English Saddle Fitting english saddle fit on my quarter horse?
I have a typical built quarter horse.I am looking to buy him a english saddle. What size gullet am I looking for? 6"? He fits a quarter horse bars (wide) in western saddles. I am a western rider looking to get an english saddle.
English saddles are measured as narrow, medium-narrow, medium, medium wide, wide, x-wide, or in cm. measurements, and there's absolutely NO standardization - every saddle will measure and fit differently. So it's pretty much impossible to tell you what tree width you'd need without seeing the horse or at least some photos and tracings.
You also need to consider tree shape and panel configuration when fitting an english saddle. Probably your best bet is to work with an independent saddle fitter who reps several brands, or a shop with a fitter and a good inventory. You can find a list of fitters at www.mastersaddlers.co.uk, or ask around - a fitter's reputation is probably the best measure of their ability.
You can also learn a lot about english saddle fitting at www.trumbullmtn.com, or on my blog at www.saddlefitter.blogspot.com. Good luck!
