The proper way to measure a horse for a saddle?

Question

What is the best way to measure a horse for a saddle?? I would like to know the best way to check for saddle fit. and measurements because the saddle they sent with my horse i think pinches him. I put it on him once for lunging but it looked wrong.

Answer 1

depending on how big the person is?

Answer 2

Get a saddle fitter out to make sure that you get the right saddle. You want your horse to be comfy right?

Answer 3

Here is a video of how

http://www.statelinetack.com/western.asp...

in the video part click on saddle fit

Answer 4

Put it on without a pad and tighten the girth.  Does it appear level on his back?  It should.  Ride in it that way, and then check the sweat marks.  They should be evenly along the sides where the bars of the tree contact the horse's back.  If there are gaps, it may be bridging in the middle (not good).  The pommel should clear the wither, or it means the saddle is too wide and causing wither pressure.  If it sits too high off the wither and feels tight at the shoulder area, it may be too narrow.    

Answer 5

I like this site for western saddles...

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/howshouli...

It has some really good information and photos.

Answer 6

As galloping said. Also, when you go to fit at a shop. Sometimes they will have baby powder at saddle shops and apply to the saddle , then place the saddle on the horse's back and when you take it off the baby power will leave the saddle mark behind.(some saddle shops will use broken up sidewalk chalk for light colored horses)This way you can search for gaps.

Most saddles you will know they are a good fit if you can place on the horse's back without a saddle pad and push down on the stirrup with the saddle uncinched. If the saddle slides to far to the side or completely off, the saddle is not a good fit.

Answer 7

This site, and  many others, give you many good suggestions on how to properly fit a saddle.  It depends on English, Western, Trail, Show etc.  Hope it helps!