Taking measurements – Passier saddles
Passier makes each saddle to measure: the tree and panels are fitted to your horse’s back. To do this, the saddlery needs two things: the back shape tracing and three photos. Here is how to make them, either on your own or with our help.
The principle in one diagram
Passier diagram. Crosswise Measurement = the three crosswise measurements ① ② ③, spaced 15 cm apart, with the first taken just behind the scapula (shoulder blade). Lengthwise Measurement = the lengthwise measurement ④, taken along the spine.
What you need
- A flexible wire approximately 2 mm in diameter and 50 cm long (baling wire works very well);
- A large sheet of white paper for transferring the tracings: the back curves are much larger than A4, so use a sheet of poster paper or two A4 sheets taped together lengthwise;
- A fine-tip marker;
- The printed Passier form (download link at the bottom of the page);
- A camera or phone.
1. The three crosswise measurements
Place the wire across the spine, lying flat against the back: there must be no gap between the wire and the horse. Take three measurements, spaced 15 cm apart:
- the first two or three finger-widths behind the shoulder blade (the scapula);
- the second 15 cm farther back;
- the third another 15 cm farther back.
After each measurement, place the wire flat on your large sheet, without deforming it, and trace its outline with the fine-tip marker. Number the three tracings 1, 2 and 3.
2. The lengthwise measurement
Then place the wire along the spine, so that it extends beyond the three previous points on each side. Transfer its shape to the same sheet, then mark the points where the lengthwise measurement crosses the three crosswise measurements. These intersections enable Passier to reconstruct the back in three dimensions.
Write your horse’s name and the date on the sheet: it will travel with the form.
3. The three photos
Saddle the horse with its saddle pad and work it for about ten minutes before taking the photos. Then place it on a flat surface, standing squarely on all four legs, with its head held high. Take:
- a photo of the horse saddled, from the left side;
- a photo from the front, aligned with the saddle’s channel, showing the space between the withers and the channel;
- a photo of the horse from the left side, with the saddle removed.
4. The form
Complete the information form: saddle model, saddle number (engraved beneath the flap, for a saddle you already own), the horse’s name, breed and age, as well as your contact details. Age matters: it helps anticipate changes in the horse’s conformation, which can be significant in a young horse that is still growing or building muscle. If the form does not include a field for age, write it next to the name. The form is in English: call us if you get stuck on a field; we will fill it out with you.
5. Sending everything to us
Drop off at the saddlery, or mail, the tracing sheet, completed form and three photos. We will take care of sending them to Passier and tracking the process.
Sellerie Bucéphale
Quartier Bonne Barbe
CS 18005
84105 ORANGE CEDEX
- New saddle made to order: allow approximately two months for production.
- Readjustment of a Passier saddle you already own: the saddle is sent with the documentation; Passier advises allowing around ten working days in the workshop, plus shipping time.
Good to know: on models with a PS tree, the tree width remains adjustable later, allowing you to keep up with your horse’s muscular development.
Download the form
Passier measurement form – print and complete (PDF, 1 page, in English)
