If you have never had a Western Saddle before deciding what size seat you will need can be a bit confusing.
Even if you do ride in a Western saddle it is a good idea to make sure you are riding in the correct size seat for you.
In order to get the right size seat, a person's height, weight and circumference of the upper thigh is taken into consideration.
Generally, it is a good idea to have at least a fingers width between your thigh and the pommel or Swell in front of you without your pants being glued to the cantle or back of the seat.
When sitting in a comfortable position, you should have a little room behind you as well as in front.
Some people may even like two fingers width for extra comfort.
If you ride in an English saddle the size does not transfer into the same size Western saddle.
This is because the design and the way you measure a Western saddle seat is different to an English saddle.
The following chart is a breakdown of the thigh measurements and seat sizes.
Thigh measurements should be taken while sitting.
This is not an exact science but it will serve as a guideline.
16" to 16.
5" thigh measurement = 13" Seat 17" to 17.
5" " '' = 13.
5" Seat 18" to 18.
5" " '' = 14" Seat 19" to 20" " '' = 14.
5" Seat 20.
5" to 21.
5" " '' = 15" Seat 22" to 23.
5" " '' = 15.
5" Seat 23.
5" to 24" " '' = 16" Seat 24" to 24.
5" " '' = 16.
5" Seat 25" to 26" " '' = 17" Seat 26.
5" to 27" " '' = 17.
5" Seat 27" to 28" " '' = 18" Seat My name is Annie and I have over 30 years experience in the horse industry.
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