Saddle for a young horse?

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KimberleyH

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Hello!

Just wondering what people's experiences have been with getting a saddle for a youngster. My youngster is 3, he'll turn 4 this summer. He's part TB, part Selle Francais. I'm not quite sure how much growing he has left to do, he's still a few inches off his expected height, but he was his dam's first foal and I know the first foal can sometimes be a smaller horse? I'm wondering what to do about a saddle for him, to bring him on? I was thinking of getting a saddler to come and look at him, and get a saddle from them, or at least some advice about what sort of saddle...?

Thank you!
 
And also - any advice about a bridle and bit for a youngster? I was going to go with a happy mouth, or a copper bit? Which have people used?
 
Saddles - don't spend a fortune, but equally it's a false economy to get it wrong, last thing you need is a baby with a sore back.

I'd either suggest going for branded secondhand and then buying and selling if/when shape changes or consider one of the reputable synthetic/semi synthetic with some adjustability. If you aren't confident in your saddle fitting ability then yes consult a saddler. I generally prefer to fit a fraction wide and then balance it with padding/shims. I have a thorowgood T8 jump that it my go to saddle for the babies / temporaries. Fits most, is lightweight and comfortable enough.

Bitting is personal and horse preference. The bit I use by far the most is a full cheek ergonomic French link. I start with that then change if horse is feeling unsuited.
 
ihatework said:
Saddles - don't spend a fortune, but equally it's a false economy to get it wrong, last thing you need is a baby with a sore back.

I'd either suggest going for branded secondhand and then buying and selling if/when shape changes or consider one of the reputable synthetic/semi synthetic with some adjustability. If you aren't confident in your saddle fitting ability then yes consult a saddler. I generally prefer to fit a fraction wide and then balance it with padding/shims. I have a thorowgood T8 jump that it my go to saddle for the babies / temporaries. Fits most, is lightweight and comfortable enough.

Bitting is personal and horse preference. The bit I use by far the most is a full cheek ergonomic French link. I start with that then change if horse is feeling unsuited.
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Same here, we use Throwgood T4 and a T4 cob for youngsters to get them started, got quite a few gullets and adjust a bit wide and shim to fit. Make sure the girth is tight tho :)
 
In a similar position I bought a new Albion for mine. They are adjustable, as are Kieffers, so if you don't like synthetic there are other options. He has grown about 3" upwards and a rug size since I bought it but with regular checks and adjustments still fits him.
 
thorowgoods are handy because they are light, the gullet can change, and the high wither version seems to suit everything!
 
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