Determining Your Seat Size  


Determining Your Seat Size

Many people want to know which seat size is right for them and other related details. Sports Saddles can be ordered in sizes, including half sizes, from a 12" clear up to a 19" or 20" seat. The 15" seat in the Sports Saddles is very common. A 14" seat is considered a small seat and best suited for adult riders under 100 pounds (a petite size person) and the majority of adults don't usually request a seat that small.

In order to get sized properly, a person's height, weight and circumference of the upper thigh is taken into consideration. If you know what size western saddle seat has worked well for you then this also works into the decision. Generally, it is a good idea to have at least a fingers width between your thigh and the pommel in front of you without your pant pockets being glued to the cantle.

In other words, when sitting in a comfortable position you should also have a little room behind you too. Some people may even like two fingers width for extra comfort. If you ride in an English saddle the size does not transfer into the same size measurement for a saddle with a pommel and cantle, but you can supply that information too.

The following chart is a breakdown of thigh measurements and seat sizes. This is not an exact science but it will serve as a guideline. When you place an order we will discuss the details of your measurements as well as other considerations. For example, riding style and other needs related to personal style and comfort need to be considered to determine your best seat size.

  13” seat thigh 16” to 16½”
13½” seat thigh 17” to 17½”
14” seat thigh 18” to 18½”
14½” seat thigh 19” to 20”
15” seat thigh 20½” to 21½”
15½” seat thigh 22” to 23½”
16” seat thigh 23½” to 24"
16½” seat thigh 24” to 24½”
17" seat thigh 25” to 26”
17½” seat thigh 26½” to 27"
18" seat thigh 27” to 28” 		(click here for calculator)

Keep in mind that a 16" Endurance seat will feel roomier than a 16" Trail Rider due to the Endurance saddle's lower pommel and cantle. Also, bear in mind that a horse with a sway in it's back will cause a Sports Saddle to feel tighter to the rider as the saddle conforms to the sway. Allowing an extra ½” or 1" may make up the difference for the sway.

If you think you need a larger seat size please call and we can go over the details. It is not uncommon for people to order 17 inch seats and larger.

With all of the saddle models up through 16 1/2", these are standard seat sizes. There is a $50.00 charge for larger seat sizes. 17" seats and above are treated as an over-sized seat. The over-sized seats are considered a custom saddle option and may make the saddle non-refundable. Please discuss this item with the person you place your order with.