The saddle style you choose for horseback riding has an impact on your comfort when on the horse. Australian saddles were developed from English saddles and evolved to allow riders in Australia, who often are forced to ride on harsh terrain, experience a more comfortable and safe ride, according to JamesSaddlery.com. The saddles have kneepads, to reduce injury to your legs above the knees, and a modified stirrup bar which allows for a quick release of the stirrup strap if you fall from the horse. By properly sizing your Australian saddle, you ensure a safe and comfortable ride on your horse.
Step 1
Hold the beginning of the ruler up to the front seam of the saddle and position it across the length of the saddle toward the cantle, according to FreedomRider.com. The cantle is the part that rises off the back of the saddle. Do not hold the ruler so that it measures the contours of the saddle, as this will provide an inaccurate measurement that is much longer than actual size.
Step 2
Position the ruler at the front edge of the cantle and read the measurement from the front seam to know the size of the saddle.
Step 3
Add 2 inches to the size of a Western saddle to determine your Australian saddle size, if you own a Western saddle. English saddles use the same measurement as Australian saddles, according to TackWholesale.com.
Things You'll Need
- Ruler or other measuring device
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