The Pony Saddle

Shopping for a pony saddle can be quite frustrating to say the least. It seems many people have this opinion that ponies are all the same, and that there need not be any extra care taken fitting their tack. Not all ponies have short, round backs with low withers, and attention to detail will save them a lot of discomfort in the long run.

While there are many inexpensive alternatives to pony tack, it is worth a bit of extra time and effort to find higher quality tack. Know the shape of your pony’s back. If he has low withers, with a roly-poly (or round) back, you might want to also add a crupper for added stability.

If your pony has higher withers and a leaner physique, you’ll need to pay close attention and make sure the saddle does not press down into his withers, creating pressure and pain upon riding. A breast collar may be an option, to help keep the saddle from sliding back on the pony’s back.

Pay attention to the saddle pad too. Fleece pads may look nice, but combine it with a saddle that does not fit very well, and you have a recipe for disaster. Fleece is slippery, and any saddle- even a well fitting one- may slide and put the saddle in a dangerous position.