I am in the market for a used western saddle. I have always ridden English in the past and am shopping for a western saddle for trail riding. I know I want a Circle Y Mojave Arab tree saddle. Using this chart: http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/saddle-seat-size-chart.html
It looks like I would need a 15" seat. I am about 5'3 and weigh between 105-110 pounds. I am an adult and don't plan on growing too much more 
I am looking for a used saddle and the only one I have found so far is a 16" seat.
What kind of difference would I see in comfort and security in riding a 16 versus a 15 inch?
I currently ride a 16" English flat seat saddle that is a bit too small and I fit very well into a 17.5" dressage saddle.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I am 5’3" and weigh between 110-116. I ride a 17 Stubben for my English, and my Western saddles vary between 15" to 15 1/2". But obviously it varies from saddle to saddle – you honestly can’t take anything for granted when saddle shopping.
I have owned a 16" Billy Cook Western saddle and could ride in it. I felt safe and didn’t look awful, but it was slightly too large. I suspect you could also get away with a 16" but it won’t be quite as ideal as a bit smaller.
I have a 15 1/2" Simco Arab show saddle for sale – I know this is tacky to mention so please forgive me. If you are interested go onto Northernhorse.com, look under tack and you will find it. If not, forget I said anything.
Happy saddle shopping.
first off why English riding, second a English saddle is light compared to western saddle I can’t pick one up for very long ( but I’m only 13) The size should be the same as in English but I don’t know I have only ridden western since I was born never English But do know it more comfortable no up and down
I personally wouldn’t go by the chart. And if you do, I would think that the 16" wouldn’t be much bigger. My work saddle is a 15 1/2 and I have 2 16" show saddle (have to have two because I show two reining horses, no time for a tack change). I can ride in a smaller saddle, but I like the bigger ones.
BTW I love Circle Y saddles.
well the 16 would probally be better for you. im like the same height and weigh 110 . a 17 inch i know is really big and it feels uncomfortable
A 16" western saddle is the average size.. you can go from a 15 to a 16 and not notice much difference but dont go to a 17 because that is for big people ..if you know what I mean…. I would go with a 16 since this is the average it will be easy to resell it in the future also.