Saddle  size measurements are very confusing since the advent of the halfbreed stocksaddle tree  25 years ago.

As a halfbreed stocksaddle tree is basically a “western saddle” tree (without the horn and swells) but with knee pads and pommel instead, it is measured like a western saddle.

The confusion starts here but does not end here!

These Trees are measured from the back of the pomel or swells to the front of the cantle.

A western tree generally gives you room to stand in your stirrups comfortably, while resting your thighs against the swells.

An Australian Stock Saddle has the knee pads (and therefore the pommel comes back as well) that come right back over your thighs while you are sitting. (Not so easy to stand in your stirrups in a stocksaddle without bending your back to keep your balance).

Therefore the “same size saddle” in a halfbreed stocksaddle and a western saddle will measure about 3” different, even though they are the same style of tree…………!!!!!!!!!!?????????????? Confused yet?

A 12” Half Breed Stock Saddle rides aproximately like a 15” Western Saddle and also aproximately like a 15” Traditional Stocksaddle.

Traditional Australian stocksaddles with flaps and counter lining, and made on the “more english style” wooden and steel tree, are measured from in front of the pommel, to the cantle.

So a Traditional counter lined flap saddle and a Half Breed swinging fender saddle, will apear to be the same size and ride the same size, but the traditional saddle will also measure about 3” longer.

So two or three different saddles (& styles) that all fit you perfectly, might have measurements ranging from 12” to 15”.

I see half breed saddles advertised all the time (2nd hand) as 16″ or 17”  when really they are probably a 13″ or 14”.

When it comes to sizes of saddles, the measurements of the completed saddle (when measured by the saddle owner not knowing exactly where to measure) can vary from the tree manufacturers size, depending on how thick the seat leather is and how much padding was put in the seat. Heavy leather and thick seat padding can take up to 1/2” from the finished size.

These size measurements and comparisons are just aproximations, take all of them with a grain of salt!

The Technicality of the Size or Measurement of a tree or saddle is not the important thing , but whether it feels right  for you when you ride in it.

If it is too small you will be jammed against the knee pads and have no room to move. If it is too big when you sit back against the cantle, (even if you are like me and like a lot of room in front of your thighs), you may end up too far behind your stirrups. Then to get balanced over your stirrups you will slide your butt forward off the cantle, in which case you could ride a smaller size.

To me, the 12” Symmetry tree, seems to ride like most other 12.5″ half breed trees.

But the size that “fits you” …………often comes down to personal preference and riding style.

A 12” Symmetry Tree is a “middle of the road” size.