Saddle and Pad size

keepthelegend · August 12, 2020, 6:43am

I am about to start ordering saddles to try. I went one of the few stores that had some western saddles around here and sat in a 16" that was huge. They had nothing smaller so I am having to guess!

I am 5’3 and 97/98 lbs. Does 14.5 or 15" sound right? I ride in a 16" Devoucoux.

What size pad would fit that size of saddle? There are so many lengths and again I can’t really try any. The horse is a QH type, but not short backed. If anything I think he is a touch long. So ordering a pad , would it be safer to go with 34 X36 or 30X 32? I don’t want it so long it looks silly with a smaller saddle, but maybe he will look better with a longer pad to visually shorten his back? I am clueless. Don’t even know what a “standard” size pad is.

Thank you. I know I sound totally foolish and I totally am!

Showbizz · August 27, 2020, 7:24am

I am 5’3, 125 lbs and ride in 15.5" or 16" western saddles. My close contact english saddle is a 16.5".

Are you talking about a show pad or work pad? I like my work pads to be around 30 x 30. I find 34s to be way too long for most horses. For show pads, I like a 33 (often sold as a 34) x 38.

keepthelegend · August 27, 2020, 7:25am

Definitely not a show pad and not “working” either, lol. I will only be seen if I do some organized trail rides - mostly riding around the farm…but want it to look good!

If you had a longer backed horse and a small saddle - would you rather a lot of back behind the pad or a lot of pad behind the saddle? Hope that makes sense. Again, just vanity, not really function for what I am doing!

cloudy18 · August 27, 2020, 7:25am

I think I’d still prefer the pad to be similar in size to the saddle. I think I remember reading that a longer pad will shorten a back though, so I guess it’s up to what you prefer. I’ve seen all sizes of pads under saddles. A 34 x 36 seems huge to me though. Especially for a 15", and even more so if it has a rounded skirt.

I’m similar in size to Showbizz and my saddle is a 16". A little big, but only came in that size, and I usually prefer a little extra room. You’d be fine in a 14.5 or 15", keeping in mind that occasionally they fit differently.

I think my current pad is 28"x 30, I also have a blanket that is almost too big, I think it’s 30 x 34.

keepthelegend · August 27, 2020, 7:25am

[QUOTE=cloudy18;8414789]
I think I’d still prefer the pad to be similar in size to the saddle. I think I remember reading that a longer pad will shorten a back though, so I guess it’s up to what you prefer. I’ve seen all sizes of pads under saddles. A 34 x 36 seems huge to me though. Especially for a 15", and even more so if it has a rounded skirt.

I’m similar in size to Showbizz and my saddle is a 16". A little big, but only came in that size, and I usually prefer a little extra room. You’d be fine in a 14.5 or 15", keeping in mind that occasionally they fit differently.

I think my current pad is 28"x 30, I also have a blanket that is almost too big, I think it’s 30 x 34.[/QUOTE]

Thanks so much!

beau159 · August 27, 2020, 7:26am

If you ride in a 16" English saddle, the “rule of thumb” is to go down 2 inches for Western. So with your small size, I would say to go with a 14".

I am 5’6" and 135 pounds and I like to ride in a 14.5" for my barrel saddles, although I am comfortable in a 15" as well. I use a 17" Tad Coffin jumping saddle.

On that note, do you know how to FIT a western saddle and/or do you have someone helping you?

Yes the saddle needs to fit the rider, but it also needs to fit the horse.

I suggest finding the correct saddle FIRST and then worry about the pad afterward. Remember: When you check to see if a western saddle fits, you need to set it on your horse’s back without a pad.

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8414723]
What size pad would fit that size of saddle? [/QUOTE]

Depends what kind of saddle you end up with.

I like to have my pads reflect the saddle. So for instance, if you end up going with a round skirt barrel saddle style, you’ll need a shorter pad.

The pads I use are 30x28" with my short barrel saddles (meaning 28" is the length). This particular saddle is a 14.5" seat, btw.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/r_beau/2015%20Horse%20Pictures/Shotgun%20May%202015%20b_zpso584nrpt.jpg

If you end up with a saddle with a longer skirt in the back, then you might want a larger pad. Honestly, in my mind, 34" is huge in length.

keepthelegend · August 27, 2020, 7:29am

Do these blankets need some sort of pad under them or can they be used alone? They are close to 7 lbs so seem substantial.

http://www.statelinetack.com/item/mayatex-arroyo-seco-saddle-blanket/E014133/

http://mayatex.shptron.com/p/catalina-38x34-blk-shoturq-sft-turq-charc-crm

Is there much difference between those two blankets? What would I use under them - a liner or wool pad? Does it all stay put ok?

