Saddle selection is a complicated process, and it's one that shouldn't be taken lightly. You want your horse to be comfortable, but you also want a horse saddle that fits you well. A good fit can make the experience of riding much more enjoyable for both you and your horse. And don't forget: this decision isn't just about riding comfort! Saddles are designed to last for years, so take the time to research what type of riding you'll be doing and find a saddle that works best for all types of activities.

Measure your horse

Before you go shopping for a western saddle, it's important to know your horse's measurements. The most important measurement is the length of your horse's back. The perfect saddle will fit nicely in between two vertebrae on each side of his spine (known as "withers"). If it doesn't fit well there, it won't be comfortable for him and could lead to back problems.

When you're looking for the right saddle, it's important to measure your horse. To make sure you get a proper fit, take several measurements at once.

  • Measure the length of your horse's back from chest to withers (the point on his back where his spine joins).

  • Measure the width of his chest and shoulders by placing a ruler along their widest points; this will be about two inches wider than any other measurement taken during this process.

  • Measure how long it is from headstall (where it attaches) to noseband; this should be about three inches less than what he was wearing previously.

Get a saddle that fits you

Your saddle should fit you. It shouldn't be too high or too low, and it should fit your body shape. The wrong size can cause pain and discomfort for you, as well as an uncomfortable ride for your horse.

Now that we've covered what to look for in horse saddles, let's talk about how to measure yourself so you can find the right one!

The first step is to measure your inseam. Stand with your feet together and measure from the floor to the top of your hip bones; this will give you an idea of how long your legs are. From here, measure how tall you are in inches from the ground to the top of your head; this will be about two inches wider than any other measurement taken during this process. Measure how long it is from headstall (where it attaches) to noseband; this should be about three inches less than what he was wearing previously.

Know what type of riding you'll be doing

Before you go shopping, know what type of riding you'll be doing. There are different types of saddles designed to fit the needs of specific riders. Saddle connoisseur Amanda Sims has this advice:

  • Trail Riding: If your horse is used to being out in the wilderness and doesn't mind being uncomfortable, then a trail saddle will help him feel comfortable on his back. This type of saddle also helps protect him from sharp rocks or sticks that can cut through leathers more easily than soft ones.

  • Barrel Racing: For those who want their horse to look good while running around barrels at an event like rodeos or fairs, this is an ideal option because it's made from thick leather that won't tear easily when ridden over rough terrain such as cactus plants or sand dunes (as well as any other obstacles). It also provides enough padding underneath so they don't get sore legs after hours upon hours spent standing still while waiting around before each run begins!

Find a saddle that fits your budget

When you're shopping for a new saddle, it's important to keep in mind that not all saddles are equal. The cost of a saddle depends on what type of material it's made from, how much leather is used, and whether or not there's any padding inside the saddle (if so). You may find yourself spending more money than expected on your new horse's equipment if you don't know exactly what kind of saddle will fit well with their body shape and size.

A good-quality saddles will last you a long time, so it's worth your while to invest in one that fits both your budget and your horse. If you're just looking for something cheap, there are plenty of options out there that will get the job done but aren't very comfortable for either rider or horse. If you're looking for a more durable, high-end product, then be prepared to shell out some serious cash!

If this sounds familiar—and it should!—there are several ways to save money on saddles:

  • Ask around at local horse shows where people sell their own wares (as opposed to buying them online)

  • Look at local farms/ranches that have used saddles before by looking at photos online or asking friends who own them

Research and ask around - but always try the saddle on your horse.

When it comes to saddles, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, research the different styles and brands of saddles available on the market today. You can do this by reading reviews online or visiting your local tack store and asking for recommendations from their staff.

Once you've narrowed down your options, try them on your horse before buying them! If possible, bring along someone who knows what they're doing when trying out a saddle for themselves so that they can give tips about how each one feels after riding in it for awhile (or not).

You should also make sure that the saddle fits both YOU AND YOUR HORSE—it's important that everyone is comfortable with what they're wearing!

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for new western saddles, it can be a daunting task. You might want to buy off the rack or try something custom-made by a professional saddler. But don’t let that stop you! With some careful research and asking around, you can find an ideal saddle for your horse and yourself without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort. We hope this article has given tips on how best to choose saddles for horses of all sizes.

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