How to Measure Your Saddle: Seat Size, Tree Width, Flap and More

Danielle Bishop, founder of SaddleUp

November 9, 2026 · 6 min read

What you need

• A soft tape measure (a sewing tape works best; a metal tape is fine for straight lines)
• Your phone, for photos
• Good light, and the saddle on a stand, a fence rail or the back of a sofa

Step 1: Look for the stamp first

Most saddles tell you their sizes. Lift each flap and look for a stamp or small metal plate. The usual places:

• The underside of the skirt, near the stirrup bar
• The panel, under the flap
• A nameplate on the back of the cantle
• Along the billets or on a tag

Here's how to read what you find:

• Seat size: a number like 16.5, 17 or 17.5 (inches).
• Tree width: letters like N (narrow), MN (medium narrow), M (medium), MW (medium wide), W (wide) or XW (extra wide); or a number in centimeters like 28, 31 or 32; or a colored gullet plate if the saddle has a changeable gullet.
• Flap: a code like 2A, 3L or +2, which is the brand's own flap length and position code.
• Serial number or date code: often a longer number. The maker can usually tell you the year and original specs from it.

Photograph the stamp even if you can read it. Buyers trust a clear photo of the stamp more than anything typed in a description.

Step 2: Measure the seat size

English saddles

1. Find the nailhead or screw on the side of the pommel, just below the front of the seat.
2. Find the center of the back edge of the cantle.
3. Measure in a straight line between them (don't follow the dip of the seat).
4. Round to the nearest half inch. Most adult English saddles are 16 to 18 inches.

Western saddles

Measure from the back of the swell (the fork) to the top edge of the cantle, where the seat meets the binding. Most adult western seats are 14 to 17 inches.

Step 3: Find the tree width

Tree width is about the horse: it's how wide the front of the saddle is where it sits over the withers. It's the single most important detail for fit, so if it isn't stamped, it's worth measuring.

English saddles: point to point

1. Lift the flap. Under the front of the panel, feel for the tree point: a stiff bar running down from the pommel. Its tip is usually a few inches below the stirrup bar.
2. Mark or hold both tips, one on each side.
3. Measure straight across between them, in centimeters.

List it as a measurement, for example “tree measures about 29 cm point to point (not stamped).” Brands label widths differently, so a 29 cm tree might be called medium by one brand and medium narrow by another. The number, the brand and a photo let a buyer (or their saddle fitter) judge the fit.

Western saddles: gullet width and bars

Measure across the front of the gullet (the opening under the swell) at its narrowest point, in inches. Look for a bar stamp such as Semi Quarter Horse, Full Quarter Horse or Arabian.

Step 4: Flap length and position

Measure from the stirrup bar down to the bottom edge of the flap, in inches. Then note whether the flap is cut forward (it angles ahead of the stirrup bar, common on jumping saddles) or straight (common on dressage saddles). If the stamp has a flap code like 2A, include that too.

Step 5: Panels and flocking

• Wool flocked: panels feel firm but give a little when pressed, and can be reflocked by a saddler. The most common on quality English saddles.
• Foam: lighter and evenly springy all over; it can't be adjusted.
• Air panels (such as CAIR): usually labeled on the panel or stamp.

Also mention knee or thigh blocks and whether they're fixed or adjustable (some attach with Velcro under the flap).

Step 6: The year

If there's a serial number or date code, send it to the maker or an authorized dealer. Many can tell you the year and the original specifications, including the tree width. Never guess the year; “year unknown” is fine.

Step 7: The photos buyers want

1. Full side view, both sides
2. The stamp or plate, close up and in focus
3. Straight down onto the seat
4. The front, looking at the pommel and gullet
5. The underside: both panels and the channel down the middle
6. The flaps and knee blocks
7. Any wear, scuffs or repairs, close up (buyers trust sellers who show them)

Put it together

Here's how a complete listing reads:

Frequently asked questions

Ready to list it?

Once you have your seat size and tree width, your saddle shows up for the riders it actually fits. On SaddleUp, buyers search by seat size and tree width, so a measured saddle reaches the right people. It's free to list during our beta, and the total fee is 5% only if it sells.

Already have a SaddleUp listing? Open it from your dashboard and add what you measured.

List your saddle on SaddleUp →