Western Saddle Seat Size

Seat size is the rider's half of saddle fit. It is a length in inches, and it does not tell you whether the saddle fits the horse. A 15 1/2" saddle and a 17" saddle can sit on the same tree width. This guide covers how seat size is measured, how to pick one, and what the Billy Royal listings show.

How seat size is measured

Western seat size is a straight-line measurement along the seat, generally taken from the base of the horn (the back of the swell) to the top of the cantle. Makers do not all measure from exactly the same point, so a "15" from two brands can feel slightly different. If a listing does not say how it measures, treat the number as approximate.

A rule of thumb for riders

These checks are general saddle-fitting advice, not Billy Royal specifications.

1. Sit in the saddle on a stand or a stable saddle rack, with your normal riding clothes and boots.
2. You should have roughly a hand's width between your seat bones and the cantle.
3. You should have about four fingers of space between your body and the swell or pommel when sitting upright.
4. Check again with your stirrups at riding length. A rider who sits deep or wears chaps may want more room.

Small adults and teens often do well in the 14 to 15 inch range, and many adults ride 15 1/2 to 17 inches. Treat those figures as a starting point. Leg length, build and riding style move the answer more than height alone.

Sizes shown on the Billy Royal listings

Each listing shows one size at a time. These are the sizes displayed for the variants in this catalogue; other sizes may be offered through the size selector, so confirm on the page.

The Scottsdale Supreme Classic listing does not show a size in the fields reviewed here.

When you are between sizes

• Prefer the smaller size if you ride in a close contact style and the larger one leaves you sliding.
• Prefer the larger size if you need room for a deep seat or ride with a long thigh.
• Think about the horse. A bigger seat has a longer cantle, and on a short-backed horse that matters. Read Short-backed horses before sizing up.

Seat size does not change tree fit

A larger seat does not make the tree wider, and a smaller seat does not make it narrower. Tree width and bar shape are separate; they are covered in Gullet and bars. After the saddle arrives, run through Fit check before the first ride.

Sizing and returns

If a size turns out wrong, the correct route depends on where it was purchased. See Buying on Amazon for how orders, returns and exchanges are handled.

What we can't confirm

• The listings do not state how each seat is measured. Do not assume it matches another maker's.
• Not every listing shows every available size. The size selector on the page is the authority.
• The seat dimensions of individual models are not published as separate numbers, so a 15.5" Georgia Classic and a 15.5" Grizzly may feel different because of twist, padding and cantle height.