1/2" difference in saddle size

[ColoredHares]

Quick question: how much does 1/2" really make in seat size with a dressage saddle? I currently have a 17" that fits me great, but need a new saddle. All of the ones that I'm finding are 17.5". I'm not concerned about the flap length, only the seat size. My jumping saddle is 16.5", and fits me great too. The brand that I have and am looking to replace is a County. Thanks!

[sdlbredfan]

The depth of the seat makes a difference. A deeper seat will fit like a smaller one, thus if your 17" is a relatively flat seat, and the 17.5" is deeper, it should fit the same. The length of the rider's leg from hip to knee, plus the rider's butt size are the main things to check. If the saddle is too small, it will pitch you forward, making it harder to sit properly. So, my general rule of thumb is, it is better to have a saddle slightly too big, than too small.

[Perfect Pony]

It can make a big difference, however it can be done if you are going up a size, you might actually like it more. A lot also depends on the saddle, I am typically a 17.5, but sometimes I fit some 17", and my current saddle is a 18" short flap and works great.

[GallantGesture]

I agree with perfect pony. It can make a very noticeable difference, but just because a 17" in one kind of saddle fits you does not mean a 17" in every saddle will fit you. If you can try the saddle in different sizes, that is ideal, but if not, err on the side of bigger than smaller, especially if it is a deep seat saddle. If you get a deep seat saddle too small, you will sit up the back of it, which will tip you forward and be very uncomfortable. On the other hand, a too big saddle will not give you all the support it would if it were smaller, but will feel like you are sitting in a flatter saddle, which is not horrible.

Same goes for fitting the saddle to the horse. Just because the current saddle is a particular tree size and fits the horse does not mean every saddle in the same tree size will fit the same. If you find a saddle that sounds like it will work for you, try to get it on a trial before you buy, the only way to know if it will work or not is to put it on your horse.

Good luck, finding the perfect saddle fit is not always an easy quest!

[Hampton Bay]

Different brands, and even different models within a brand, will fit very differently. For example, my current saddle is a deeper seat ad is an 18.5" (I have long legs). However, in the Wintec and Bates saddles I need a 17.5 because I swim in an 18" (except the Isabel, which is completely differently shaped than the other Bates/Wintec saddles and tends to run about an inch smaller because of the deep seat).

If the saddle is exactly the same as the one you have, just 17.5" instead of 17", you will probably be just fine. You will just have to try it and see.

[rothmpp]

Quick question: how much does 1/2" really make in seat size with a dressage saddle? I currently have a 17" that fits me great, but need a new saddle. All of the ones that I'm finding are 17.5". I'm not concerned about the flap length, only the seat size. My jumping saddle is 16.5", and fits me great too. The brand that I have and am looking to replace is a County. Thanks!

Bear in mind that your dressage saddle is likely going to be bigger than your jumping saddle. I have a 16.5" jumping, but my Albion SLK is a slightly too big for me 18". I'd agree with most here that you'll likely fair better in a 1/2" size too large than 1/2" too small.

Also, saddle size is not an exact science. Since seat size is measured from the nail in front to the cantle, you're somewhat at the mercy of whomever put the nail in - so I always ask for an actual measurement when shopping - not just the stamped size.

[ColoredHares]

The saddle I have right now is a County Competitor 17" Med tree. I have to go to an XW to fit my horse. All I'm finding used (in good condition) are 17.5" County Competitors. but, I did find a Custom County with the French Knee Roll, which I have been told does add to a more secure feeling in a wide saddle. I tried a County Connection (17"), and my trainer said that that saddle fit me perfectly, and to not go any bigger. The draw back is that all of the used saddles I'm finding are not allowing them to go on trial, so if I buy it, I'm stuck with it. Thanks!

[Beasmom]

I've never heard of any tack shop not allowing saddles to go out on trial, or at least for a fitting. Buy NOTHING that the seller will not allow you to try out! There are plenty of reputable tack stores on the east coast that are willing to send saddles out for trial. Of course, you have to give them your CC# as a security, and treat the saddles with respect.

The idea of purchasing a saddle without trying it on for size is bovine excrement!

Look up Trumbull Saddlery, Pelham Saddlery, and Rick's Heritage for starters.

[goeslikestink]

can i add that the saddle is surpose to fit th horse aswell
a true saddler would come out and fit the styles to you and your horse
would 1/2 an matter in some horses that 1/2 would matter
it depends on the horses back lenght and width of a horses back
get it wrong and you can do some serious damage to a horses back with ill fitting tack

[Valentina_32926]

I've never heard of any tack shop not allowing saddles to go out on trial, or at least for a fitting.....

OP may be looking at buying from eBay or private sellers, not a tack shop. (Just a guess). :D