Chamber width

Clearly visible chamber when viewing the saddle from the front

The chamber width of a saddle tree is measured between the front ends of the saddle tree. To determine the chamber width of a saddle, it must be opened. For horses with a high or narrow withers , a smaller chamber width must be used than for horses with a pronounced withers. With good saddles, the chamber width should be adjustable, so that physical changes in the horse's saddle position can be addressed. However, these saddles are subject to greater wear and tear. The fit of a saddle on the horse is largely determined by the height and width of the chamber, the angulation as well as the longitudinal curvature and twist of the bars over the longitudinal axis of the saddle tree. A really good saddle has to fit his horse like a glove, otherwise painful saddle pressure can easily occur.