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Real life riding discussion: western saddle fit - Hunt and Jump 2 - Forum
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Real life riding discussion: western saddle fit
  • Hello horse buddies,

    I’m curious in what yall think about western saddle seat sizing. I’m a rider who prefers a small seat which probably looks ridiculous haha, but I’m a trail rider and rancher so I don’t really care. I’ve always found riding in smaller saddles than “recommended” was best for my body. My saddle is a 1960s or earlier vintage one, that I’ve owned for years, and has a wide hard seat what’s suuuper comfortable. Do you prefer a larger, smaller, or perfect fit when it comes to saddle seats? What kind of saddle do you ride in?
    Continuing my reign as the most annoying player on the forums and hgg’s favorite butch lesbian cowboy

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  • I've got a bigger behind, but I've only ever actually ridden in a 15 inch seat I believe (that's what my saddle is). I always found it super comfortable, but I would love to try a larger seat size just to compare one day.
    ID# 25784
  • @BlueValley yeah I am 5’8 and chubby, my vintage saddle is 14.5 :)) It’s funny to witness I’m sure but it’s the nicest most comfy saddle I’ve ever ridden in and there’s no way I’ll ever get rid of it. It’ll be passed down in my family
    Continuing my reign as the most annoying player on the forums and hgg’s favorite butch lesbian cowboy

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  • I have a Billy Cook 16" that I rode in.. (still have it, in case I get another horse later in life... :D) it's super comfortable to me and I loved riding in it. I'm a lil thicker then when I rode in it years ago but I'm sure it would be just the same..
  • In western saddles Im most comfortable in saddles too big for me. My trainer is a little bit bigger lady than me and so its part of what I'm used to. Also my style (western pleasure, and utility riding) kinda makes more sense for bigger seat. I HATE saddle horn to gut. Only time this isn't great is I normally ride the project horses in western. would be nice to be sat in a little bit better. Although it hasn't really been an issue. I normally ride bareback anyways so my seat doesn't really need me to be held in most of the time.

    In english I'm used to riding in saddles too small for me. I got a bit butt and I cannot lie. However I'd probably prefer one that fit me or was large.
    Breeder of any and all crazy colored drafts and RH horses.
    15552
  • @VenemousGiant That's really cool! Love a functional heirloom!
    ID# 25784
  • TripleGs Billy Cook is an excellent saddle! I loved riding in it. (She used to be my trainer).

    I have a bunch of different saddles as I now run a lesson program. 5'3 and probably 150 (I try not to weigh you know unhealthy body image issue etc). My uhh chest is large and has always looked off balanced in an saddle. My favorites a 'circle y" and silver royals. I have a reining saddle that a 15 and its super. But I'm so short I tend to prefer my 14 barrel to get the stirrups the right length. My favorite english saddle is a close contact in 17. Although I have two 16 from wintec that I can fit in but my kids tend to prefer those.

    It kind of depends on what I'm doing. I really like a tight fitting barrel or ranch saddle on horses I don't know or for colt starting. Seems to give more glue. On my pleasure horses and huntseat horses I use the 15 inch reiner. I prefer a suede seat too, seems to give some extra glue.

    I wouldn't worry about looking funny. I studied abroad in Ireland a few years back and whenever we went for hacks I always wore chaps. I didn't want to slip off any fresh horses.
    | #59142 | Spotted | Reiner | Chocolatey | Enchanting | Stygien | Lunara |
  • @cottonwoods

    Seems like you have some really neat horse experiences! Do you show quarter or paint or?
    Breeder of any and all crazy colored drafts and RH horses.
    15552
  • @HunterUnderSaddleGirl Used to be AQHA and Tennessee Walkers. Haven't shown in close to 10 years.
    | #59142 | Spotted | Reiner | Chocolatey | Enchanting | Stygien | Lunara |
  • Oh wow! Those are kinda opposite ends of the spectrum. When I was very very very little we had a Tennessee walker. but he was more trail/pet/grade quality. He might've been the first horse I sat on actually. But other than that I know next to nothing about showing tennessee walkers.

    Do your clients show?
    Breeder of any and all crazy colored drafts and RH horses.
    15552
  • Yeah my step mom really likes the walkers from "Smokey Valley". Excellent horses. I'd love to have some here at my farm.

    No clients currently show. None of my adults want to show, and my kids aren't ready.
    | #59142 | Spotted | Reiner | Chocolatey | Enchanting | Stygien | Lunara |
  • @cottonwoods
    Maybe my chest is part of the reason trainers were always telling me 'shoulders back!' When I looked 'right' I felt like I was more off balance. At least when I was taking lessons from the English riders.

    As for a saddle. No idea. Western saddles in general feel uncomfortable because I don't 'feel' the horse as much, and the stirrups can be hard on my knees. I found one western saddles from my FIL that was comfortable. I got off one day, the horse did a full body shake and something flew off of it. Apparently, a part of the tree. It was too expensive to repair so it's back with my FIL.

    It is interesting how different builds and textures change your seat and the utility of the saddle.

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