What is the difference between seat size in English/Western saddles?

Question

Is there a difference in seat size in English vs Western saddles? Meaning, if I use a 17" English saddle, would I use a 17" Western saddle? Or are they not the same seat measurements at all?

Answer 1

i have always been taught to that a western saddle should be 2 inches smaller than an english saddle, but it also depends on your size and height. I have an 18'' english saddle and 17'' western saddle which is slightly too big.

Answer 2

If you use a 17" english saddle, you should use around a 14" western saddle.

I was always taught that english saddles are measured 3" larger than western saddles. I had a 15" western saddle and bought an 18" english saddle.

The best way to know what saddle fits you is to test it out.

Answer 3

Typically if you fit a 17" English Saddle, then actually you'd use a 15" Western Saddle.  A 14" Western Saddle is a SMALL saddle!  I'm 5'3" and I use a 14 1/2  to a 15" depending upon the style of saddle and I ride in a16 1/2" English Saddle.  Measure your leg from the outside from your knee, to your hip, that will give you the exact, English seat size then deduct 2" from that.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

I ride in a 17" english saddle and I have a 16" western saddle. I am 5'8"

Answer 5

14"