so here is the ad. It says “stirrups shortest 30”. How do i know where to measure on the rider, and where does that imply the stirrup starts?
Gullet 6.75" Gaited bars, 7.25" High (suitable for high wither horses)
Cantle: 5.5" Extra deep
Skirt 22" x 26.5"
Swell 12.5"
Horn 3"
Stirrups Shortest 30"
Stirrups Longest 39"
Weight 20 pounds
Probably the most accurate way would be to have the rider ride in a saddle with the stirrups adjusted for them (or at least sit in one if riding is not an option) and then measure the length of the stirrups on that saddle to compare. If you don’t have any saddles available the length of your arm (armpit to fingertips) can give a rough approximation, but how accurate that is will vary depending on arm length, how the rider prefers the stirrups adjusted, etc.
As far as where the stirrup starts I would ask the seller specifically how they measured- usually it starts where they attach underneath the seat jockey but the seller should be able to tell you. If you’re worried about them being too long (or short) you can also ask the seller if there’s room to punch additional holes.
Can you contact whomever is selling the saddle? I’m guessing it’s the inseam, and maybe the saddle has custom fenders for a taller rider?
I’ve always found it awkward to have the stirrups up to the shortest holes - for some reason all that leather doesn’t tuck away or organize neatly.
[QUOTE=JJA;8939214]
Probably the most accurate way would be to have the rider ride in a saddle with the stirrups adjusted for them (or at least sit in one if riding is not an option) and then measure the length of the stirrups on that saddle to compare. If you don’t have any saddles available the length of your arm (armpit to fingertips) can give a rough approximation, but how accurate that is will vary depending on arm length, how the rider prefers the stirrups adjusted, etc.
As far as where the stirrup starts I would ask the seller specifically how they measured- usually it starts where they attach underneath the seat jockey but the seller should be able to tell you. If you’re worried about them being too long (or short) you can also ask the seller if there’s room to punch additional holes.[/QUOTE]
This is a saddle that needs to be purchased online. There is no way to try sitting in it, which is why i am asking.
I’ve been riding Western for 30 years and I have NEVER heard of anyone measuring the stirrup length. 
You’ll have to ask the seller what they mean and where they measured that from.
I am not familiar with this either, i can understand though. if you have exceptionally long or short legs, you may not be able to use the saddle. The person i am trying to help is short. I suspect this saddle would not work for her, but i guess i will have to call.
Sorry I realize my post wasn’t clear-I was referring to sitting in a different saddle and measuring the needed stirrup length on that one to compare to the one being sold since you don’t have access to it.
If they measured from centerline of the seat down to the stirrup tread, that might be approximately 30" or 39"? She gets 35" to the tread toward the end. So, that measurement would be kind of like an inseam plus 2-4", maybe.
see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diP4T6dXGp4
If you cut the fenders down shorter, from the top of the fender, that plus a few extra holes will allow the stirrups to be shortened more.
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