Western saddle fitting

[tobiano1984]

I tried on an old Western saddle on my youngster today, and not sure if it fits. It looks like it sits slightly high and therefore might be too narrow for him, but any western riders/experts out there who can help?! I've tried to take pics that show the fitting:

THANKS!

 

[Spring Feather]

I don't claim to be a saddle fitter, just the owner of loads of western saddles, but to me it doesn't look too bad a fit at all. I would however have a saddle maker do a run over your saddle to look for any weak spots. Rhandir pointed out a couple the other day, and I agree with her that you should get some Blevins for the fender straps, but you also want to check all the internal leather straps too. If I were you, another thing I'd do is replace the front leather cinch straps. I prefer nylon cinch straps as they are a bit more free than the old leather ones.

 

[tobiano1984]

I don't claim to be a saddle fitter, just the owner of loads of western saddles, but to me it doesn't look too bad a fit at all. I would however have a saddle maker do a run over your saddle to look for any weak spots. Rhandir pointed out a couple the other day, and I agree with her that you should get some Blevins for the fender straps, but you also want to check all the internal leather straps too. If I were you, another thing I'd do is replace the front leather cinch straps. I prefer nylon cinch straps as they are a bit more free than the old leather ones.

Thanks - do you think this will fit a pad underneath or just a blanket? To me, it looks narrow and if it had a pad as well it'd probably be very perched on top!

Yes I need to replace a few straps and upgrade the safety features a bit!

 

[Arizahn]

http://www.saddlesthatfit.com/ElementsOfFit.htm
I found this very helpful for mine. Happy trails!

 

[Spring Feather]

Thanks - do you think this will fit a pad underneath or just a blanket? To me, it looks narrow and if it had a pad as well it'd probably be very perched on top!

Yes I need to replace a few straps and upgrade the safety features a bit!

Always a pad. Never use a western saddle with just a blanket. I use sheepskins but if you are going for a pad then my advice is do not go for a foam or a felt one, gel is better if you don't want to spend the money on a sheepskin. Western saddles always sit high on a horse. Your one looks quite balanced to me and the width looks okay from what I can see in the pictures. You're there on the ground though so you'll know whether you can fit fingers where they should be able to fit