Choosing the right saddle
**Updated in 2025 to reflect the changes to our saddles and saddle tree range.**
Toowoomba Saddlery has a number of saddles in its range, you may be wondering which one is best suited for you and your horse. The information below will give you a good starting point in helping you choose your saddle.
** Toowoomba Saddlery recommends sitting in the saddle prior to purchase where possible.**
QUICKLINKS : Saddle Tree Profiles | Saddle Features | Saddle Options
Step 1. Choose your saddle tree profile
The saddle tree is a key component, its size and shape are important to determine how the saddle will fit your horse. Specifications of each saddle tree profile are listed below, use these to assist you in determining which saddles are suited to your horse. Need further help with this? Contact Toowoomba Saddlery or your local saddlery store. It can be helpful to see photos of your horse from multiple angles and/or a wither tracing.
Toowoomba Saddlery recommend where possible, sitting in a saddle prior to buying. It is very difficult to assess saddle fit to either the rider or the horse without seeing the saddle in person. If this isn’t possible to so this in store, consider asking friends who already have similar Toowoomba Saddlery saddles if you can test their saddle on your horse.
#2
Semi Quarter Horse STANDARD
Gullet Width: 5.75″
Featuring a narrower gullet with a lower pommel to suit horses with smaller withers. The deep seat and lower-angle kneepads help provide a super secure feel while keeping the saddle out of your way.
#3C
Semi Quarter Horse COMPETITION
Gullet Width: 6″
Features a medium size gullet with a flatter bar shape that may support wider horses, while the medium-height pommel is designed for average-size withers. It strives for the ideal balance of security and freedom with large, lower-angle kneepads and an enhanced cantle.
#3
Semi Quarter Horse MEDIUM
Gullet Width: 6″
Features a medium size gullet with more upright kneepads and a higher pommel for good wither clearance. This versatile shape provides a secure feel and can accommodate a wide range of horse builds.
#3QH
Full Quarter Horse WIDE
Gullet Width: 6.5″
Featuring a wider gullet for the comfort of broader horses, with a high pommel for good wither clearance. This versatile tree shape includes more upright kneepads with enough seat depth to keep you feeling secure.
Step 2. Compare saddles with your preferred saddle tree profile and choose the one which best meets your needs.
Points to check:
Seat style and padding
Do you need the comfort of a padded seat? or do you prefer an unpadded, one-piece seat?
Hardware and Rigging configuration
All Toowoomba Saddlery saddles are compatible with both pull-up straps or loop-on girth points (available separately) which can be removed and attached as required. Do you require the versatility of 3-way rigging or the simplicity of C-type rigging plates? For more information on rigging a girth to our saddles, see our online rigging guide ➤
Saddle tree brand
Each saddle is made on specific saddle tree types and sizes. See their saddle pages to discover which trees are used with each saddle.
Both our Equi-Fit® and Ramtough® saddle trees are designed to be close-contact, strong yet light and covered by a 10 year conditional saddle tree warranty. This warranty covers breakage and distortion of the saddle tree from normal use. This warranty will not cover accidental damage, misuse, intentional abuse or any alteration from its original shape.
Equifit
Equi-fit® Classic Saddle Trees
Trees are cut from specially selected southern yellow pine , then reinforced with a mesh-and-resin coating. Made by Steele, who’ve been making saddle trees for over 150 years.
Available tree profiles:
#2 SQH Standard
#3 SQH Medium
#3C SQH Competition (while stocks last)
#3QH FQH Wide
Ramtough
Ramtough® Saddle Trees
Cast for Toowoomba Saddlery using specially designed moulds, using high-expansion polyurethane composite. Made as a one piece tree for strength & uniformity.
Available tree profiles:
#2 SQH Standard
#3 SQH Medium
coming in 2025/2026 #3QH FQH Wide
Ramtough 2nd Gen
Ramtough® 2nd Gen Saddle Trees
Moulded, high-expansion polyurethane trees, reinforced with a mesh-and-resin coating.
Available tree profiles:
coming in 2025/2026 #3C SQH Competition
Is the saddle available in the right size?
Remember that fenders are adjustable and removable which is great for accommodating different leg lengths. Shortened fenders can be included with most adult saddles upon request, youth-size fenders can be ordered separately.
View saddles in 14″ Junior size ➤
Views saddles available in largest 18″ Boss size ➤
View saddles with Full Quarter Horse bars for wider horses ➤
Extra Features and decoration
They say it’s all about the details. Want a saddle with even more durability, comfort or class? Look for saddles with these extra features:
Step 3. Select your options
You will notice that most saddles are available with different options. Once you’ve decided which saddle has the features you need and meets your budget, check which options are available with that saddle and decide which ones match your personal preferences. Options may include:
Colour
Most saddles are available in different colours. Not all saddles are available in all colours.
Please note: Appearance may be affected by lighting conditions and other factors. Leather can darken after oiling. The colour of suede seats may vary according to the colour in stock.
Leather finish
(e.g. smooth-out or rough-out)
Some riders prefer a rough-out leather saddle for the extra grip it offers and reduced visibility of scratches, however many prefer the sleek look of smooth-out leather. Some of our saddles offer the best of both worlds with a combination finish. Not all saddles available in all finishes, please check individual saddle pages for options.
(Stanley Fender shown)
(Dubbo Fender shown)
(Ranger Fender shown)
Lining
All Toowoomba Saddlery saddles are supplied with low-maintenance felt lining as standard, it is possible to have a saddle made with a more traditional wool fleece lining. This option may cost extra and require some lead time as the saddle would be made-to-order.
Size
Which size is right for you will depend on your height, leg length, and body proportions. For this reason we recommend where possible, sitting in a saddle to confirm the style and size fits comfortably.
The most common saddle size sold is 16″. Note that seat size is a different measurement to saddle size.
Fender length. The fenders supplied with adult saddles are adjustable, approximately 19″ – 26″ in length. If required, it is possible to order shortened fenders (approximately 17.5″ – 24.5″) instead.
| Saddle Size | Seat Size |
| 14″(35.5cm) | 11.5″(29cm) |
| 15″ (38cm) | 12.5″(31cm) |
| 16″ (40.5cm) | 13.5″(34cm) |
| 17″ (43cm) | 14.5″(37cm) |
| 18″ (45.5cm) | 15.5″ (39cm) |
Learn more about saddle and seat sizing in our blog article ‘How to measure a Toowoomba Saddlery saddle’.
Step 4. Contact one of Toowoomba Saddlery’s many distributors to confirm a price for your preferred saddle and place your order.
See our map of distributors or contact Toowoomba Saddlery for further information.
