Why do western saddles hurt?

What I have always told people about riding is.

When you get done riding and your knees hart your stirrups are too short.
When you get done riding and your butt harts your stirrups are to long.
When you get done riding and they both hart your stirrups are just right :0 :)

Sorry I couldn't help it. Really I would know where to start other then to say the saddles you have ridden in do not fit you.

LOVE Bob's saddles!

^^ Me too! Now that I have one (with a narrow twist) I will NEVER have anything else!

You probably riding in "mens saddles?" maybe try looking for a womans. I ride western and not all western saddles are comfortable. Just have to find one you like. Im sure the same goes for english

You are in a chair seat in this picture, which could account for this.

And could be you are not giving with horse's motion too, and tensing?

When I started riding, I would only ride in english saddles and I was comfortable, my coach made me switch to western riding and I could only find bad things to say, I hated it, the seat was so uncomfortable, I did not like the stirrups either, tacking up was awful and so on. I started to get used to a bighorn western saddle and it was ok but now I own a western rawhide saddle and wow it's so comfy! Not too long a go I sat on a different saddle that was too big for me and ouch it hurt like hell... Now im so used to ride in my western that when I sit in an english saddle my butt gets sore! So really, it's just a matter of finding the right saddle that is comfortable for you and your horse and you will get used to it eventually ;)

Palomine, my "looseness" in the saddle is something everyone I've ridden with comments about. I just kind of instinctually move with the horse.

Joseeandjade, the irony is that I've only ever ridden western (until I got my Aussie saddle).
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Hehe i'm glad to hear you found a good saddle that works!! ;)

I have had issues with my butt bones (and I too have padding) and also my knees would hurt so bad when I got off I couldnt stand..last year I bought a custom made saddle from our local tack store. It has 5" cantle with a high back, almost like a ropping sadle. It also has the stirrups pre-turned...its like a dang recliner lol. I love love love it!!! It is not light however and just a touch big for me not sloppy but more room I think is better..it's roughed out not that that matters I don't think but maybe..

Every saddle I have tried had been pretty comfy to me. I have a super bony behind too. I have no idea - maybe you are just more sensitive?