| +44(0)1833 640855 | info@fnesaddles.com |
Adjustable Saddle Sizes
Wither Angle & Saddle Sizes
The FnE adjustable saddles come in 5 sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, where 1 is the narrowest and 5 is the widest. These sizes are based on wither angles (in degrees) of 84deg (narrow or 1), 90deg (medium or 2), 96deg (wide or 3), 102deg (x-wide or 4), 108deg (xx-wide or 5) and indicate the basic pommel angle of the saddle tree. Within each width there is a further wither angle adjustment range of about +/- 10 degrees, though this may be constrained by the rest of the back conformation, flat or hollow back for example. The most common size sold is size 2 with a basic 90 degree angle. This size can be fitted to horses in the wither measurement range of 86 to 100 degrees, in other words, quite narrow horses to quite wide horses.
Each FnE adjustable saddle has a unique number stamped into the left hand stirrup bar where the sixth digit indicates the base width (applies to saddles with unique numbers starting 04 or higher).
It is almost impossible to compare saddle sizes between makes of saddle trees so the indications of narrow to xx-wide above are only roughly comparative. The traditional way of indicating saddle size is to measure the width between the ends of the points of the tree. However, this can be quite misleading, since points vary in length. Therefore, if we take a set of trees with the same pommel angle and straight points but of different point lengths, those with short points would be classed as narrow and those with long points would be classed as wide. To make things a bit more difficult with saddle tree sizes, if the points of the tree are curved outwards the tree could be classed as wide but would narrow towards the top of the pommel. Perhaps this is why many horses have saddle shaped backs with wither hollows?
Here you can download instructions for measuring wither angle to determine the FnE adjustable saddle size for your horse. There is also an example set of three pictures you take of your horse and if these are emailed to info@fnesaddles.com we can help with the saddle purchase process on-line or help adjusting the saddle for your horse.
Seat Sizes
Seat size is traditionally measured from the head nail to the middle of the cantle and given in inches. FnE quote the seat sizes on that basis, and the FnE adjustable saddles have two seat sizes for the rider, 17" and 18". However we do actually extend the seat in the middle so it is physically larger rather than if we were just heightening the cantle to get the extra inch. A smaller seat size can be achieved by using a seat saver with a 1" (25mm) thickness of foam inserted.
For saddles with unique numbers starting 08 or higher the seat size is shown below the unique number. Number 7 = 17" and number 8 = 18".
The most common size sold is 17".
