How do I know what English saddle size & girth size I am??

Question

I only have a western saddle. My horse is about 15.2 hands and weighs estimate of 1000 pounds

She's a paint

My height is 5'7

Answer 1

It depends on how tall you are and what type of horse you own. On average most people fit in a 15-16 size saddle for adults, 12-14 for kids. If you own a narrow built horse, Thoroughbred, Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker..., an average saddle tree will be just fine. If you own a thicker built horse, Quarter, Arab, Morgan....., you will probably need a saddle with a wide tree so it won't pinch the withers. As for the girth a 15.2 hand horse will usually be OK with a 34 girth for an all purpose, close contact or eventing saddle. A dressage or saddle seat saddle will be around a 26 girth.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

To find your appropriate english saddle size, go to a tack store that has the type of saddle you want and has the fake horse back so you can sit on the saddle and check it's fit. When you sit in the saddle, you should be able to put your hand on the cantle, and the width of your hand (across the knuckles) should span the distance between your butt and the top of the cantle. If you're not sure, ask a sales associate to help you. I'm 5'9" and use a 17.5" saddle, I'd guess you'd need between a 16.5 and 17" saddle if you're 5'7" tall. It's going to depend on your inseam and build. A paint will probably need a wide tree, so do a withers trace to make sure you get a proper tree. As far as girths go, I'd say 46" to 50" is pretty common for most horses, but this will depend on the length of your billets and your horses build. Good luck and have fun saddle shopping!

Answer 3

based solely on your height you should sit a 16.5 or 17 seat. however there are some other factors to consider, dressage seat vs jumping or an all purpose saddle. all these saddles will have a different length flap and will make a difference on your seat size depending on how long your legs are. and also if you are using this saddle for showing or pleasure. each saddle will sit you different so sitting in them at a tack store and on your horse "BEFORE" you buy the saddle in very important. how a saddle feels in the store will be different then how if feels on your horse, every horse if different. Just because you own a paint does not mean for sure you will need a wide tree. start with a reg width tree and go from there. make sure you have someone look at the saddle fit on your horse to make sure it fits properly. Not sitting down on withers-which means its too wide. sitting up looking like an A frame-too narrow. but again each saddle will fit and sit different on your horse which will sit you different also. hence why we try saddles on and sit on our horses!! as far as the girth goes, 48" is an average size. but depending on how narrow or how deep your horses heart girth is and the length of the billets on the saddle will determine the girth size. if you get a dressage saddle the girth will be much shorter, cuz of longer billets. if you get a jump saddle or all purpose saddle the billets are usually shorter which will require a longer girth 48 or 50. the last factor in the girth is if you get one with or without elastic. no elastic at one end means you will need a longer girth.

Once you go to the tack store and sit in a bunch of saddles and determine your needs, they will allow you to take a few different size girths with you to make sure you get the right size. an english saddle will sit you alot different than a western. so you may want to borrow someones to ride in and see how you like it or take a lesson. this will also help to figure out what kind of saddle you will want. good luck.

Answer 4

Well first how well can you ride? Also is your horse a gaited horse? If your not an experenced rider you should not ride in an English saddle. If your horse is not gaited why would you want to ride in an English saddle. If you certain you can ride well enough go to a tack store and sit on some saddles. That is the only way you can know for sure. As far as a girth goes buy one a little longer than what your useing now. Because they hook up differently. I always rode bareback and I used an English saddle for a while because it was as close as I could get to riding bareback. But I've been riding all my life. Make the right choice.

Answer 5

You should be able to fit one hand between you and the back of the saddle when sitting in the saddle. As far as your horse goes, it shouldnt be too tight on your horses withers or too high off of them. The girth-pretty much self-explanatory, try it on. It should fit on like the 2nd or 3rd hole on each side but it doesnt really matter, as long as you can get it on. Talk to the person you buy it from if you buy it at a tack shop.

Answer 6

what is ur western seat size? this is measured from the pommel to the cantle. the average size English seat is a 16/17". If your western seat is 14" then ur English seat is 16".the only way to really tell is to go to your local tack shop and sit in a few of the English saddles there. they can help you find the best seat size. As far as a girth for your horse, she is about average so a 42" to a 46" girth should work. Take the your western girth size and add 10" and that seems to always work for me. or you can buy a set of girth converters and use your western cinch. this is what i had to do because my local tack shop doesnt sell english girths or anything english for that matter anymore.

Answer 7

I even have the comparable question approximately sizing a girth, so sorry, i'm able to't help there. yet once you're starting to be that saddle kit, i propose you to purchase a distinctive girth for it. That one SUCKS its to flimsy and it snaps with the slightest rigidity.

Answer 8

In your case I suggest you have a professional saddler come out and fit the saddle to your horse and you. It's not wise to buy one "off the peg" so to speak.

With regard to girth size, i suggest you start out with a 34 - 36" double buckle, with elastic. A "baldings" girth is the best as it doesnt pinch the horse behind his front legs as other girths can do.