Finding the Perfect Saddle: How Anatomy and Hip Angles Shape Your Ride
- Loz
- Sep 10
- 11 min read
Updated: Sep 13
A Rider’s Guide to Choosing Saddles That Suit Your Body—Not Just Your Horse
Whether you’re a weekend trail rider or training for your next big event, comfort in the saddle can make or break your day in the saddle. A well-fitted saddle isn’t just about keeping you comfortable—it’s also essential for your horse’s welfare, your riding position, and your overall performance. But did you know your body shape, especially the differences between male and female anatomy, can dramatically affect which saddle suits you best? In this blog, we’ll explore how anatomical differences between men and women affect saddle fit, why kneeblocks can sometimes do more harm than good, and how to tell if your saddle is truly right for you. Plus, we’ll give you a simple step-by-step guide to mapping your seat bones at home to help you make informed saddle choices.
Understanding Anatomy: Men, Women, and Saddle Fit
Let’s start with the basics. Men and women are built differently—especially around the hips and thighs. Women typically have wider-set hips and a greater angle from hip to knee (the “Q-angle”), resulting in seat bones that sit further apart. Men usually have narrower hips and straighter thighs, with seat bones closer together. These differences mean that a saddle tree—the supportive framework inside the saddle—needs to accommodate the rider’s natural shape.
A saddle that suits a male pelvis may feel cramped, unstable, or even painful for a female rider, and vice versa. For women, a saddle with a tree that’s too narrow can pinch the seat bones, forcing them to sit on the twist (the narrowest part of the saddle), causing discomfort and even numbness. Men, meanwhile, may find wide trees make them feel like they’re “splitting” apart, affecting balance and security. So, paying attention to the shape and width of the saddle tree is crucial.
Key Anatomical Differences Affecting Saddle Choice
While everyone is unique, there are some general anatomical trends that influence how males and females interact with their saddles. One of the most significant is the structure of the pelvis. Generally, women tend to have a broader pelvis and a slightly more forward-tilted pelvis compared to men, whose pelvises are typically narrower and more upright. These differences mean that the contact points, hip angles, and pressure distribution in the saddle will vary between riders. Read more on the 7-point seat here.
This isn’t about stereotypes—it's about recognising that pelvic width and shape can change how you sit, move, and balance in the saddle, and ultimately on the horse. A saddle that works beautifully for one person may cause discomfort or restrict movement for another simply because of these anatomical differences.
Understanding Hip Angles: Narrow vs Wide and Why They Matter
Your hip angle is the relationship between your thighbone and pelvis when you’re seated. Riders with narrower hips (often, but not exclusively, men) tend to have legs that hang closer together, while riders with wider hips (often, but not exclusively, women) typically have thighs that splay outward a bit more.
This affects how you sit on the saddle and how your legs drape down your horse’s sides. If your saddle doesn’t accommodate your natural hip angle, you might feel stretched, pinched, or off-balance—none of which make for an enjoyable or effective ride!
In practical terms, narrow-hipped riders may prefer saddles with a narrower twist (the part you sit over), while wide-hipped riders might be more comfortable with a broader twist and a flatter seat that allows their pelvis to settle naturally.
Seat Bone Width: Narrow vs Wide—Why It Matters
Your seat bones (ischial tuberosities) are the points of contact between your pelvis and the saddle. Whether you have narrow or wide seat bones influences the type of saddle that will feel comfortable and supportive.
Narrow seat bones: Often seen in men or riders with a more “V-shaped” pelvis. These riders tend to feel best in saddles with a narrower twist, a slimmer seat, and a tree that keeps the bones close together.
Wide seat bones: Common in women or those with a more “U-shaped” pelvis. These riders need a wider twist and broader seat, with a tree that accommodates their seat bone spacing.
Choosing the wrong style, size, or shape can lead to discomfort, pinching, or even long-term injury. Remember, it’s not just about the width of the seat, but how the whole saddle supports your pelvis and allows your legs to hang naturally.
People with wider hip bones will have more chance of the "rails" coming into contact with the saddle, so learning how to position your pelvis neutrally is key here (so to reduce discomfort.) More on this later in this post.
How to Measure Hip/Twist Size: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting the right measurements is the first step towards finding your ideal saddle. Here’s a simple guide, ensure you have a piece of corrugated fiberboard:
Find Your Seat Bones: Place your piece of corrugated fiberboard on a hard, flat surface. Sit on the fiberboard with your back in neutral spine and feet flat on the floor, mimicking your riding posture. Feel for the two bony points under your buttocks—these are your seat bones. Sit here for at least 30 seconds whilst you make an imprint of your bones.
Measure the Distance: Using a ruler, measure across the centre of your two seat bones. This distance (in centimetres) gives a good indication of your pelvic width.
Compare to Saddle Twist options:
Narrow hips: Often measure under 13cm between seat bones.
