English saddle size ??

Just wondering is 17.5 '' is very different from 17''? And how to measure correctly if the saddle fits you? (I'm tall, but not very heavy lol!)

I'm wondering, because I went to the tack store with LOTS of saddles, but all saddles I liked (I tried CC only) are 17.5 '' and 18''. Somehow the guy almost doesn't carry 17''. I tried both 17'' and 17.5'' for one model, and didn't find much difference, frankly (and it seemed that I had 4 fingers in front and below for both of them ) Also my AP is 17 and it seems to fit me, but I've heard it depends on model/brand too.

It's what you're the most comfortable, and that it fits your horse. =] After all, size IS just a number- just like pants, it does vary based on models and brands, so it's best to try out the saddle, see how you feel in it, before you buy. Having a general idea [16.5-18] is great, but you'll never be able to be 100% sure until you actually sit your butt down and see how your legs fit, if the knee rolls are in the right place for you, if you sit correctly, etc.

Thank you! And of course horse fit comes in place first. :)

0.5" doesn't usually make much difference. As long as the flap fits your leg when you're in riding position, 0.5" in seat size either way won't really matter.

Thanks, luvs!

Believe it or not, the way to determine required seat size is to measure the length of your femur bone. Take a tape measure that a sewer might use and measure from the point of your hip socket to the center of your knee joint...this is done on the outside of the leg.

I have overheard people say that they have a big butt, so they need a big saddle....not true. You are actually accommodating the length of your upper leg, not your butt.

As far as fitting a saddle to your horse, that is a totally different subject. Hope that helps.

Actually, I think riders need to accommodate more for their butt size. I know it's more length of thigh than size of rear, but nothing is more unattractive than a rider with a whole lot of rear hanging off the back of the saddle. O_O

I find that a 17.5" fits me better than anything else, I'm 5'7 and weigh about 140. But, I can ride in a 17 to 18" just fine, and can even squeeze into a 16 or 16.5, although it's not as comfortable. Just sit in as many saddles as you, and don't just sit there, position your body like you would if you were actually on a horse. Some places let you do this, maybe this tack shop does too, but sometimes they let you bring your [clean] horse in, try a saddle on it, as well as sit in the saddle on your horse.

If your butt is too big for your saddle, your weight will not be centered. If your weight is not in the center of the saddle, you will be riding on the back of the seat and driving the back of the saddle into your horse. A saddle that is too small for you can hurt your horse over time... not to mention the fact that I agree with riccilove and do NOT want to see anyone's body spilling over the back of a saddle when I'm in the warmup ring.

Keep in mind that you can sit in 10 saddles that will feel perfectly fine to you. For reasons I cannot explain, they will all balance your weight differently once they're on your horse. Some will feel great and others you'll barely be able to get out of to post. Definitely take some home and try them out on your horse.