How Do You Measure for a Saddle? A Step-by-Step Guide
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Time to read 4 min
Choosing the right saddle size is one of the most important things you can do for your horse’s comfort and performance. An ill-fitting saddle can cause discomfort, behavioural issues, and even long-term damage, while a well-fitted saddle ensures balance, stability, and a better riding experience.
But how do you measure for a saddle correctly? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to measure both your horse for a saddle and how to measure an existing saddle to make sure it’s the right fit.
JUMP TO SECTION:
What Measurements Do You Need for a Saddle? How to Measure Your Horse for a Saddle Step 1: Wither Tracing Step 2: Gullet Width Step 3: Back Length Step 4: Shoulder & Back Shape How to Measure a Saddle Step 1: Seat Size Step 2: Saddle Width Tools to Help You Measure for a Saddle How Saddles Direct Can Help You Find the Perfect Fit
Why Is It Important to Measure for a Saddle Correctly?
A saddle that doesn’t fit well can lead to:
- Uneven pressure and discomfort for your horse
- Back pain and soreness
- Restricted movement , making riding less enjoyable for both horse and rider
- Rider imbalance , affecting your seat and position
By measuring properly, you ensure the right saddle width, length, and balance , helping your horse move freely and keeping you comfortable in the saddle.
What Measurements Do You Need for a Saddle?
To ensure a good fit, you need two types of measurements:
- Horse Measurements – to find the right size and shape of saddle
- Saddle Measurements – to check if a saddle is the correct size for you and your horse
Let's start with measuring your horse.
How to Measure Your Horse for a Saddle
Step 1: Wither Tracing
A wither tracing helps determine the tree width needed in a saddle.
What You Need:
- A flexible curve (or a piece of wire)
- A sheet of paper
- A marker pen
How to Do It:
- Place the flexible curve over the horse’s withers, about two inches behind the shoulder blade .
- Mould it to the shape of the withers.
- Carefully lift it off and trace the shape onto a piece of paper.
- Compare this to saddle gullet sizes to determine the right fit.
Remember to place the gullet bar 1-2 inches above the tracing to allow for wither clearance!
🐴 We recommend the templating starter kit by the Perfect Fit Kit. Templating regularly
allows you to track changes in your horse's shape, see how your horse is muscling up and help ensure they are still in the most suitable width saddle.
Step 2: Gullet Width
The gullet width refers to the space between the saddle panels under the pommel.
- Narrow / Medium Gullet: Suitable for very fine, high-withered horses like Thoroughbreds.
- Medium / Medium Wide Gullet: Fits most fit, athletic sport horses.
- Wide/X-Wide Gullet: Ideal for cobs and broader horses.
- 2XW+ Gullet: Designed for very broad cobs & draught horses.
Checking the gullet width helps avoid pinching or excessive pressure on the withers.
Step 3: Back Length
A saddle that is too long can cause discomfort, especially on shorter-backed horses.
How to Measure:
- Locate the last rib of your horse.
- Draw an imaginary line up to the spine—this marks the weight-bearing area.
- The saddle should fit within this area, not extending beyond it.
Step 4: Shoulder & Back Shape
Different horses have different back shapes:
- Flat-backed horses need a flatter saddle tree.
- Curved-backed horses need a deeper curve in the panels.
- High-withered horses need a more cut-back head.
Understanding these details helps match the right saddle brand and design to your horse.
How to Measure a Saddle
If you already have a saddle and want to check its size, follow these steps:
🔍 Look for a stamp
Most saddles will have their specification and a serial number stamped on them to identify them. All manufacturers put them somewhere different, so look underneath the flap, on the flap under the girth straps or underneath of the saddle, on the side that touches the horse. Some older saddles might have a sewn-in tag near the girth points instead of a stamp.
Step 1: Seat Size
This determines the saddle’s fit for the rider.
How to Measure:
- Measure from the nail head (small metal stud near the pommel) to the cantle (back of the seat).
Common seat sizes:
- 16" - Teenage / Pony
- 16.5" - Suitable for Petite Adults
- 17"/17.5" - Most Popular
- 18" - Biggest Seat Size
Step 2: Saddle Width
There's lots of ways to measure a saddle's width, the easiest is by offering up a gullet bar to find the closest match.
Different saddle brands have their own specifications for M/MW/W, so widths can differ between makes and even models.
If you don't have any gullet bars to hand, you can use your fists at the front of the saddle between the top of the panel.
- 1 Fist = Medium (approx. 4")
- 1 Fist + 3 Fingers = Medium/Wide (approx. 6")
- 2 Fists = Wide (approx. 6")
IMPORTANT: DO NOT MEASURE BETWEEN THE D-RINGS AS THESE ARE NOT ALWAYS IN THE CORRECT PLACE
Common Mistakes People Make When Measuring for a Saddle
❌ Only measuring seat size – this is just for the rider, not the horse.
❌ Ignoring your horse’s back length – too long = discomfort.
❌ Not considering gullet width – can cause pinching or slipping.
❌ Assuming one size fits all – different brands have different fits!
Tools to Help You Measure for a Saddle
Professional Saddle Fitters
sometimes, getting expert advice is the best solution!
How Saddles Direct Can Help You Find the Perfect Fit
At Saddles Direct, we make finding the right saddle easy with:
✅ Try Before You Buy – test ride a saddle before committing.
✅ Virtual Saddle Fittings – expert guidance from the comfort of your home.
✅ 600+ Saddles in Stock – a huge selection to suit all horses and riders.
If you're unsure, our saddle consultants are always here to help !
Final Tips for Measuring Your Saddle
✔ Double-check all measurements before buying a saddle.
✔ Keep track of your horse’s shape , as it changes throughout the year.
✔ When in doubt, ask a professional!
Measuring for a saddle correctly is essential for both your horse’s comfort and your riding performance. By following these steps, you can make a more informed decision when buying a new or second-hand saddle.
Need expert advice? Get in touch with Saddles Direct today! We’ll help you find the perfect fit for both you and your horse. If you can give us your measurements, we can look at pictures of your horse and provide personal recommendations to make sure you're trying the best saddles.
📞 01995 624 102
📧 customerservice@saddlesdirect.co.uk