Maryland Saddlery's Guide to Choosing and Fitting Saddles Issue 1 | Page 7

Choosing a Saddle to Sit In
RIDER – MATH
SADDLE SIZES Child’s 12”-13”-14”-15”15 3/4”-16”
Adult’s 16” -16” 1/2 - 17”- 17 1/2”- 18”- 18 1/2” - 19”
SEAT TO LEG RATIO - SEAT SIZE & FLAP SIZE
Look at you body type to determine if you are long from hip to knee. A long
thigh bone requires a forward and or longer flap. If the saddle is cutback at the
pommel, it may require ½” larger in the seat to compensate.
Determine what seat size you need a saddle to be by sitting in a variety of
saddles. Take into consideration what feels comfortable. Many people choose
to ride in a saddle that is too small. Mostly because that is the size they fit into
as a child. You are serving your horse best by sitting in the deepest part of the
saddle seat. That way your weight is not over the cantle of the saddle.
Downward pressure over the back edge of the saddle panels may damage you
horse’s back.
When testing a saddle in a store, be SURE to properly balance the saddle on
the saddle buck. The seat needs to be level so that you are not falling forward
on your crotch or back on you seat bones.

English saddles are measured
from the button/nail head
on the front of the saddle to
the center of the cantle.
A correctly fitting saddle will
leave you room behind your
bottom measuring about the
width of your hand. Also, be
sure that your knees do not
pass the front of the flaps
when you are wearing your
stirrups.