Tree measurement to finished Saddle

[rookie]

I was wondering what the overall finished measurements of a saddle are to what the tree measures? IE. If you have a 10" swell and a 15" seat what will the finished measurement be. I am interesed in making a sadlle and I am looking at the different trees and measurements, I want to make sure I get the right dimensions before I start.

-Rookie

[jwwright]

Rookie........everyone does things as they find works for them, but I usually start out with a tree 1/2" longer seat length than what the finished seat is to be. Example: 16" finished seat, 16 1/2" tree. JW

[Tosch]

Where do you commonly measure seat lenght?

From the inner top edge of the cantle to

- the top of the handhole? (compare Nikkel's and Bowden's websites) or to

- the back/base of the horn? (Verlane's booklet on Western Saddles)

both in the wood not wood plus rawhide

Has there been a shift from one point of measurement to the other over time - or is one measurement more commonly used by tree and saddle makers and the other more by riders?

Or - no industry "standard", so you best state which measurements you are talking about?

(I am aware of thigh length and pitch of fork and cantle, and influence of cantle height ...)

Thanks.

Tosch