How do you determine the appropriate seat size? As I understand it, two people might weigh similar weight but someone with longer legs might require a larger seat. So how do you determine whether you should ride one size or another without having to buy every saddle out there?
I suggest going and sitting in them before buying. I don't like to feel "stuck" so I ride in a little bit bigger seat. Some people like to feel real snug in their saddle so they may go with another size. Perfect example, a friend of mine is exactly the same height and weight as me and she rides in a 15" and I ride in a 15.5".
I believe there is a "rule" that you want at least 4 fingers space between your thigh and the saddle. Maybe its 2 fingers width?
I think a lot of it is personal preference. And saddle build. I came to barrel from western pleasure and hunters, being "stuck" really bothered me so I rode a 15.5". After a while I started to need some more stick and wanted to feel more secure, so I went to a 15" and a deeper seat in my new saddle. I'm 5'10 and leggy so this is likely as small as I will go
I believe it's personal preference on how you want the saddle to "fit" to you. I'm 5'6" 135lbs and I ride in a 14.5" I can get away with a 14" but it's a bit snug for me. 15" is also very comfortable for me.
My rule of thumb is 3 fingers bettwen my crouch and swells, 1 finger frmo my thigh to swells. I hate my thighs pushed against the swells. I ride a 14.5" and I am 5'6 165#... I can ride a 15" too. I fit in a 14" but again, i am a little smooshed!
saddle seat size
