How to Size a Saddle for a Rider Shorter  in Height

Correct fitting for both horse and rider

Poorly fitting saddles can also affect the horse, not just the rider. Uneven weight distribution caused by a rider sitting incorrectly in an oversized seat can place additional pressure on certain points along the horse's back, which over time may contribute to discomfort under saddle. Getting the sizing right is therefore just as much about the horse's comfort as it is about the rider's. A correct fitting saddle will be more comfortable and more secure translating to more enjoyment from your riding.

Key Measurements to Consider

Saddle sizing is generally based on a combination of rider height, weight and leg length, rather than height alone. Two riders of the same height can have quite different leg lengths or body proportions, which is why relying on a single measurement rarely gives an accurate result.

The following factors typically play the biggest role in finding the right size:

• Seat size, which relates to hip width and thigh length.

• The Horselines changeable gullet Deluxe saddle is built on a Pony Club regulation compliant stirrup bar.

• Knee pads custom fitted in the thigh pad position ensure comfort particularly for lady riders.

• Fender length can be custom fitted. Many shorter ladies have trouble getting a match of seat size and fender length. We can customise seat size and fender to get the perfect fit for different size riders

• The Horselines changeable gullet saddles will be lighter than a comparable fixed tree saddle. 

Saddle for a women rider.

A women has a very different pelvic structure compared to a man. For a saddle to be optimised for a women it needs to be narrow in the twist, double padded in the area in the seat. The polocrosse DELUXE CHANGEABLE gullet saddle is designed specifically to be a comfortable and secure saddle for women riders.

Customise the saddle for your own body type.

We can customise the saddle so ladies of different age groups can all enjoy a saddle that looks like it was custom built for her particularly.

A younger women may be finer in the legs and bottom. By middle age many ladies need larger seat but short fenders. 

We can customise specifically for you.

Fender Length 

We can assemble small or large seat with a small or large fender length. The old problem of bigger seat meaning longer fender is no longer a problem. We can assemble any combination of sizes so the saddle feels a custom build for you.

The purpose or use of the saddle.

Saddle sizing can also shift depending on the type of riding involved. A stock saddle used for mustering or campdraft work often has different proportions to a saddle designed for polocrosse or general trail riding, even at the same nominal seat size. Shorter riders competing in more active disciplines may benefit from a slightly deeper seat that offers extra security during quick turns. Considering the intended use of the saddle alongside height and leg length helps narrow the search further.

Choosing the Best Saddle for a Female Rider

A well fitted beginner saddle should allow a women rider to sit centrally, with their leg falling naturally without excessive stretching or bunching. This foundation makes it easier to build good riding habits from the start, rather than compensating for a saddle that does not suit the rider's proportions. Riders who start out in a poorly sized saddle often develop habits such as gripping too tightly with the knees or leaning to one side, or forward , all faults which can be harder to correct later than if the fit had been right from the beginning.

Adjusting to a New Saddle

Even a well sized saddle can take a short period of adjustment, particularly for a rider who has previously ridden in a saddle with different proportions. It is common for the first few rides to feel slightly different as the rider becomes accustomed to the new seat depth, flap length or stirrup position. Paying attention to how the body feels during and after these early rides, such as any unusual pressure points or discomfort, can help identify whether further small adjustments are needed or whether the fit simply requires time to feel familiar.

Getting Professional Guidance to customise the saddle specifically for you- call me anytime on 0409994409

Over many years we have developed an easy and simple set of steps and measurement to ensure we can customise seat size, fender length and gullet fitting to fit both you and your horse. Call me and we can discuss what you need. I can then recommend the customisation and will forward the instructions  for you to measure  both your self and your horse.

There is a lot of myth and a lot of misinformation around saddle selection. We will take the time to help explain the development to the modern saddle and what this means for you. Specifically we can explain what is needed for a saddle for a lady rider.

The process we have developed and will send you will be easy and helps particularly for riders who are outside typical size ranges.

We can custom assemble parts all pre built that allow us to modify fender length , sat size and gullet setting. We can do this in hours effectively giving you a custom made saddle at the cost of production saddle. 

Sizing a saddle correctly for a rider who is shorter in height involves more than choosing a smaller seat number. Seat size, flap length, and stirrup positioning all work together to create a comfortable and secure fit. Taking the time to consider these factors, rather than relying on height alone, makes a noticeable difference to comfort and confidence in the saddle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many mature aged women need a mix of larger seat size and shorter fenders.

We can customise exactly for you in seat size, and fenders length. This will provide comfort and security for you.

Does a shorter rider always need a smaller saddle?

Not necessarily. While seat size often decreases with height, leg length and hip width also play a role, so two riders of similar height but different weight  may need different seat sizes.

What happens if a saddle seat is too big for a shorter rider?

A saddle that is too large can make it harder to stay balanced and secure, particularly during faster paces, since the rider may slide within the seat rather than sitting centrally. Many off the shelf saddles have a seat size matched to fender length. This is not always what is needed. A mature lady may well need a larger seat but shorter fender.  

Can fender length be adjusted for shorter riders?

Yes. We can assemble a saddle selecting from a range of pre built fenders  and seat size that allow  a mix of seat size and fender length which can help shorter riders achieve a more natural leg position.