Seat size?

jazzyjumper · 08-21-2008, 10:21 AM

If I usually ride in a 17 inch saddle would riding in a 17.5" saddle make a big difference on my postion/comfort?

JBandRio · 08-21-2008, 10:39 AM

Depends on the flatness/deepness of the seat, and whether the 17" was already borderline too big or not.

There's more to your position than just the seat too - where the stirrup bars are positioned, and how the flap is angled.

MIEventer · 08-21-2008, 10:53 AM

Yep and don't forget the length of your leg too

I ride in a 17.5" saddle and I rode in an 18" inch once and it was aweful on me, I couldn't stay balanced, I could not stay centered and I was always being lurched forward on the flat.

Then I rode in an 18" Duette and it was the most comfortable saddle ever.

So it totally depends on the make/shape/structre of the saddle as well - just as JBandRio said.

mytega · 08-21-2008, 11:07 AM

I’ve always understood that it is better to go up a size than down a size. You can’t be comfortable in too small of a saddle, but going larger is a matter of personal preference. The size also will depend on the shape of the seat. If the seat is deep with a high cantle, you may need a half a size larger than a saddle that has a flat seat to “feel” the same in them. You also have to factor in that each saddle maker measures the seat sizes a little differently. There could be a 1/2 inch of discrepancy just by how it is measured. If I found the perfect saddle at a perfect price, but the seat was a 1/2 inch larger, I would still go for it. If it was 1/2 inch smaller, I’d have to try it first.

And I got distracted before I could post. Some it of it is the same.

BTW, like MIE said, Duett is an example of a saddle that runs 1/2 inch small.

08-21-2008, 10:21 AM	#1
jazzyjumper Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,041 Images: 5	Seat size? If I usually ride in a 17 inch saddle would riding in a 17.5" saddle make a big difference on my postion/comfort? __________________ When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have. -Sir Winston Churchill jazzy love <3 oreo splashhh XD

08-21-2008, 10:39 AM	#2
JBandRio Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NC Posts: 23,421 Images: 143 Blog Entries: 12	Depends on the flatness/deepness of the seat, and whether the 17" was already borderline too big or not. There's more to your position than just the seat too - where the stirrup bars are positioned, and how the flap is angled. __________________ - JB Acres, owned and operated by Dynamite animals. - It's a wonder horses as a whole don't just kill us all and be done with their misery. - Keep your voice soothing and low - even when things get western (buck1173) - Rio feels good - he bounced an in-and-out

08-21-2008, 11:07 AM	#4
mytega Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central PA Posts: 512 Images: 75	I’ve always understood that it is better to go up a size than down a size. You can’t be comfortable in too small of a saddle, but going larger is a matter of personal preference. The size also will depend on the shape of the seat. If the seat is deep with a high cantle, you may need a half a size larger than a saddle that has a flat seat to “feel” the same in them. You also have to factor in that each saddle maker measures the seat sizes a little differently. There could be a 1/2 inch of discrepancy just by how it is measured. If I found the perfect saddle at a perfect price, but the seat was a 1/2 inch larger, I would still go for it. If it was 1/2 inch smaller, I’d have to try it first. And I got distracted before I could post. Some it of it is the same. BTW, like MIE said, Duett is an example of a saddle that runs 1/2 inch small. __________________ Becky (person) & Maddie (horse) I was snowballed twice!

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08-21-2008, 10:53 AM	#3
MIEventer Senior Member+ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,251	Yep and don't forget the length of your leg too I ride in a 17.5" saddle and I rode in an 18" inch once and it was aweful on me, I couldn't stay balanced, I could not stay centered and I was always being lurched forward on the flat. Then I rode in an 18" Duette and it was the most comfortable saddle ever. So it totally depends on the make/shape/structre of the saddle as well - just as JBandRio said.