A good first 'proper' saddle

[racingdemon]

my son has almost outgrown his cub saddle (handle at the front style) and will soon need a proper saddle, so, can anyone suggest a good first saddle (reasonably priced) that will encourage him to sit well as he continues to grow, he's only going to be doing Pony Club for now, so a GP saddle will be fine, but not sure where to start!

Pony is an 'irish sports pony' (heinz 57! ) average width, so no major contraints on size there.

Any thoughts/suggestions/saddles to perhaps avoid, it needs to last as i've another son following on behind who may inherit the above pony, but i don't mind the decent sythetic ones as long as they are good position wise

thanks!

 

[charlimouse]

Over the summer a rode a pony in a Throwgood Pony Club saddle. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, it was comfortable, secure and I felt allowed a decent position! I teach a few kids in these saddles and all them have good positions.

 

[Flowers187]

Heard and seen that the wintec ones are really good, with the changable widths, so as pony goes wider in sumemr you can widen it, they also come with knee blocks and you can buy the ones specifically for children, easy to clean, cheap and very comfy too

 

[sbloom]

One that fits the pony really well . Seriously, best thing you can do is work with a good fitter. I'd recommend the TG over the Wintec anyday, but personally when I'm out fitting I often see these types of saddles perching and not really being stable. Ponies are not as easy to fit as horses even when they look like a normal shape. You may need something flatter than those options.

 

[missyme10]

Thorowgood pony club saddle if it fits. They are great, not to expensive and easy for the kids to look after

 

[racingdemon]

thank you everyone..... will look for a fitter that stocks these saddles & see whether they suit the pony (she's quite horse shaped for a 12.3.... non of the usual flat back no wither problems)