KNOW YOUR SADDLE
Saddle parts & fitting.
Get familiar with the names of the parts, then work with your dealer to find the right fit for horse and rider.
WESTERN SADDLE BASICS
Every part has a purpose.
- Horn
- The raised handle at the front of a Western saddle.
- Fork / swell
- The front of the saddle tree, beneath the horn.
- Gullet
- The opening beneath the fork that provides clearance over the horse’s withers.
- Seat
- The area where the rider sits.
- Cantle
- The raised back of the seat.
- Tree & bars
- The saddle’s supporting framework. The bars run along either side of the horse’s back and distribute weight.
- Skirt
- The leather area beneath and around the seat and tree.
- Fenders
- The wide leather pieces between the rider’s legs and the horse, above the stirrups.
- Stirrups
- The supports for the rider’s feet.
- Rigging
- The attachment points for the cinch system.
- Latigo & off billet
- Straps used to attach and adjust the cinch on either side of the saddle.
- Cinch / girth
- The strap passing beneath the horse to help secure the saddle.
A STARTING POINT
Understanding saddle tree fit.
The following measurements are reproduced from the existing American Saddlery / Big Horn reference chart. They are a guide, not a fit guarantee. Work with your dealer to assess the complete saddle on your horse.
| Tree fit | Bar inches | Fit wire measurement | Listed horse / fit types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium / Semi | 6½″ | 11¼″–14″ | Wide, Endurance, Gaited, Arabian, Quarter Horse |
| Medium Plus | 6¾″ | 12″–12¾″ | Walking, Quarter Horse, Wide Endurance |
| Wide | 7″ | 12¾″–13½″ | Full Quarter Horse, Gaited, Large Walking |
| Wide Plus | 7½″ | 13½″–14″ | Haflinger, Draft Cross, Oversized |
| Extra Wide | 8″ | 14″ and up | Draft |
| Full Quarter Horse | 7″–8″ | — | General range stated in the original chart |
Need help with fit or repairs?
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