Saddle Dilema ** picture now added **

Halfpass

Halfpass

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We have a 15 hh cob x that until recently has been retired. My 7 year old niece who is desperate to ride has convinced us that Murphy should be the one to teach her.

He is as good as gold and even though her feet don't reach past the end of the saddle my neice actually manages to walk and trot him quite well!!

So the issue is he has an adults saddle that my niece just swims in! As he isn't ridden by any adults now we have been considering selling his BBlack Country event saddle and geting my neice a saddle that will fit her better.

I have had a look on ebay but just can't decide what to go for.

Do I go down the childs felt saddle pad route like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=230357197098

or do I just gor for a proper saddle that is just smaller, if so what size should I go for?

I'm trying to download a very cute picture of them both with not much luck
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!!!
 
I'd try and get her a smaller "proper" saddle as those saddles don't sit very well on "proper" sized horses. More suited to welsh section A's and shetlands. I do have a picture of my friends 14hh highland in that exact saddle actually! put on him as a joke! Have added picture for you! Actually thinking about it my friend has about 2 nice saddles that were for her little but very wide pony! could find them for you and bring them up for you to try on if you fancy it?

DSCF1819.jpg
 
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Here they are, now please no comments on too big horse / too small rider. It actually seems to work and at least she will grow into him!!!!
 
[ QUOTE ]
I'd try and get her a smaller "proper" saddle as those saddles don't sit very well on "proper" sized horses. More suited to welsh section A's and shetlands. I do have a picture of my friends 14hh highland in that exact saddle actually! put on him as a joke! Have added picture for you! Actually thinking about it my friend has about 2 nice saddles that were for her little but very wide pony! could find them for you and bring them up for you to try on if you fancy it?


[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Jess might just take you up on that but think they may be too wide as Murphy is only a medium width!!!
 
Well some of these saddles are not that wide, as said pony has just got wider and wider
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Will ask her what width they are. Definetly seen a fair few small saddles amongst the tack room recently which arn't used!
 
How sweet, and such lovely pair.
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Ask your saddler what he recommends.
 
I neither have children nor been in your situation, but you know how fast they grow, right?!?

It looks like a nice saddle and I would be tempted to keep hold of it if it fits the horse well. If you can borrow one or get one for £22??? I think I'd do that, she'll grow out of a child's saddle quite quickly I'd have thought. I'm completely guessing but by say 9 years old won't she be a fair bit taller? Would be a shame to sell a good saddle then after a while have to look for something the same to buy. Depends if the child and horse combo is likely to be a medium/long term thing or a phase or some fun for the summer.

I'm not critising the combo, but where her legs/heels are I'm guessing the horse is listening to voice and quite general 'nudging' aids and not sure a different saddle will make much difference? I really don't know, just a suggestion to think about.

I would suggest maybe smaller stirrups and childs length stirrup leathers.
 
TBH all the kids (ages 4 to 14) at the RS I bought FB from rode in 18" saddles with the leathers wound round and round the irons, so to me they look like a perfectly normal combo! I agree with Haffy, get some kids leathers and irons, maybe a seat saver would fill up the saddle a bit too.
 
How cute they both look and what a lucky girl to have such lovely Aunt, I would have killed to have an Aunt like you at her age........well done to you X
 
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