Is there some magic measurement I can take of my daughter's behind to determine what size saddle she needs?

Question

She rides English -- specifically hunter/jumper. She's 4'11" and is probably done growing.

Answer 1

You really should take her with you; and what I do when I am helping someone look for a saddle is if it is english saddle, take it off the saddle stand hold the Pommel and that Cantel(front and back of saddle) and stick it between their legs almost like they would be riding, then I stick my hand flat against the saddle next to the bottom. She should have a hands witdth from her bottom to the back of the saddle. I am 5'3 and weigh 115lbs I can fit in anything from a 16 1/2 inch saddle to a 17 1/2 inch saddle. I can use a bigger saddle but I look funny in it. You measure the inches of a saddle by taking a tape from the nail at the front of the saddle and then taking it to the middle of the back of the saddle. If the tack store is worth anything, they should have some one there that will know how to do this. Just because the saddle fit's your daughter, does not mean it will fit the horse. You will need to be careful as you need a good fit for both your daughter and the horse, the horse or your daughter will not like it very much if the saddle does not fit right. Western saddles I do not know as much about, but they come in many sizes from 15inches to 20 inches, just like the english saddles. From what I do know about western saddles they like the english saddles should be able to sit comfortably in the seat of the saddle.

Answer 2

For English saddles ,a good way to determine approximate saddle size is to measure the length of the thigh. That measurement(from hip to knee) will give you a good gauge on what seat size she will fit in. For example, my thigh is about 17", and I ride comfortably in a size 17" or 17.5" saddle. Of course, people with larger rear ends may need a bigger seat size to accomodate. Also, if she has really long thighs, she may not need as big a seat, but a more forward and longer flap. And of course, when sitting in saddles, a deep dressage saddle will likely feel a bit snugger to sit in than a flat close contact, so seat size may change slightly from one discipline to another. Here is a good article to read about saddle size:
http://www.horse-sense.org/archives/20020106073738.phtml

She needs to sit insome saddles to see what is comfortable for her...there are different "twists", which is the area where the pubic bone sits in the saddle, most people prefer a narrow twist, but some are more comfortable in a regular. Also, some people like flat hard close contact saddles whereas others prefer a mopre cushy seat... Then, you have to make sure the saddle fits the horse properly...correct tree size, doesn't rub or pinch, isn't off-balance, etc. I would find a large tack shop where she can sit in some and see what she likes...you can always order the correct size if they don't have it in stock. Happy shopping.

Answer 3

English saddle sizes relate more to the horse than the rider, unlike western saddles. A 17" saddle can have a small or a large seat depending on the seat shape, a 17" dressage saddle might fit her where a 17" eventing saddle would be flat and too big. You need to try various makes to see what suits her, then get your saddler to find a saddle in that make that fits your horse. I've only just discovered that for a western saddle you need to measure your behind, I've been riding english all my life and never been asked to measure my bum before!

Answer 4

hahaha.... I wish there were!

Most saddles are like shoes.... the size will vary by brand. Also your seat size will very by the type of saddle. Out of all my saddles I probably have 4 different seat sizes. In western, my trail saddle is a 17, I like it big and roomy. Where as my barrel saddle is a 15... I want a good snug tight fit around barrels. And I have another working saddle that's a 16. In my english saddles my colligiate close contact is a 17.5, where as my dressage saddle is an 18.

So your best bet is to go to a tack shop and let her sit in a bunch and decide what a good average size is for her, taking into account the discipline and any growing room!

Good luck!

Answer 5

You didn't mention if you need English or Western? As they are completely different in sizing and measuring.
As you have already been answered... the best and really only accurate way is to go sit in them at a tack shop and see what size fits best. The shop representative will assist you in how to tell which fits best and properly for that discipline.
Also you need to decide what tree size you are going to need for her horse, or if she doesn't have a horse, ask what size they can recommend for her for the types of horses she will be riding.
With English you not only want her to fit her seat properly but remember to take in consideration the flap length, especially for a long legged rider.

Answer 6

Yes if her hip size is larger than 36 inches she probably needs a saddle at least 15 inches or larger.

Answer 7

I would take her to a saddle shop and have her just sit in them.

My son is 12 yrs old and been riding in a 15in saddle comfortably. So it just depends.

Answer 8

Go to a tack shop and have your daughter try out diffrent saddles and diffrent sizes

Answer 9

Can't you just take her to a saddle shop?

Also, I think the length of the straps are more key than the exact size of the saddle itself . . .

Answer 10

I'm sure the saddle place handles that sort of thing.