The rider's ability to ride effectively can be improved by measuring an English saddle.A correct saddle can allow the team to complete tasks such as jumping, hunter seat, and equitation with greater ease and physical comfort.The task of measuring the saddle can be completed in minutes with just a tape measure and a saddle.
Step 1: The saddle should be placed down with the seat facing upwards.
If you are going to ride the saddle, place it on a saddle rack.To make measuring it easier, make sure the seat is facing up.
Step 2: The nail heads can be found on either side.
The front part of the saddle is raised and creates a dull point.There are nail heads on either side.The measurement point should be the nail head on the left or right side.It doesn't matter which nail head you use.
Step 3: Measure from the nail head to the center of the saddle.
The cantle is the back of the saddle.Place the end of a tape measure at a nail head and stretch it across the saddle to the center of the cantle.The measurement will be at a diagonal since the nail head isn't perfectly centered.To get an accurate measurement, measure to the middle of the cantle.
Step 4: The seat's measurement is in inches.
A 17 in (43 cm) English saddle is the measurement from the nail head to the center of the cantle.To get the right size, round up to the nearest half-inch.The English saddle is usually 2 in longer than the western saddle, so it is the same size.
Step 5: If possible, sit on a saddle and get an accurate measurement.
If you can sit on a saddle while using the measuring tape, you will get the most accurate measurement.Take a seat on the saddle and relax.If you can, put your feet in the stirrups so you're sitting as if you were riding a horse.If you don't have a saddle that you can use to sit on, stand with your knees bent and your feet turned out.You should keep your back straight as well.If you can sit straddled across a wide couch armrest, this is a good alternative.
Step 6: Measure from your knee to the back of your hips using a measuring tape.
The measuring tape should be placed at the front of your knee.Measure along the side of your thigh until you get to the back.Make a note of the measurement so you don't forget.Take the measurement to the nearest half-inch.If you want the most accurate measurement, ask a friend or family member to measure for you.
Step 7: You can use the saddle manufacturer's guide to find the right saddle.
If you want to convert your own measurements to the saddle size that fits you, each saddle manufacturer has a guide or chart that you can use.saddle sizes are less than your own measurement.You can find your own measurement on the manufacturer's chart.If you measured 19 in (48 cm), the saddle manufacturer might suggest a 17 in (43 cm) seat.If you want to ride correctly, your thighs and legs need to be in the correct position so you don't slip in your seat.
Step 8: You can test out a saddle in person.
If you want to figure out if a saddle is right for you, sit in it as if you are about to ride.Make sure you have enough space behind you and in front of you when you sit on the saddle.When you sit in the deepest part of the saddle, you will get the best feel for it.