Saddle Size Calculator
Sit on a chair and measure from the back of your bottom to the front of your knee. Enter it, choose English or Western and your build, and the calculator gives your saddle seat size.
- From thigh length
- English and Western
- Build allowance
Sit with your back against the chair and your knee bent at a right angle.
Saddle seat size is measured from the nail at the front to the back of the seat. A longer thigh needs a longer seat so your knee sits on the knee roll. Western saddles are measured differently and run about two inches smaller for the same rider.
Saddle size chart
Seat size by thigh length. Search for a length.
| Thigh (in) | English seat (in) | Western seat (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 16.5 | 15 | 13 |
| 16.5 to 18.5 | 16 | 14 |
| 18.5 to 20.5 | 17 | 15 |
| 20.5 to 22.5 | 17.5 | 15.5 |
| 22.5 to 24 | 18 | 16 |
| Over 24 | 18.5 | 16.5 |
Heavier riders often go up half an inch.
Thigh length and seat
English saddle. Slide the thigh length.
The dimension shows the seat length, from the front of the pommel to the centre of the cantle.
How to measure for a saddle
Sitting down. Step through it.
Sit on a chair
Feet flat.
When you sit in the saddle, there should be about a hand's width between you and the back of the seat.
English, Western or endurance
Saddle styles. Compare them.
Close contact, dressage, general.
Deep seat, horn.
Long rides.
The saddle must fit the horse too. Have a qualified fitter check the tree width and the panels.
Before buying
Saddle checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
A seat that is too small pushes you onto the cantle, and one too big lets you slide about.
What you get
Saddle size. Each tile explains one result.
For your style.
Equivalent size.
As measured.
Allowance.
In the saddle.
Dressage saddles have straighter flaps and suit a longer leg, so some riders go half an inch smaller.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How do I know what size saddle I need?
Measure your thigh from the back of your bottom to the front of your knee while sitting, and find it on the chart.
What size saddle does an average woman need?
Often a 17 inch English saddle.
How do Western saddle sizes compare to English?
Western seats are about 2 inches smaller for the same rider.
What happens if my saddle is too small?
You will be pushed back onto the cantle and feel crowded and unbalanced.
What happens if my saddle is too big?
You will slide around and find it hard to keep a steady position.
Do children need a different size?
Yes. Most children ride 13 to 15 inch English seats.
Does the horse affect the seat size?
Not the seat, but the tree width and length must fit the horse's back.
A seat that fits you
Measure your thigh, find your seat size and try it with a hand's width behind you. Then make sure the saddle fits the horse as well.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.