Saddle Fit Help
Buying a saddle online can feel tricky, but we’re here to help you narrow down the best option before you order.
Our Saddle Fit Check uses simple photos, measurements and fit details to help us compare your horse’s shape to our available saddle options.
What You See vs What Matters Underneath
Saddle fit is about more than the outside shape of your horse. Under the skin are the withers, spine, shoulder blade, ribs and muscles that all affect how a saddle sits, moves and distributes pressure.
That’s why we look at your horse’s shoulder, wither shape, back length and overall build before helping you
What We Check Before Recommending a Saddle
Wither clearance
The saddle should sit clear of the wither and not drop too low or create pressure through the front.
Shoulder movement
Your horse’s shoulder blade needs room to move freely under the front of the saddle.
Saddle support area
The bars of the saddle tree need to sit within your horse’s saddle support area. The skirt can sit slightly past this area, but the tree bars should not.
Overall shape
We look at whether your horse is broad and flat, regular/average, or narrower and more shaped.
Our Saddle Angle Guide
Our saddle maker uses a western tree angle system where the numbers help describe the front shape of the saddle tree.
38° — FQHB
Best suited to broader horses with a flatter back and wider shoulder.
42° — QHB
Best suited to many average western horses with moderate withers and shoulder width.
45° — SQBH
Best suited to horses with more wither, more shoulder definition or a narrower build.
*These angles are a guide only. Saddle fit is not based on one measurement. Gullet width, bar shape, shoulder room, saddle support area, wither clearance, rider fit and saddle pad choice all matter.
Every horse is different, but most horses will fall closest to one of these general shapes.
Which Shape Sounds Like Your Horse?
Broad / Flat Horse
Usually has broader shoulders, lower or wider withers, a flatter back shape and a rounder barrel.
Closest saddle option: 38° / 40° - FQBH
Regular / Average Horse
Usually has moderate withers, average shoulder width and a balanced back shape.
Closest saddle option: 42° / 43° - QHB
Narrower / More Shaped Horse
Usually has more defined withers, narrower shoulders and more shape through the back.
Closest saddle option: 45° - SQHB
Need Help Choosing a Saddle?
Send us your horse photos, measurements, current saddle details and rider seat size before ordering. We’ll help you compare your horse’s shape to our available saddle options.
Our Saddle Fit Check is designed to help narrow down suitable saddle options when buying online. It does not replace an in-person saddle fitting by a qualified saddle fitter. Every horse is different, and fit can change with age, condition, workload, muscle and saddle pad choice.