Best Pony Saddles for 2025: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
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Time to read 5 min
Navigating the vast choice of pony saddles can be overwhelming. Choosing the right pony saddle isn’t just about comfort; it’s about confidence, safety, and making sure both pony and rider can enjoy their time together. Whether you're buying your first pony saddle or upgrading for a better fit, we’ve put together this complete guide to help you find the best pony saddles for a variety of needs and budgets.
From adjustable pony saddles to lightweight options perfect for children and beginners, here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Pony Saddle?
A pony saddle is specially designed to fit the shorter, more compact conformation of ponies. While they look similar to standard horse saddles, they’re usually:
- Lighter in weight
- Shorter in length
- Sized for smaller riders (<16" seats)
- Built with pony-shaped panels for a better back fit
Many pony saddles are also designed with young riders in mind, offering extra stability and synthetic saddles use lightweight materials for easy care and maintenance.
Key Features to Look for in a Pony Saddle
When shopping for pony saddles, it’s important to consider both the rider’s needs and the pony’s build. Here are the top features to keep in mind:
Correct pony-specific fit
Saddles should be designed for ponies, not just small horses.
Adjustable gullets or panels
Ideal for growing ponies or those with fluctuating waistlines.
Lightweight design
Makes tacking up easier for children.
Easy-care materials
Synthetic pony saddles can be cleaned quickly and are great for general hacking and beach rides.
Right seat size for the rider
Make sure the child is secure without being swamped or unbalanced.
Our Top Pony Saddle Recommendations
Here are our expert picks for the best pony saddles available now, all tried, tested, and available at Saddles Direct .
Best Budget Pony Saddle
Thorowgood T4 Pony GP
A fantastic choice for riders on a budget without compromising on fit or quality. Lightweight, easy-care, and pony-specific.
Key features:
Synthetic suede seat and knee rolls for grip
Adjustable gullet system
Designed for shorter pony backs
Lightweight and low maintenance
Best All Round Pony Saddle
Wintec 500 All Purpose Pony GP
The Wintec 500 is also our best synthetic saddle. Durable, versatile, and great for everything from hacking to schooling. A practical choice for busy pony riders and families.
Key features:
Synthetic, weatherproof material
Adjustable gullet bars (M to XW). This saddle can adapt as your pony's shape changes or even be adjusted for a completely new pony, making it a great investment.
The CAIR® System replaces traditional flocking with air-filled panels to eliminate pressure points.
Best Pony Saddle for Teenagers
Kent & Masters Pony Club Long Leg
The Kent & Masters Pony Long Leg is our most popular saddle for children competing on ponies. A great option for older / taller children, this saddle only comes in a 16.5" seat and has 2" longer flaps.
Key features:
- Full leather saddle, with adjustable gullet bar and traditional wool flocking.
- Velcro knee block under the flap can be positioned to suit leg length and position.
- Five girthing options which allows saddle stability to be optimised instantly on a variety of conformations
Best Showing Saddle
GFS Monarch Trophy Show
(Available in leather or suede)
Designed with the show ring in mind, this stylish saddle offers a close contact feel while maintaining a comfortable, secure ride for young riders. The GFS Monarch Trophy show starts at 14" so is also a really popular first saddle.
Key features:
Neat, slim panel for close contact
Traditional straight-cut flap for showing
Lightweight and beautifully balanced
Adjustable Gullet Bar with Traditional Flocked Panels
Best Jump Saddle For Ponies
Arena Pony Monoflap Jump
For competitive riders and aspiring show jumpers, this close-contact monoflap jump saddle gives excellent balance and freedom for jumping. Did we mention its £999 brand new!?
Key features:
Single-flap design for closer leg contact
Lightweight build with secure seat
Adjustable gullet bar (M-XW) & Riser System (Easy-Change Fit Solution)
CAIR® air-filled panels to eliminate pressure points.
Best Dressage Saddle for Ponies
Bates Pony Dressage
A premium choice for young dressage riders or smaller riders wanting to perfect their position. This elegant saddle offers stability, balance, and adjustability in a pony-sized package.
Key features:
Deep seat for rider security and alignment
Adjustable Flexibloc system for tailored leg support
- Adjustable gullet bar (M-XW) & Riser System (Easy-Change Fit Solution)
- CAIR® air-filled panels to eliminate pressure points.
Latest Arrivals of Used & Pre Owned Pony Saddles
FAQs About Pony Saddles
What size saddle does my pony need?
It depends on both the pony’s back length and width, and the size of the rider. Pony saddles typically range from 14" to 16.5" in seat size, but width and panel shape are just as important.
Can adults ride in pony saddles?
Generally, no — pony saddles are designed for children or small teenagers. An adult may unbalance the saddle or cause pressure issues for the pony if sat too close to the cantle.
How do I know if my saddle fits my pony?
Look for even panel contact, no bridging or rocking, and enough wither and spine clearance. Signs of poor fit include resistance to being tacked up, uneven sweat patches, or back soreness.
What’s the difference between a pony saddle and a cob saddle?
A pony saddle is designed for smaller, shorter-backed animals. A cob saddle is usually wider and made for broader-backed horses but still may be too long for a true pony.
The Arena Pony Cob GP saddle is a great option for those ponies with a cob-type conformation.
Tips for Fitting Pony Saddles Correctly
Saddle fit is just as important for ponies as it is for horses — and the method of measuring is exactly the same. Getting an accurate picture of your pony’s back shape is the first step to ensuring comfort and avoiding problems down the line.
How to Measure Pony Saddles
Measuring a pony for a saddle involves assessing:
Wither profile and back shape
Width (gullet/bar) fitting
Back length to ensure the saddle doesn’t extend beyond the last rib
You can use wither templates and conformation checks just as you would with a horse. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a full step-by-step guide to help you.
Additional Fitting Tips
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Use a qualified saddle fitter to assess fit, especially if your pony is young or changing shape.
- Check clearance at the withers and spine.
- Ensure the saddle isn’t too long for the pony’s back; it should not go past the last rib.
- Look for even pressure under the panels when the girth is tightened.
Need help checking your fit at home? The Perfect Fit Kit makes it easy to monitor your saddle’s fit in between visits to ensure your pony stays comfortable and you can ride with confidence.
Whether you’re shopping for your child’s first saddle or upgrading to a better-fitting option for your beloved pony, there’s a perfect pony saddle out there. At Saddles Direct, we offer a wide range of new and used pony saddles with expert fitting advice, so you can buy with peace of mind.
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