Riders of 5ft 5 - what size saddle do you have ??

M

Muddywellies

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 July 2007
Messages
1,919
Visit site
I am a 'curvy' size 14 rider, and 5ft 5 tall. My 15.2hh tb x came with a 17" Albion saddle, which is lovely, HOWEVER, when I see pics of myself riding, my a*se just pours out the sides. Its hideous ! ! ! ! ! I woudn't say I am really big (14 isn't overly large) but I look dreadful in pics. I have been considering treating myself to a new dressage saddle for a while now, and always thought i would get another 17" , but now I am wondering whether a 17.5" would be better.
My confusion is over saddle sizes. I know that the size of saddle i should be in (also depends on the horse of course) depends on how long i am between my hip and knee, but how does one find a saddle that is wide enough for an ample rump (human, not horse) ?? Do they exist ? ?
 
I'm 5ft 6 and I use an 18'' saddle. Some saddles I tried I had the same problem as you. I think it really depends on the make as to how your butt fits on the seat. Best to get your local saddler out with a selection of saddles and then you can try them for size - yours and the horse.
 
Saddler came out to see my 15.2 tb, max he could have was a 17.5" and saddler prefered the 17" on him. Luckily I am only 5ft2 so the 17" was fine (which I went with, even though I prefered the 17.5 because it was brown!).
 
I have a 17.5 GP, which fits me (I'm 5'2") and doesn't look wrong on my lad, who, tbh, is a bit short in the back. I also have a 18" VSD which OH rides his old 14.3hh mare in. He is 5'10" and at 10st 10lbs has no bum to speak of and it's fine for him and doesn't look too long on her, as she is longer in the back! I also use the VSD on the gelding for schooling, but I have to put a seat saver on it for me to feel comfortable. He was always ridden in an 18" saddle before I had him and, again, it doesn't look wrong on him.

I think you will find that for us humans, rump comfort tends to relate to the depth of the seat, rather than it's width. I think a 17" is probably too small for you - it would feel small to me and I am not overly endowed in the bum department. You could always try an 18" (if the horse can take it) with a seat saver.

I agree with digger123, best thing is to try a few out - word of warning, it's usually the most expensive one that fits you both!!!
smile.gif
 
I'm 5'4".size 12.My 14.2HH saddle is 16.5", 16.3HH saddle is 17.5"

(Went with what fitted the horse really - 16.3hh came with a different 17.5" saddle which was way to big for me - you need to try each saddle as it also depends on the openness of the seat etc)
 
I'm 5'5" and a size 12. I have a 17 1/2" saddle company event saddle. The 17" is too short and the 18" too long. Have found 17 1/2" right in any other make of saddle I've used as well.
 
Hi there. I'm 5'6 and 11 nd half stone and I only have a 16 inch saddle and my bum fits ok.

I reckon it depends on the make of saddle. If your saddle is comfortable for you and your horse, I wouldnt worry about how it loooks unless you intend to do county showing.

Comfort for horse and rider is of paramount importance.
 
According to my saddle fitter it's the length of your leg from hip to thigh not bum size or maybe she was just being nice about the fact I needed an 18" saddle.
I'm just over 5'7" and my horse is a 16 2 TB who is chunky but short backed.
She also said because of my very long legs that I suited saddles without big knee and thigh rolls.

As digger123 said get a saddle fitter out and try a few. Even if you don't buy you'll get an idea of size and type that fit you both.
 
Same issue OP but I have a huge bum so tend to go for 18inch, its lovely and comfy in a GP

Dressage saddles because of the way they force your seat almost, I couldnt use my 17" throwgood at all, I just bought a morris and nolan from ebay, listed as 18" but isnt!!! grrr however they are quiet generous in their sizing so i think Im going to be ok.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top