Saddle Fit
Horse Tack Size Guide: Bridles, Halters, Girths and Stirrup Leathers
Pony, cob, horse or oversize? How to measure your horse for a bridle, halter and girth, and pick the right stirrup leather length.
By the Indus Saddlery team · · 6 min read
Tack that fits is comfortable, effective and safe. Most bridles and halters are sold in four standard sizes, and girths and stirrup leathers in inch lengths. Here is how to choose each one.
Bridle and halter sizes
| Size | Typically fits |
|---|---|
| Pony | Ponies and small horses, often under about 14 hands |
| Cob | Small horses, Arabians and horses with fine heads; about 14 – 15.2 hands |
| Horse (Full) | Average riding horses, e.g. most Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds |
| Oversize (Warmblood) | Large-headed horses, warmbloods and draft crosses |
Height is only a guide; head size is what matters. A 16-hand horse with a fine head may wear a cob bridle, and a stocky 15-hand horse may need a full.
How to measure for a bridle
- Crown to cheek: measure from the corner of the mouth, up over the poll behind the ears, and down to the other corner of the mouth.
- Browband: measure across the forehead from behind one ear to behind the other, allowing room so it does not pull the crownpiece into the ears.
- Noseband: measure around the nose about two fingers below the cheekbone.
Checking bridle fit
- The bit should create one or two small wrinkles at the corners of the mouth.
- You should fit a fist between the throatlatch and the jaw.
- A cavesson noseband should sit about two fingers below the cheekbone with two fingers of room underneath.
- Buckles should fasten in the middle holes, leaving room to adjust.
How to measure girth size
For an English girth, put your saddle and pad on the horse. Starting at the middle hole of the billets on one side, run a soft tape under the belly, just behind the elbows, to the middle hole of the billets on the other side. That measurement, rounded to the nearest 2 inches, is your girth size. Most horses take a 44" to 52" girth.
| Horse type | Typical girth |
|---|---|
| Pony | 36" – 44" |
| Cob / small horse | 44" – 48" |
| Average horse | 48" – 50" |
| Large horse / warmblood | 50" – 54" |
Stirrup leather length
Stirrup leathers come in lengths such as 54" and 60". Most adult riders use 54"; taller riders, riders with long legs and dressage riders often prefer 60" so they can drop the stirrup without running out of holes. Our Calfskin-Lined Stirrup Leathers come in both lengths.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cob and a horse size bridle?
A cob bridle is smaller, suiting small horses, Arabians and horses with fine heads. A horse (full) size bridle suits most average riding horses. Measure the head rather than relying on height.
How do I measure my horse for a girth?
With the saddle on, measure from the middle billet hole on one side, under the belly just behind the elbows, to the middle billet hole on the other side. Round to the nearest 2 inches.
Should I get 54 or 60 inch stirrup leathers?
Most adults use 54" leathers. Choose 60" if you are tall, have long legs or ride dressage with a long stirrup.
Keep reading
Saddle Fit · 7 min read
How to Measure Saddle Seat Size (Western & English Size Chart)
A seat that is too small pushes you against the cantle; too big and you slide around. Here is how to measure a saddle seat correctly and pick your size.
Saddle Fit · 8 min read
Saddle Fit Guide: Tree Width, Gullet and Bars Explained
A saddle that fits the rider but not the horse causes soreness and behaviour problems. Here is how to check tree width, gullet clearance and bar fit.
Leather Care · 6 min read
How to Clean and Condition a Leather Saddle (Step by Step)
Clean leather lasts decades. Follow this routine to clean, condition and store your saddle and bridle so the leather stays supple and strong.