Wide hips: Typically measure 13–16 cm or more.
Find Your Rails: Place a new piece of corrugated fiberboard on the surface, sit back down, find your seat bones, now you want to tip your pelvis as far forward as possible [hold], then slowly rock back to neutral (don't go past). Repeat the rocking forwards/back to neutral for over 30 seconds to get the imprint of your "rails".
Measure Narrowest Rails: Take your ruler, and measure between the centre of the two narrowest points between your two rails.
Consider Your Comfort: Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” width—choose what feels most comfortable for you and supports your riding goals.
Here's an example of the seat and rail imprints (yes, these are mine):
Notice the distance between the seat bones (marked with X's)
Notice the distance between my seat bones and then when my "rails" first make contact (marked with the horizontal line)
When it comes to seat size, most adult saddles range from 16.5" to 18" (42–46 cm in British/Aussie measurements), but the best size for you will also depend on your thigh/leg length and overall build—not just the width of your hips.
Interestingly enough, a lot of riders are not in the right sized saddle. I was in this boat up until earlier this year (2025), when I was enlightened at an amazing saddle fitting experience. I became aware it should not be about your femur length, but combination of the stirrup bar placement with seat and twist sizes in relation to your hip type (narrow or wide) and mobility of the hip joint. And I have a long femur and hypermobility! For decades, I was told I'd always need a 17.5" to 18" sized saddle because of my femur and larger butt! How incorrect this is! So please make sure you work with a saddle fitter that checks all of the thingz!
Is Your Saddle Unsuitable? Signs to Watch For
How do you know if your saddle is a poor match for your body? Here are some red flags:
Persistent discomfort—numbness, pinching, or pain in your seat area, thighs, or lower back.
Difficulty maintaining position—feeling tipped forward or backward, or struggling to keep your legs under you.
Rubbing or bruising—especially on the inner thighs or seat bones.
Constant fidgeting—if you’re always shifting in the saddle, it’s a sign something’s not right.
Over-reliance on knee blocks—if you “fight” the saddle or use it to "hold you in place"/keep your position, your saddle may not suit your anatomy.
Choosing the Right Saddle Configuration
To get the best for you and your horse. You must find a saddle that fits you both! And yes, this is possible! Don't feel lost. Your saddle combo is definitely out there.
So what do you need to do to get the best fit for you (after your horse has been measured and catered for)?
Remember the three things I identified earlier:
Stirrup bar placement
Twist size
Tree and seat size
Let's break those down even further to understand how you can select the saddle for you.
Stirrup Bar Placement (found under the skirt of the saddle)
Your hip angle and thigh length determine where your leg naturally wants to fall. Saddles with adjustable or forward-set stirrup bars can help accommodate longer thighs or riders who need to bring their leg forward to stay balanced. Narrow-hipped riders often feel better with bars set a little further back, while wide-hipped riders may benefit from bars that are slightly more forward to help their legs hang comfortably.
Stirrup bars are a crucial component of saddles, affecting both rider comfort and horse performance. There are two main types of stirrup bars: standard and extended. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:
a) Standard Stirrup Bars
Anatomical Suitability: Typically for males or women with wider seat bones/hips.
Design: Standard stirrup bars are typically shorter and positioned closer to the saddle's center. This design allows for a more traditional placement of stirrups.
Rider Position: They generally promote a more upright riding position, which can be beneficial for certain disciplines.
Compatibility: Standard stirrup bars are compatible with most traditional stirrups, making them widely used in various riding styles.
Stability: These bars provide a stable connection to the saddle, which can enhance security for the rider.
b) Extended/Long Stirrup Bars
Anatomical Suitability: Typically for women with narrow seat bones/hips and/or hypermobility.
Design: Extended stirrup bars are longer and positioned further back on the saddle. This allows for a greater range of motion.
Rider Position: They enable a more forward-leaning position, which can be advantageous for disciplines such as jumping or dressage.
Flexibility: Extended stirrup bars allow for more flexibility in stirrup length adjustments, accommodating different riding styles and preferences.
Leg Position: They can help in achieving a more natural leg position, which may improve rider comfort and effectiveness.
Choosing between standard and extended stirrup bars depends on the rider's discipline, preferences, and comfort. Understanding these differences can help riders select the right saddle for their needs.
Twist Size
Your measurement from your seat bones (from centre to centre) is your usual guide for the required twist size.
Your measurement of your "rails" at its narrowest, will help further define the ideal twist size for your pelvis. Confirm this by trying the same saddle with a wide twist. If you cannot feel your lesser trochanters or you feel there is a gap between where your inner thigh meets the side of the saddle, you will need the narrower twist.
Seat Bone Measurements | Corresponding Twist Size |
<13cm | Narrow |
≥13cm | Wide |
Tree and Seat Size
This will depend largely on the combination of your seat bone width, twist and then hip mobility. Additionally it will depend on how your neutral spine places your "rails" in the saddle. Try different sizes to confirm but don't be surprised when you don't need the larger size if you get the twist and stirrup bars in the right position for you.