This pad thing is totally overwhelming, so many colors and choices!

js · August 27, 2020, 7:29am

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8414723]
I am 5’3 and 97/98 lbs. Does 14.5 or 15" sound right? I ride in a 16" Devoucoux. [/QUOTE]

You won’t anything bigger than 14.5, maybe even smaller, depending on the type of saddle. Some barrel racing saddles go down to a 13.5. Make sure what you are ordering can be returned! If there is a tack shop near by, I would go sit in several different saddles, even if they aren’t what you are thinking of buying just to get an idea of seat sizes.

Get a saddle pad that is close to your saddle size or slightly bigger. If the pad is thick and has wool fleece you don’t need anything else. You want the wool fleece against the horse so no liner.

keepthelegend · August 27, 2020, 7:30am

[QUOTE=js;8416409]
You won’t anything bigger than 14.5, maybe even smaller, depending on the type of saddle. Some barrel racing saddles go down to a 13.5. Make sure what you are ordering can be returned! If there is a tack shop near by, I would go sit in several different saddles, even if they aren’t what you are thinking of buying just to get an idea of seat sizes.

Get a saddle pad that is close to your saddle size or slightly bigger. If the pad is thick and has wool fleece you don’t need anything else. You want the wool fleece against the horse so no liner.[/QUOTE]

The Mayatexs don’t have fleece, but appear very thick and heavy - at least to someone used to English pads! I feel like if I put a substantial wool pad underneath it that would just be way too much padding so I thought maybe a liner would be ok? Like a 3/8 or 1/2 inch one? Or should I get a good wool pad and find some thinner, lighter blankets? I just like to change up the color a bit - part of the fun since I am in the hunter world most of the time!

Hope that is all making sense!

Also, this horse has long, high withers for a QH type. He’s probably got some TB in him. Not sway backed though. If he needs a contoured or cut out pad, will it defeat the purpose if I then put a square blanket over the top or will I be able to pull the blanket up into the gullet enough?

I know these are dumb questions, but I am brand new at this. Only ridden western at the track and those ponies were tacked up for me!

js · August 27, 2020, 7:30am

If its just a plain blanket that will not be enough. You need a good pad under your saddle = thicker than what is used riding English.

Here are the ones I like the best - http://cutterclassicsaddleblankets.com/
cost more but worth it and last for ever.

beau159 · August 27, 2020, 7:32am

I would not use either of those pads, IMO. There’s no contour (is your horse’s back flat as a table?) and there’s no wither cutout. You say your horse has high withers; you are definately going to want a wither cutout.

Another thing I don’t like about the pads you linked is neither one of the them says how THICK the pad is. That’s a vital piece of information I want to know.

In my mind, if your western saddle fits well, you only need a pad that is 1/2" to 3/4" inch thick.

You sure can use a blanket liner under the pad if you want to, to help keep it clean, but that is up to you.

I’ve tried a lot of pads over the years, and I am sold on 5 Star pads. They are expensive, but they last through lots of wear and tear. The first pad I bought is 5 years old now, and it’s been through daily use, lots of sweat and dirt. The wool is not pilling at all, and it washes up to be just as SOFT as when I first bought it. Very impressed. I won’t use anything else.
I personally don’t use a liner with them.
http://www.5starequineproducts.com/saddle-pads/100-wool-contoured-pads/

keepthelegend · August 27, 2020, 7:32am

[QUOTE=beau159;8417466]
I would not use either of those pads, IMO. There’s no contour (is your horse’s back flat as a table?) and there’s no wither cutout. You say your horse has high withers; you are definately going to want a wither cutout.

Another thing I don’t like about the pads you linked is neither one of the them says how THICK the pad is. That’s a vital piece of information I want to know.

In my mind, if your western saddle fits well, you only need a pad that is 1/2" to 3/4" inch thick.

You sure can use a blanket liner under the pad if you want to, to help keep it clean, but that is up to you.

