Saddle size can be affected by a myriad of variables. A general guideline is that the English saddle size would be 2 inches bigger than a Western size of saddle seat.
Relax in a comfy chair, and measure the lower leg’s upper portion using a tape. Measurement should be at the least one hand’s width behind the buttocks. You should also measure one hand’s length between the front of the pommel and your cantle.
Sit bone length
It is based on the dimensions of the sit bones. A saddle that is too narrow could cause discomfort at the back of the lower part and pressure on the peritoneum. Wide saddles could cause knee pain, and an absence of support. It’s crucial to gauge the width of your sit bones at home or at a local bike dealer.
The bones that make up the sit of the pelvis sit situated at the base of the pelvis. They carry most of the load of the cyclist. If you’ve got a sheet of aluminum foil or a corrugated piece cardboard on the floor create an impression using your butt. The bike fitting specialists use special maps of pressure to get the measure.
Sit bone thickness is affected by your cycling position and your performance. Men and women share the same sit bone size thus a unisex saddle can be a safe choice for most cyclists.
From hip to knee
The leg’s location is determined by hip-to-knee length. This determines the angle and point of your flap. The ideal scenario is that your knee will be in line with the top of the flap when you are riding, with your heel just below it. The flap shouldn’t interfere with your top high-heeled riding boots or half chaps.
Most riders with lengthy legs ought to opt for a wider seat so that their legs don’t hang from the front on the back of the saddle. The size of the saddle, however, is usually a matter of personal choice. A few people favor a less sloping seat, while some prefer an extra deep seat.
The size of the gullet also decides whether a saddle is suitable for the horse you are riding. The width of the gullet will decide what saddle size do i need size saddle is best for your horse. The gullet must be large enough to allow two and a half to three fingers, but not excessively large, or it will feel strained.
The height of the cantle
Cantle size is a major component in determining how comfortable of the saddle as well as the safety it gives the rider. Also, it affects how the rider’s upper body moves as well as how the horse’s back is affected.
A general rule of thumb is that you should have about four inches between your front body and the swellings of the saddle. The cantle ought to be gently pressurized by your rump as the rear of your body shouldn’t touch it.
Saddles with lower cantles may be used in some disciplines including reining or the roping, as they need more mobility. A few riders opt for the high cantle. This includes dressage riders or trail riders. Higher cantles provide a better and more secure seating position and also provides more support for the lumbar region. Try both high and low cantles and determine what one is more comfortable for your needs. This is the reason we advise avoid sizing charts when picking the right saddle, instead focusing on the way that the saddle is felt.
Cantle angle
If your saddle is positioned over the pommel and too low into the cantle, it may put pressure on a very sensitive region of your horse’s back. It can cause the horse to become unbalanced within the seat and will have difficult time providing proper assistance to the leg and seat.
A good rule of thumb is that the cantle should be one” to 2″ higher than the pommel. For seats with lower apex like jump saddles, the cantle may be constructed to be in line with or higher in relation to the pommel. If that’s the situation, it’s important not to depend on any other test to ensure that the cantle is in good condition.
Finally, the angle of the saddle is critical to ensure correct alignment of the saddle. It is the angle that extends from the saddle that is measured from the top of the swell toward the rear of the cantle. This can be flat, mildly hilly or steep. It can also be a recess or dish to the side of the cantle.
