Help with Saddle sizes

Lippyx

Lippyx

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Hi guys,

I need a saddle when I get my new boy. Now, obviously I will get him fitted by a proper saddle fitter, but been looking at some second hand saddles in tack shops etc.

Owner says a 17" will be fine, and he is in a medium-wide fit. What is the measurement D ring to D ring for a medium-wide as noticed some state this and not if it is a medium etc.

Cheers
 
Hi, Congratulations on your new horse :)
I firmly believe the measurement from D to D is an absolute waste of time- If you think about it D's being on the outside of a really well padded saddle could measure 9" but they could also measure 9" on a saddle with less padding making it much wider. The D's are also not in the same position on different saddles which would also affect the measurement and fit.
People do use it on places like Ebay but unless you know what make and model fits the horse I think its a very slap hazard way to buy an item which can do a lot of damage.
Id advise a saddler straight away. Many carry a huge range of second hand saddles to suit most budgets and you have the peace of mind that its a good fit.
 
As poiuytrewq has said, measuring dee ring (fall down staples) to dee ring really has no
bearing on the width and I don't know why people do it or how the myth started.
The shape and style of the tree's head and the gullet plate as well
as the style, amount of wear, the depth and amount of flocking in
the panel can be so different from saddle to saddle, even new ones and what might
measure at 10 inches in one style and be classed as wide might be
totally different in another style. So even 2 saddles of
the same make and model can be different if made by different people even if templates are used.
It is more a matter of experience and judgement of eye to determine
the width IF it isn't marked on the saddle anywhere.
Oz (Saddler)
EDIT:
I've sent you a pm with a link to an article about getting a saddle fitted and what to expect when the saddler or saddle fitter comes to see your horse, hope it helps, it can save a lot of heartache, Oz
 
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Least if you get the saddle our they can measuer and try on lots of brands/makes and if they are out of your price range you will have a better idea of which saddles suit and in which sizes. It is what I did with mine x
 
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