What size saddle does a thoroughbred need?
Between 16.5 and 18.5 inches — Look for a 16-inch saddle. Between 20 and 21.5 inches — Try a 17-inch saddle. Over 21.5 inches — Try an 18- or 19-inch seat size.
What tree size fits most horses?
Tree Widths: Semi-Quarter horse bars usually have a 6 1/4″ gullet, and Quarter Horse Bars usually have a 6 1/2″ to 6 3/4″ gullet. Designed to fit the average horse, one of these two widths will fit approximately 80% of horses comfortably.
How do I know if my horse needs a wide tree?
If the tree angle is too wide, there may be clearance on the top of your horse’s withers, but the saddle will pinch the sides of his withers. It will also hit the reflex point (cranial nerve 11) that restricts movement in his shoulders and makes him unwilling or unable to move freely forward.
What is the tree size on a saddle?
A woman’s hand will generally measure about four inches across. If there’s 1/2″ to 3/4″ of space on either side of your fist, the saddle is approximately a medium tree. If there’s 0″ to 1/2″ then the tree is narrow; and if there’s more than 1″ of space on either side of your fist, the tree is wide or extra wide.
What size is a medium wide gullet?
Gullet Size Chart
| Gullet Size | Inches |
|---|---|
| Narrow | 6” |
| Medium or Average | 6.5” |
| Wide | 7” |
| Extra Wide | 8” |
How tight should your saddle be?
When you first put the saddle on, snug up the cinch just enough to hold the saddle in place while you finish getting ready for your ride. Take your time, tightening it at least three or four times before you mount and walking him a few steps before tightening it enough to get on. Don’t over do it!
Do Western saddles fit any horse?
When buying a saddle, keep in mind that saddle trees of the same description can vary significantly. And just because you ride a big Quarter Horse doesn’t mean “full Quarter Horse bars” will make for a perfect fit. A saddle needs to fit the particular horse you ride, not just a general type or breed of horse.
How do you fit a saddle to a horse with high withers?
In fitting a saddle to a high-withered horse, you will need to lift the saddle away from the withers or have a saddle with high gullet built-in. This can be accomplished by using a saddle whose panels or bars match the slope of the horse’s back muscles, then raising the saddle up off of the withers using pads.