How to Choose the Correct Western Saddle Seat Size

 Choosing the right saddle plays an important part in the overall comfort that you experience with your horse when riding. However the saddle seat in particular has a notable effect on the rider Various sizes can be used by the same rider for different purposes so there are several factors to take into consideration when selecting the right saddle seat for you.
What is a saddle seat?
The saddle seat is the part of a horse saddle that the rider sits atop not to be confused with saddle seat riding a style of English horse riding often seen in competitions. Saddle seats are made by a variety of brands and come in different sizes.

What size of Western saddle seat will you need? Well that depends. Lets explain why this seemingly simple question isnt so straightforward.
General Rules to Follow
First start with some general rules of thumb for proper western saddle seat size for the rider
Keep in mind that Western saddle seat size refers to rider fit and has nothing to do with how the saddle fits the horse There should be approximately four inches between the front of your body and the fork or swells Your rump should rest on the base of the cantle but should not be pressed against the back of the cantle Some prefer a tighter fit some looser. In general its better to have a saddle a smidgen too big than a smidgen too small. A smaller saddle may cause uncomfortable chafing.
All western saddles come with a stated seat size. Seat size simply measures the distance from the base of the horn to the top middle of the cantle. This distance is then expressed as a size in halfinch increments from 12 inches to 17 inches.
Western Saddle Seat Sizes
The following will give you a very general idea of saddle sizes
Youth 12 to 13 inchesSmall adult 14 inchesAverage adult 15 inchesLarge adult 16 inchesExtralarge adult 17 inches
With a published saddle seat size choosing the right size saddle would seem to be pretty straightforward. In reality seat size is just one factor determining the fit of a western saddle. Sit in the same size of a variety of different styles and brands of saddles and youll find significant differences in the fit. You might find that a 14 12inch Circle Y barrel racing saddle fits well but that you need a 15inch in a Dale Martin ranch saddle.
Why the