I’ve tried a lot of pads over the years, and I am sold on 5 Star pads. They are expensive, but they last through lots of wear and tear. The first pad I bought is 5 years old now, and it’s been through daily use, lots of sweat and dirt. The wool is not pilling at all, and it washes up to be just as SOFT as when I first bought it. Very impressed. I won’t use anything else.
I personally don’t use a liner with them.
http://www.5starequineproducts.com/saddle-pads/100-wool-contoured-pads/[/QUOTE]

I think I will get a 5 star pad. I have been doing a lot of searches and they seem very popular.

Do you know anything about the Circle Y Black Mesa Flex2 saddle? That is the saddle recommended by Horse Saddle Shop. I am using them as they will pay for shipping both ways if I am exchanging.

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/circley-black-mesa-trail-saddle-cl1.html#.VliUiYQle9Y

beau159 · August 27, 2020, 7:33am

I actually have two saddles that are the Flex2. I primarily barrel race, so I have the Lisa Lockhart version.
http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/lisa-lockhart-barrel-racer-furious1.html#.VljJrr9BlRA
Also, the picture I posted above of my horse with a 14.5" seat size, is the other Lisa Lockhart that I have; also the Flex2 tree.

I’ve been very happy with the saddles thus far. With that said, I don’t think Circle Y has quite the leather quality that they used to in years past, but of course they are not junk by any means.

I have abnormally wide quarter horses, so both of my boys take the WIDE version of the Flex2.

My mom has a Kenny Harlow barrel racing saddle, also the Flex2 tree. She’s got the regular tree. She also likes her saddle.

HSS is pretty good to work with. I actually bought both of my saddles through them. Just make sure that if you do have to return the saddle, that there is not one single scratch on it!

Can you get it in a 14"? They only have the 15" listed and that’s all that the description says it is available in. With how petite you are, I really think you’d be swimming in a 15". I would caution you with getting a 15".

keepthelegend · August 27, 2020, 7:35am

[QUOTE=beau159;8417732]
I actually have two saddles that are the Flex2. I primarily barrel race, so I have the Lisa Lockhart version.
http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/lisa-lockhart-barrel-racer-furious1.html#.VljJrr9BlRA
Also, the picture I posted above of my horse with a 14.5" seat size, is the other Lisa Lockhart that I have; also the Flex2 tree.

I’ve been very happy with the saddles thus far. With that said, I don’t think Circle Y has quite the leather quality that they used to in years past, but of course they are not junk by any means.

I have abnormally wide quarter horses, so both of my boys take the WIDE version of the Flex2.

My mom has a Kenny Harlow barrel racing saddle, also the Flex2 tree. She’s got the regular tree. She also likes her saddle.

HSS is pretty good to work with. I actually bought both of my saddles through them. Just make sure that if you do have to return the saddle, that there is not one single scratch on it!

Can you get it in a 14"? They only have the 15" listed and that’s all that the description says it is available in. With how petite you are, I really think you’d be swimming in a 15". I would caution you with getting a 15".[/QUOTE]

They don’t have it in a 14" or 14.5" and I think your saddle is way more attractive! I think it’s the skirt being square and coming down farther - it looks cut away with the other.

Besides being super flashy for the trail and maybe an out of style color, would this be worth trying? http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/used-crates-show-saddle-uscr2780.html Would it be comfortable enough? It’s so tough finding my seat size and a regular or semi Qh tree in one saddle, at least on that site.

I also found this on the State Line website
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/circle-y-high-horse-lockhart-saddle/E005173/
But I would have to get a 14" or a 15" and I think 14.5 is probably just right. Should I just give one of those sizes a try?

I am pretty set on the contoured 5 Star Pads, but wondering about the Professional Choice Air Ride Orthosport pads. http://profchoice.com/i-16123335-smx-air-ride-western-orthosport-pad-anza-pattern.html

Has anyone tried that pad? Does the padding actually help or make things worse? It’s not contoured or cut out however and I have read the air ride is noisy.

js · August 27, 2020, 7:37am

I’d give the Lisa Lockhart saddle at Stateline a try. You’ll appreciate the lighter weight saddle for getting it on and off the horse! The Crates is a good brand but probably not what you need for just trail riding. 5 star pads are great, the Professional Choice looks nice also.

keepthelegend · August 27, 2020, 7:38am

Thanks for all the help! I think synthetic might be the easiest, I tried lifting a 27 lb saddle and it was pretty awful. I swear this is my final question!

