Handy Hints

How Do You Measure a Saddle?

Measuring your horse saddle only requires a tape measure and your horse saddle! Most saddles are measured in inches but if you only have a tape measure with another metric, it can always be converted back to inches. Different types of saddles are measured in different spots to find out their true seat size.

To measure an English saddle such as dressage saddles, all purpose or general purpose saddles and jump saddles, start your tape measure from the button at the front of the saddle and follow it straight as thew crow flies to the middle of the saddle’s cantle. As you can see in this image of the Bates Pony Show Saddle, this saddle measures 15″ .

To measure  other horse saddles such as western saddles, stock saddles and half breed saddles, you will start your measurement from halfway down the pommel of the saddle with your tape measure and measure straight as the crow flies to the middle of the cantle. This will give your saddle seat size. As you can see, this Syd Hill Half Breed Roughout Gibson Saddle is a 15″.  

An important note for measuring western, stock and half breed saddles is some brands will measure from the start of the pommel to the cantle which may affect the measurement size. This is not the traditional way to measure these types of saddles and is a common practise in economy or lower end saddles. Some brands also will measure western, stock and half breed saddles as an “inner” seat size. This is the space after the pommel and to the base of the back of the saddle you would sit against. It is important to determine what measurement is being referred to if you are looking at sizing. 

What should I clean my leather saddle with?

If you google leather oil you will possibly come up with 55.000 results with many different brands. But what is the right leather oil for my saddle? Here are a few tips on our favorites.

It is really important not to over oil new leather. Most leather saddles nowadays are pre-oiled so do not require leather oil as such. New saddles usually only require an initial balsaming to protect them from the general wear and tear and scuff marking. One of the best products we have come across is the Bates Leather Balsam which only requires a thin layer over your new saddle. It is also sensational at improving imperfections such as scuff marks on your saddle. Take a look at the Bates Leather Balsam here.

Saddles in regular use usually only need conditioning weekly to keep them supple and nourished. One of the best conditioners we have come across is the Effax Leather Clear Balsam conditioner. This leaves a very thin film as opposed to many brands we come across that are very waxy and don’t seem to absorb. This product is also very good for leather lounges and car upholstery. Check out the Effax Leather Balsam Clear Conditioner here.

If your leather saddle becomes exposed to dirt or mould, using a saddle soap or glycerine will clean very well. Saddle soap in the hard bars with a cloth have become a thing of the past and most people will use a liquid or spray now for convenience. The Oakwood Glycerine Cleaner will do a great job and the spray bottle is very convenient to keep in your tack shed. Check out more about Oakwood Glycerine Spray Cleaner here.

If you have a saddle that is very old, coming from a shed or dry place and the leather feels very brittle, then leather oil is the right way to treat. For the best result, make sure the saddle has been cleaned of dirt or mould (see leather cleaner above). Take some leather oil and use amply over the saddle. The top tip is to then leave the saddle in a warm place for the oil to absorb faster. Depending on the saddle, this step may need to be repeated a few times that week to ensure all the leather has been treated adequately. A good oil is the neatsfoot oil which although is not now made from animal by products, the synthetic version works very well absorbing and suppling old leather to new.

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What is the best saddle for my short backed horse?

Horse and ponies with “short backs” are becoming the most common questions surrounding saddle fits of late. There is both myth and truth when it comes to the core principles of saddle fitting horses and ponies with short backs and accommodating different body shapes to suit different styles of horse saddles.

When we talk about horses with short backs, essentially we are talking about the distance between the lower wither region and the end rib which sits just before the horses lumbar region. This space is ideally where your saddle should sit to give the best weight distributing area.

In some breeds, this area is particularly a short distance in horses such as gypsy cobs, quarter horses and many pony breeds. We see many horse owners asking for saddles with short panels to accommodate these breeds. But is this really a new problem? The answer is even more problematic.

In some circumstances, the generations of certain breeds of horses that are being produced, are being specifically breed for aesthetic purposes and a compact body is desired. But on the other hand, “short backed” horses have always existed, it is more the case that we as horse owners now have much more knowledge, development of products and choice as well as the will to do the best for our horses.

So what saddles suit short backed horses? Again, hard to answer but some points to remember.

1. The panel length should sit behind the scapular and end on the 18^th This can be palpated to find the area and should not exceed this. This distance will give you a starting point of what to look for.
2. Choose a saddle with a short panel and compact gusset. The seat size will give you an indication of what length you are looking for but some saddles in particular dressage saddles have quite large and full gussets which exceed way past the seat size of the saddle.
3. Remember, a half breed saddle or western saddle has quite a long skirt which often exceeds the length you are looking for but this area is not weight bearing. The tree which forms from the pommel to the cantle is where the riders weight is distributed. Take a look at any photos of and especially American Quarter horses with authentic western saddles and short backed QH.
4. Short backed is often but not always associated with wide. Again, another typical trait of the breeds mentioned above. Look out for a saddle with a compact seat and wide fit. Adjustable saddles such as the Syd Hill Gibson Half Breed Saddle can be adjusted up to an XW by a saddle fitter and is essentially a full QHB. The other great feature of this one is the panel can be adjusted with felt thicknesses of 6-12mm easily.

Check out the details of the Syd Hill Adjustable Gibson Half Breed here

Tips and Tricks for Horae Saddles

To bribe or not to bribe that is the questions? We all know our own horses well and sometimes they are not the best statues or have patience when we need them the most. When a saddle fitter is appointed by you to make adjustments to your saddle tack, it is really important that they are able to perform their job to get the best out of their fitting session. Sometimes a treat or in most cases a “bribe” will ensure they stand well for the saddle fitter. A great product out there called Horslyx is a handy tub that is hand held and somewhat like a hard molasses toffee with extra added vitamins, allows them to lick for hours. Simply put the lid back on after use for next time. Horslyx is also ideal for the farrier, vet or any other time you need your horse standing still.