Saddle size

I have noticed a lot of saddle makers only make up to size 17? May I ask what size saddle you larger riders are using? Pictures? Will a 17 work for me?

In particular like Julie Goodnights trail/gaited saddle.

I am 260# and 5'7"

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Charts are showing an 18" seat on Western Saddles for the specs you posted.

One reason 17" Seat are the maximum size as standard is because of the length of the bar in the Saddle Tree, if the bar is long enough to accommodate an 18" seat, care must be used in selecting a Horse with a long enough back, too long a bar on a Horse and too much pressure is put on ribs that are not designed for such weights/pressures.

Going custom means someone will be talking to a semi or custom saddle maker, this insure both the rider and the horse will be happy.

I would suggest a Saddle with an A-fork or Wade type Swell as the narrow fronts offer a touch more thigh room also.


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I ride in a 19" 36cm Duett saddle - my mare has a short back (too short to accomodate a traditional western saddle, much to my dismay as I would love to try cattle penning with her and don't trust myself to stay in the Duett!) and it is not too long for her.

I can't do a English saddle. I may have to go with a tucker saddle as they at least have a 18-18 1/2".

Tucker saddles run smaller then standard saddles due to the padding. An 18" in a Tucker is more like a 16 1/2 or 17 in a regular saddle.

Strange since their size chart puts me at that size?

Just passing along what my local Tucker dealer told me when I was looking at them a few years ago.

OK - I am 300lbs 5'7", and my 17" Circle Y Park and Trail is actually a bit big.

For several years we had an 18" custom saddle for my husband, but it took a really really big horse to use it on - actually the only horse I ever owned who fit it was a full draft. She was an 18.3 hand Shire and it fit her perfectly. I bought it used and it was made for a QH??? Ok, but like I said, it was just huge.

Look at the 17" saddles and give them a try, you might be surprised.

(This one is for sale as it no longer fits my horse...)

How much for saddle? And what size is it? I will have to try a 17" in person.
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I'm about 300 lbs too and 5'5". My western saddle is a 17 inch Lady Flex Trail Fabtron. English is a 19 inch Dover Circuit Elite XC.