Tutorial: How to Order a Saddle at Bad Dog Ranch Saddles

Ordering an Australian saddle, following these steps, ensures the perfect fit for both you and your horse. Follow these steps to gather the necessary information and place your order with Bad Dog Ranch Saddles.

Step 1: Gather Rider Measurements

Accurate body measurements are essential for a comfortable seat. Please prepare the following data:

  • Inseam: Measure from your crotch to the floor.
  • Full Height: Your total standing height.
  • Pant Size: Your usual waist/inseam clothing size.
  • Weight: Your current body weight.

Step 2: Gather Horse Measurements & Photos

Proper horse fit requires specific tracings and photos.

  • Wither and Back Tracing:
    • Watch the Bad Dog Ranch Saddles YouTube tutorial to learn the correct method for creating a wither and back tracing.
    • Draw this tracing onto paper.
    • Submit: Send the tracing to the Bad Dog Ranch via email or text.
  • Girth Size:
    • We need the approximate weight of your horse OR a precise measurement of the heart girth.
    • How to measure: Wrap a string or horse measuring tape completely around the horse’s heart girth. Start by wrapping it over the top of the withers, then behind both elbows until the string meets.
    • Measure the length of the string in inches and record this number.
  • Required Photos:
    • Side View: Take a full-body photo of your horse standing on fairly level ground. Ensure the horse’s head is straight forward and legs are positioned evenly.
    • Top-Down View: Stand at your horse’s hips and take a photo looking directly down on the spine.
    • Wither View: You can take a closer photo of the wither specifically.
  • Health & Condition:
    • Provide your horse’s age and current condition (e.g., weight gain/loss, muscle tone).
Side view of a horse for conformation
spinal view of a horse for saddle fitting
the wither of a horse for saddle fitting

Step 3: Consultation & Needs Assessment

Before finalizing the details, discuss your specific situation with the us:

  • Style of Riding: Let us know your primary discipline. Even if you have a specific saddle model in mind, we may recommend a better option based on your riding style.
  • Specific Preferences: If you have a particular saddle model you love, tell us.
  • Rider Limitations: Disclose any injuries, physical limitations, or saddle-fitting concerns you have. This is critical for suggesting a saddle that accommodates your body safely.
  • Horse Concerns: Mention any known saddle fitting issues your horse has had in the past.

Step 4: Customize Your Build

Select the specific features for your new saddle:

  • Horn Preference: Clearly state whether you want a horn or a no-horn saddle.
  • Leather & Color: Choose your preferred leather type and colour.
  • Tack: Choose from saddle pads to breastplates & tack that will work with your saddle.
  • Seat Size: Based on your rider measurements from Step 1.

Step 5: Place Your Order

Once all measurements, photos, and preferences are taken:

  1. Submit all of the above information in an email or text with your name.
  2. Once it is clear on the best saddle, you can order the saddle online, or we can send you an invoice
  3. You’ll then receive a confirmation via email. As well, we will let you know how long it will take to get your order ready.

Step 6: Production & Delivery

  • Saddles are inspected, adjusted, etc in order of saddles on our purchase list.
  • Upon completion, we will send you a tracking number once it is ready to be shipped.
  • We usually ship via courier: UPS or Fed Ex. Occasionally for rural locations, we will ship USPS or Canada Post.
  • Final Check: Inspect the saddle immediately upon receipt to ensure it matches your specifications.

Step 7: Confirming Saddle Fit

  • If you’d like us to check the saddle fit once you have received the saddle, you can do this by sending us photos of the saddle on your horse.
  • Girth the saddle up on your horse. Have your horse stand on level ground, with legs fairly even and head straight forward.
  • Take a photo of your entire horse. As well, you can take a photo standing at your horse’s head and aimed at the shoulder and saddle panel angle.
  • Make sure we can see the clearance of the gullet over the wither.
Side view of a horse with a saddle for saddle fitting when buying a saddle

Tip: Double-check that your tracings are taken after following the Youtube video, and your photos are clear and taken on level ground. These are the most critical factors for a successful custom fit!

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