing and Fitting Saddles Issue 1 | Page 7

Choosing a Saddle to Sit In RIDER – MATH SADDLE SIZES Child’s 12”-13”-14”-15”15 3/4”-16” Adult’s 16” -16” 1/2 - 17”- 17 1/2”- 18”- 18 1/2” - 19” SEAT TO LEG RATIO - SEAT SIZE & FLAP SIZE Look at you body type to determine if you are long from hip to knee. A long thigh bone requires a forward and or longer flap. If the saddle is cutback at the pommel, it may require ½” larger in the seat to compensate. Determine what seat size you need a saddle to be by sitting in a variety of saddles. Take into consideration what feels comfortable. Many people choose to ride in a saddle that is too small. Mostly because that is the size they fit into as a child. You are serving your horse best by sitting in the deepest part of the saddle seat. That way your weight is not over the cantle of the saddle. Downward pressure over the back edge of the saddle panels may damage you horse’s back. When testing a saddle in a store, be SURE to properly balance the saddle on the saddle buck. The seat needs to be level so that you are not falling forward on your crotch or back on you seat bones. English saddles are measured from the button/nail head on the front of the saddle to the center of the cantle. A correctly fitting saddle will leave you room behind your bottom measuring about the width of your hand. Also, be sure that your knees do not pass the front of the flaps when you are wearing your stirrups.