how do you measure what size of saddle is right for your horse?
2006-12-16 13:25:31 · 5 answers · asked by manxen t 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Talk to your local saddle shop, some have tree's that they can loan out to take home. If your horse is thick (such as a stocky quarterhorse) it is probably a full tree, arabs half tree. In the long run this only gets you started, then follow the advice of the other answers. The sweat test works great, also just feel around, when the saddle is cinched up, can you run your hand in around the withers? If not, it is too tight. Most stores will let you take a saddle home and try it out for 24hours, if they don't , don't buy from there. Also, beware of cheap saddles that come off of a production line by the thousands, it is worth it to invest in a good saddle, even have a custom one made that will last years and years without hurting your horses back. Good luck
2006-12-17 03:41:24 · answer #1 · answered by bandit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put the saddle on the horse and ride until the horse is sweaty.
Pull of the saddle and check for dry spots on his back.
Any place that is dry is a pressure point and the saddle may not fit right.
Also by placing the saddle on the horses back you should be able to see through down the gullet. You should be able to run your hand under it and see how tight it is.
SIt on the saddle and have someone else see how tight it is in certain areas.
Have someone who knows about proper saddle fit help you do all this.
If you have a saddle fitter in your area they are the best or a tack shop most of hte people there can help.
Good luck.
2006-12-16 22:21:08 · answer #2 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in a really small rural town and we have a tack shop nearby where you bring your horse and have a saddle specially fitted so I'm sure there is someone nearby who can help you. They fit to your horse and riding type perfectly. This is by far the best way to go, you don't want to accidently get a wrong saddle and pay by losing $ and having a grumpy horse later.
2006-12-17 07:29:38 · answer #3 · answered by sir'slady 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i've been a professional groom for 10 years,here's what i've learned;saddles come in different lenghts n different widths[more important]but different styles n makes will fit differently.its like finding a good pair of jeans,in some stores your 1 size in another your a bigger size,some brands are baggy on your hips yet tight on your butt.but its not even that simple,it mite look gd,but the horse needs to be comfortable and free to move aswell as you being able to sit in a good position.also if the horse is young,unfit or overweight his shape will change.my advice if your serious about riding is to ask an expert[master saddle fitter]if money is tight n riding is for pleasure ask your instructor for help,or a knowledgable friend.
2006-12-17 01:39:10 · answer #4 · answered by catherine w 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get some expert help. You may need a custom made saddle if he is big or small
2006-12-16 21:28:34 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Dancer! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