Saddle sizes

[eahotson]

I read an interesting comment from a very good experienced saddle fitter the other day.She said that when she started fitting saddles,20 plus years ago a small pony usually could take a 14" saddle, a large pony would take a 16" saddle and a horse for an adult would take 17" to 18".Now due to modern breeding a small pony will take a 12" saddle,a large pony will take a 14" saddle and many horses will only take a 16 to 16 and a half saddle.
They are frequently fitted with bigger saddles because the rider needs a bigger saddle.
When I think about it,when horse shopping in the past I have always asked about the size of the saddle that the horse can carry.Usually I am told "Oh we ride him in a 17" saddle."To be honest this is the first horse that I actually know for a fact what size saddle she can carry.

 

[MissTyc]

Add to that saddles have changed a lot and panels vs seat size varies between models as well.
I had a 16.5 jumping saddle that felt perfect for my + the horse. Lost that horse but got another of similar size. Saddle felt TINY to me (didn't l;ose any weight lol) and horse didn't like. New saddle is 17.5 and perfect for us both. Visually both saddles look about the same but both are stamped and measure up correct. I stopped preteding I understand any of it, but it is true that short-coupled horses are popular and you less long-backed horses than you used to!