Also are you hypermobile (loose), neutral or stiffer in your hip joint mobility? This will be your ability to get your lesser trochanter on your saddle/horse (want to know more about the lesser trochanter, then read this post).
Additional Factors for Saddle Fit Based on Your Anatomy
Some riders need additional factors to help get the best fit.
Monoflap Saddles: Reducing Bulk
Monoflap saddles have a single layer of leather under your leg, bringing you closer to your horse and reducing bulk. This can be a game-changer for riders with wider hips, as it allows for more freedom and less “leg out” feeling. Many riders also find monoflaps help them feel more secure and connected, no matter their anatomy. This may also be a good option if you have a wider-barreled horse and struggle to "wrap" your legs around them. It would help reduce bulk under your leg for a more natural, comfortable position.
If you are worried about not being "secure" in your saddle with only the single flap. Then you may need to consider how balanced you are in your seat in general. A saddle should not "hold" you in position! If anything, reducing the bulk under your thighs and legs will enable you to be more "wrapped" on the horse and enable even better secure connection.
Here's a good distinction between the two flap types:
Knee Blocks: Friend or Foe?
Knee blocks—those padded sections at the front of the saddle flap—are marketed as aids for stability and leg position. But here’s the catch: while they can help some riders maintain a steady leg, they can actually hinder others. For riders whose thigh shape or length doesn’t match the saddle’s design, knee blocks can force the leg into an unnatural position, causing the pelvis to rotate or tip forward. This can lead to a “chair seat,” where the rider’s legs are pushed out in front, compromising balance and effectiveness.
Additionally, knee blocks can be used to mask the rider's inability to sit balanced, and in motion, on a horse. Whereby the rider is "held" in the saddle and becomes reliant on knee blocks to ride.
Riders with longer thighs or wider hips may need larger, more angled knee blocks to provide support without crowding the knee. Riders with narrower hips or shorter thighs might prefer smaller, less obtrusive blocks.
In essence, knee blocks should support your natural position, not fight against it. If you feel “locked in” or constantly battling to keep your seat, your knee blocks may be the culprit.
I actually find you develop a better seat, balance and connection with your horse if you have no knee blocks. Again, less "holding" you in position and it will not mask any dependencies on the knee block when riding. You can then truly focus on developing your independent seat and posture.
Additional Considerations for Choosing Your Perfect Saddle
Adjustable Saddles: Some modern saddles feature adjustable trees or gullets, allowing you to fine-tune the fit as your body (or horse) changes.
Padding, Tree and Seat Depth: A deeper seat can offer more security but may feel restrictive for riders with wider hips. Experiment with tree and seat depth, along with padding to find your sweet spot. Opt for wool flocking over cair.
Consult a Saddle Fitter: A qualified professional can assess your unique anatomy and riding style, helping you try different options and avoid costly mistakes.
Listen to Your Body: Discomfort, numbness, tingling, or pain are all signs that your current saddle might not be right for you. Trust your instincts and seek alternatives if something doesn’t feel right (read my post on tingling and numbness in the saddle here).
Caring and Sharing: My Anatomy and Saddle
How do I fit in this picture? Here are my stats:
Body Part | Measurement | Outcome |
Seat Bones | 12cm | Narrow |
Narrowest Rail Spacing | 8cm | Narrow Twist |
Leg Length | Long | Extended/long Stirrup Bar |
Lesser Trochanter | Felt uncomfortable in Wide Twist saddle to confirm. | Narrow Twist |
Tree and Size | Dependent on leg length, stirrup bars required and twist type | Normal and 16.5" / 42cm |
Medical History that may Impact 7-point Seat | Hypermobile & hip dysplasia as a child |
Saddle Choice
Ergo X2 Selmiak CC Single Flap Dressage Saddle in 16.5" [Australian Representative found here]
I strongly encourage you to find a saddle fitter that measures your seat bone, rails and legs and can get you testing narrow and wide twists to accommodate your build and anatomical structures. So far, the only saddle fitter in Australia I have experienced this with is Mandy from ErgoX2. It is also the first saddle I don't have to fight or hold my position in. It supports my neutral spine as soon as I get on. No fidgeting. Just the ability to focus on my ride and my horse's movements. Double thumbs up from me and my horse!
Conclusion: Empowering Horse Owners to Make Informed Choices
Finding the right saddle is a personal journey, shaped by your anatomy, riding style, and goals. By understanding how differences in male and female anatomy—especially pelvic width and hip angle—affect saddle fit, you can make more informed decisions for your comfort and your horse’s wellbeing. Take the time to measure, experiment, and consult with professionals, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a saddle that lets you ride at your best. Happy riding!
What are your measurements? Care and share and we can get the conversation started around saddle fits that would potentially work better for you!
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