Saddle widths

[Mare Stare]

I'm thinking of selling a few old saddles on Ebay. Just wondering how the measurement between the D rings converts into narrow, medium etc.

What is 6 inches classed as, for example?

 

[teddyt]

The d to d measurement is absolutely useless, i dont know why people insist on using it! the height of the d's are not the same on every saddle. The thickness of the panels and type of tree are not the same on every saddle either. So measuring d to d just gives you exactly that- its no help to the width for the horse!

 

[Mare Stare]

Ok. So how do I measure it then?

 

[teddyt]

Thats the trouble, there are no standard measurements for each width unfortunately. Some saddles are stamped on the leather or tree what they are. Other than that you just have to take an educated guess as to the width. Or compare them to a saddle that you know the width of. Thats why its such a lottery buying untried saddles- it is very approximate as to their size and down to personal opinion. A medium in one saddle will not be the same as another There should be standardised widths really.
Good luck!

 

[MrVelvet]

The best thing for you to do would be photograph the front of the saddle with the tape measure going from d-d then people can see the measurement and also the flocking and panels etc.

 

[sbloom]

The best thing for you to do would be photograph the front of the saddle with the tape measure going from d-d then people can see the measurement and also the flocking and panels etc.

If you were selling that would be goof advice!

Even if a saddle is stamped with a width it may have been altered. D rings are at different heights, tree points are different lengths. Is there no way you can work with a saddle fitter to find something used? Otherwise you'll have to have an educated guess, see if sellers would be happy to look at a tracing of your horse and see if it matches the points on the saddle (though some horses do not strctly fit the width shown by a tracing). We saddle fitters do have uses you know , saddle fitting is not something to be sniffed at as a skill.