Of the synthetics I found two with semi Qh bars. The Circle Y Lockhart https://www.horseloverz.com/western-saddles/trail-pleasure-saddles/high-horse-lockhart-cordura-trail-saddle
and the Fabtron trail http://www.statelinetack.com/item/fabtron-cordura-square-trail-saddle/E003439/?query=E005644%20E007373%20%20E01400%20E014001&srccode=PJSLT

The Circle Y comes in a 14"and the Fabtron in a 15". Can anyone compare quality and fit to high withered horses? The gullet is 6.5" on both. Should I just get horse saddle shop to send them both out and not worry about the cyber monday deals?!

beau159 · August 27, 2020, 7:42am

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8418511]
I think your saddle is way more attractive! I think it’s the skirt being square and coming down farther - it looks cut away with the other. [/QUOTE]

One thing I guess I did forget to mention, is my saddles really do NOT have much wither clearance. Thankfully, both of my boys have pretty normal withers so they work just fine. If you have high withers … it might not.

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8418511]

Besides being super flashy for the trail and maybe an out of style color, would this be worth trying? http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/used-crates-show-saddle-uscr2780.html Would it be comfortable enough? It’s so tough finding my seat size and a regular or semi Qh tree in one saddle, at least on that site. [/QUOTE]

In my experience, Crates saddles have good gullet height on them to clear high withers.

Of course, remember that just because a saddle says “semi” for the tree size, does not mean it will automatically fit your horse.

If you just plan on trail riding with it, who really cares if there is silver on it? Your horse won’t. (Your horse will only care that it fits.)

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8418511]
I also found this on the State Line website
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/circle-y-high-horse-lockhart-saddle/E005173/
But I would have to get a 14" or a 15" and I think 14.5 is probably just right. Should I just give one of those sizes a try?[/QUOTE]

I am really confused why they have “Lockhart” on the saddle description. I’ve never seen Lisa endorse a cordura saddle and I’ve never even heard of the brand name High Horse. I can’t find any information on their tree (Ralide Easy-Fit Tree) which sounds like a flex tree, except from the HorseSaddleShop site. Sounds like it is a fully flexible tree … which I’d be somewhat leery of. It doesn’t even say what sort of warranty the tree comes with. My bet would be not much.

Really, for a cordura saddle, 21 pounds sounds heavy to me. They aren’t saving much weight. My full leather barrel saddle is only about 25 pounds.

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8418511]
I am pretty set on the contoured 5 Star Pads, but wondering about the Professional Choice Air Ride Orthosport pads. http://profchoice.com/i-16123335-smx-air-ride-western-orthosport-pad-anza-pattern.html

Has anyone tried that pad? Does the padding actually help or make things worse? It’s not contoured or cut out however and I have read the air ride is noisy. [/QUOTE]

Personally, not a fan of the air ride pads by Professional Choice. I don’t like them.

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8418511]
Thanks for all the help! I think synthetic might be the easiest, I tried lifting a 27 lb saddle and it was pretty awful.[/QUOTE]

Honestly, you get used to it. And 27 isn’t all that bad. Try a 50-pound roping saddle! Use your BODY to help throw the saddle on; not just your arms. Get a good hip swing with it, and swing it up there. Make momentum your friend.

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8418511] Of the synthetics I found two with semi Qh bars. The Circle Y Lockhart https://www.horseloverz.com/western-...a-trail-saddle
and the Fabtron trail http://www.statelinetack.com/item/fa…&srccode=PJSLT

The Circle Y comes in a 14"and the Fabtron in a 15". Can anyone compare quality and fit to high withered horses? The gullet is 6.5" on both. Should I just get horse saddle shop to send them both out and not worry about the cyber monday deals?! [/QUOTE]

With the full flex tree on the High Horse, science tells me that might not be the best fit. I guess I can’t say with certainty since I have not tried it.

I’ve not tried the Fabtron saddle myself, but I have heard people who like it. Of course, the seat is going to be awful big for you.

Ultimately, you’ll have to start trying saddles on your horse to see what fits and what doesn’t. Might be that NONE of the saddles we’ve talked about thus far will even fit your horse. I tried about 8 saddles on my Red until I found the Circle Y Lisa Lockhart.

keepthelegend · August 27, 2020, 7:43am

[QUOTE=beau159;8420821]
One thing I guess I did forget to mention, is my saddles really do NOT have much wither clearance. Thankfully, both of my boys have pretty normal withers so they work just fine. If you have high withers … it might not.