Hi All,
HELP! Okay, I want to learn to ride English. I've been riding western casually for a couple of years, but just this last year I have really started dedicating a lot more time to learning; and wow, is it fun! Needless to say I still have a lot to learn. Anyways, I want to learn English so I have been saddle searching. I've done lots of research on different types, brands, and of course how to be sure it fits my horse. I found a beautiful Stackhouse saddle that fits my old Quarter horse pretty well but, my neighbor (who's logic I sometimes question for various reasons) has told me it looks to small for me... but, she might be right. When I measured myself my legs-back length is 21 cm, according to this I should be in a 17 ( but I've looking for 16" per her, and her trainers, advice). I've done the "four fingers on the cantle" estimation, and it checks out but I have very small hands.
The Stackhouse was a custom for hunter/jump seat, no knee rolls though. The seat is a 16.5, it feels comfortable for me but I would like to get some more experienced advice. I'm 5'4, 130lbs, thighs are 21 cm long. Mainly going to be doing flatwork, but from what I've been reading as long as its comfortable and not putting me in a chair seat I can use just about any saddle.
I have attached a few pictures. Also, my seat posture seemed to sort itself out when I was riding, I think you can tell the difference in the pics. I promise that's not an excuse for the the obvious need to build muscle and correct my posture.. yikes!
Thanks to anyone who can give me some advice :cowboy:
HELP! Okay, I want to learn to ride English. I've been riding western casually for a couple of years, but just this last year I have really started dedicating a lot more time to learning; and wow, is it fun! Needless to say I still have a lot to learn. Anyways, I want to learn English so I have been saddle searching. I've done lots of research on different types, brands, and of course how to be sure it fits my horse. I found a beautiful Stackhouse saddle that fits my old Quarter horse pretty well but, my neighbor (who's logic I sometimes question for various reasons) has told me it looks to small for me... but, she might be right. When I measured myself my legs-back length is 21 cm, according to this I should be in a 17 ( but I've looking for 16" per her, and her trainers, advice). I've done the "four fingers on the cantle" estimation, and it checks out but I have very small hands.
The Stackhouse was a custom for hunter/jump seat, no knee rolls though. The seat is a 16.5, it feels comfortable for me but I would like to get some more experienced advice. I'm 5'4, 130lbs, thighs are 21 cm long. Mainly going to be doing flatwork, but from what I've been reading as long as its comfortable and not putting me in a chair seat I can use just about any saddle.
I have attached a few pictures. Also, my seat posture seemed to sort itself out when I was riding, I think you can tell the difference in the pics. I promise that's not an excuse for the the obvious need to build muscle and correct my posture.. yikes!
Thanks to anyone who can give me some advice :cowboy: