[carriekinz]

Feeling like a moron but I am going to ask anyhow. Picture attached.

OK, I just bought this 14" saddle. I LOVE the style and color and tooling. Anyhow...today tried it on my horse. She's huge--round barrel kind of horse--and the saddle looked hilarious . It did fit her back properly, conformed nicely and didn't poke her anywhere. I rode in it for a few minutes and it fit me well too...I usually ride in a 15" but this one didn't feel squishy or awkward. Extremely comfortable and didn't look too small from up there. However, the stirrups are tiny...my feet didn't touch either side but if my boots were much wider my foot would not have gotten in there. And the fenders are extremely thin. The entire saddle is about 2" shorter on the skirt in all directions than the saddle that came with her when we bought her, and THAT one even looked a bit small on her.

My question...yes, I usually take some time to get to the point...is this:

How can I tell if this is a kid's saddle or just a small adult's saddle? What are the "signs"?

I don't care really what anyone thinks of my tack but I'd like to know if it's kids or not so I can tell everyone that I just don't care and it fits me fine. LOL Mind you, I'll have to get some pics of me in it to make sure I don't look too ridiculous.

Thanks so much!

[Heavenly Jumper]

I don't think there is a difference between the two. As long as you fit in it comfortably and it fits your mare. Just change out the stirrups for bigger ones.

[carriekinz]

Thanks. It does fit both of us BUT really looks like a postage stamp on my horse. A bit ridiculous. Just for future reference IS there any way to tell if it's a larger kid's saddle or a smaller adult's saddle?

Thanks.

[saylesgirl]

I would say as a general rule that anything 13" or smaller is a kids saddle, but honestly, it depends on what size seat fits you. I've seen adults in 13" saddles and kids in 14"+ saddle...depends on the size of you bum

[Abberlaze]

i'm not sure... but be careful with those stirrups b/c if you fall and they're small and get stuck on your foot that could be dangerous especially because western stirrups are not generally breakaway

[CJ]

^ Its pretty easy to replace the stirrups. I just bought a slightly larger wooden pair for a 14" Im contemplating using.

[BornToRide]

i would change the stirups before you ride. but hey if it feels good. do it

[carriekinz]

Thanks everyone. I am actually looking at replacement stirrups right now on Ebay. I rode the saddle again tonight, different horse (one I'm teaching to neck rein for neighbour--he's a normal sized horse and the saddle looked fine on him) and it IS truly as comfortable as I thought. The seat isn't very padded but it just seems right. I asked my friend if it looked too small and he said no...but maybe he was just being nice Either way I'm going to get some photos of me in it so I can ponder. Yep, my life is so stressful. Ha ha. Thanks again.