A saddle that’s the wrong size will make even the best-built saddle feel wrong. Too small and you’re jammed against the swells with the cantle pushing into your back. Too big and you slide around, struggle to keep your legs under you and tire out faster on a long day. Here’s how to get the seat size right.
How seat size is measured
Western seat size is measured from the back of the swell (the fork) to the top center of the cantle, in inches. Most adult riders fall somewhere between 14″ and 17″. Because it’s measured to the top of the cantle, two saddles with the same number can still feel different. A steep, tall cantle or a big undercut swell takes up room and makes a seat feel smaller, while a slick fork or low, laid-back cantle makes it feel roomier.
The sit test
The best way to judge size is to sit in a saddle that’s on a horse or a saddle stand:
- In front: you should have a little room between the front of your body and the swells. Many riders look for roughly a hand’s width. If you’re pressed against the fork, the seat is too small.
- Behind: the cantle should support you without digging into your backside. If there’s a big gap behind you, the seat is probably too big.
- Legs: your legs should hang naturally under you. If your knees end up past the front of the fenders, or you can’t keep your heel under your hip, the size or fender length may be off.
Sit for a few minutes, stand in the stirrups and sit back down. A seat that feels fine for 30 seconds can feel very different after a while.
Think about how you ride
- Long days and ranch work: many riders prefer a touch more room so they can shift their weight over a long day.
- Roping and barrel racing: a closer fit helps keep you secure and in position through fast stops and turns.
- Between sizes? Think about your build, your clothes (winter layers take up space) and the style of saddle. A slick-fork wade usually rides bigger than a swell-fork saddle with the same seat size.
Seat size and fender length go together
On JC Martin saddles, fender and skirt length are matched to the seat size. Here’s how ours are built:
- 14″ and 14 1/2″ seats have 15″ fenders
- 15″ and 15 1/2″ seats have 16″ fenders
- 16″ and 16 1/2″ seats have 17″ fenders
- 17″ seats have 18″ fenders
Skirts are about 25–26″ on sizes 14 through 15, 26 1/2–27″ on sizes 15 1/2 through 17, and generally 28″ on size 18. You can find the full details on our Guía de tallas.
Don’t forget the horse
Seat size is about the rider, but skirt length is about the horse. A short-backed horse may not have room for a long skirt that reaches past the last rib. If you ride a short-coupled horse, check that the skirt clears the hips before you settle on a bigger seat.
Still not sure?
If you’re stuck between two sizes or want a second opinion, email us at saddlegear@gmail.com with your height, weight, inseam, the size you ride now and how it feels. We’ll help you pick the right fit.