Hi! I am having an issue with my saddle or riding or both. I know my current fitness level is contributing and I have been doing core strengthening and balance/ flexibility workouts lately to help with that part however I am finding as my horse is learning her job and really moving there is a point in the turn where she drops and starts the turn that my butt is pushed back up ontop of the cantle. I have a picture of you need to see though I feel rather embarrassed so I would rather PM it haha. I do need to ride her two handed into the backside of the turn to keep her more square so I can’t drop rein and grab the horn to hold myself in place going into the turn. 

Anyway I am wondering if I need a bigger saddle? A deeper seat? Higher cantle? Or just getting back into shape? 

I am about 5”5 and 133 lbs and ride in a 14 inch Scott Thomas saddle. The seat is pretty shallow and the cantle low compared to other saddles. 

I'm 125 and 5'9..I ride in a 13.5 Tammy Fischer. I myself like to be a little snug..it sounds like you just need to continue with core exercises..as do I! I fit in my saddle great and the same thing that's happening to you happens to me sometimes.

Sounds like your saddle seat is too small. Pm me if you would like to send a picture to me..

I can’t seem to figure out how to add pictures to a PM on here and tried to add them to an album but it says all my files are too large 

I'll pm my email to you.. 

I'm no expert but sometimes having another opinion can help.. 

Thank you! I sent them! 

It's hard to say without seeing a video. Do you have any? I'm 5'6 about 140 and I ride in a 14.5" seat. I like a little wiggle room.  For most of my barrel racing career I have rode in Double J saddles. Recently, I had to switch one of my horses to a Cactus CJ because she is built like a potato and I needed something that was wider. Anyway, found out real fast that these CJ saddles have low set cantles/pommels compared to the Double J's I had been riding in for 15 years. I almost ate dirt the first few times I ran in it. Why? Because of my HANDS. I came to realize is that I wasnt using my horn properly and had been relying on other parts of my saddle. The horn is there to keep you in the proper position. I know you said you have to stay two handed going into the turn...I feel like this is definitely your issue. I think you need to work on teaching your horse how to set up properly so you can go one handed into the turn and stay balanced. 

EDIT: I meant to also add that your saddle may also be a tad too small. I would try a 14.5" to see if it helps.

Seat size is going to be personal preference.

Growing up, I rode in a 15" barrel saddle. I've "switched" to a 14.5" in my current saddles but still use a 15" sometimes. 

I'm just under 5'6" and normally around 130 pounds, but I've dropped to 120 pounds the last year. (eating better!)  And my saddles still feel perfectly comfortable to me because I guess that's what I'm used to. Although I'd probably be okay in a 14" too.

You can PM me the pic if you want. But do you feel like you are getting "left behind" in the turn? Could be seat size/shape but if you're just getting left behind, well, then left behind!

5’10 and 160lbs here.  15” is my preference in most seats - but the rise and cantle height makes a difference and I can get by in a 14.5” sometimes.

i like the extra room because coming into my turns i like to roll my hips and slide down into my seat - if it’s too small I can’t do that and I find myself hitting the pommel and getting thrown forward.  I actually think a lot of people who complain about getting tossed onto their horses neck might be riding a saddle that is too small - just a personal theory.

it sounds like it could be a seat size issue - or just an overall build of the saddle vs your style that isn’t working together.  PM me if you’d like my email to send pictures/video.