WESTERN SADDLE GUIDE

The section covers some general information about the Western saddle.

Parts of the Western Saddle

How to Measure the Western Saddle

Western Saddle vs. English Saddle vs. Australian Saddle Measurements

Western Saddle Seat Size Guide

The Western Saddle is designed for comfort, practicality and security. There are many variations of the Western Saddle, each designed for different riding styles and purposes. One of the most popular is the Pleasure Saddle. Other common styles of the saddle include the Barrel Racing Saddle, Cutting and Reining Saddle, Endurance Saddle and Roping Saddle.

The Saddle is one of the most important and one of the most expensive pieces of equipment you will get. With proper care and maintenance a saddle will last for many, many years. The Western saddle's design and fit can have a big effect on both the horse's performance and the rider's position and comfort. An ill fitting saddle can cause the horse considerable discomfort as well as physical damage. When choosing a new saddle, you will want to be sure the saddle fits not only the rider, but the horse properly.

The Western Miniature Horse Saddle and Pony Saddle are usually designed similar to the pleasure saddle. The main parts of the Western Saddle are shown in the photo below.

Western Saddles are made of several different materials. In the past, the Western Saddle was made from leather which covered a wooden tree. Many western saddles are still made this way today. The wooden tree makes these saddles very heavy.

Today, many western saddles are made from synthetic materials and the trees are made from fiberglass. Using these materials to build the saddles make them lightweight which is easier on the horse and easier on the rider. One advantage to a synthetic saddle is the ease of cleaning them up. Usually just a wet sponge will take the dirt off. The other main advantage to the synthetic saddle is the lightweight. Some synthetic materials used are Nylon, cloth and neoprene.

WHAT SIZE IS BEST FOR ME?

When you purchase your Western Saddle you need to decide what size seat you will need. The Western Saddle is measured from just below the back side of the saddle horn, straight across the seat to the fore edge of the Cantle.

English Saddles and Australian Saddles are measured differently from the Western Saddle. The same size measurement for the English saddles and Australian Saddle is 2" larger than the Western Saddle Seat Size.

Western Saddles can be found in many different sizes. Small 5" Miniature Western Saddles are made for decoration. The 7" and 8" Miniature Horse Saddle is the smallest, useable size saddle manufactured. These adorable, tiny saddles are exactly like the larger western saddles they are modeled after. They are used for the small toddler who is just learning to ride and are designed to fit the Miniature Horse or small pony. They are also used to begin training the Miniature Horse or small pony to carry a saddle.

A wide assortment of small Western saddles can be found at our eBay Store, Tales & Trails.

The most common Miniature Horse Saddle or Small Pony Saddle size is 9" and 10" seat size. The 11" and 12" Western Saddle can be used on larger Miniature Horses and Small Ponies. Many 10", 11" and 12" saddles are designed to fit the full size horse. The chart below lists the different Western Saddle sizes and a general description of what size person will fit in each size.