Saddle recommendation for child beginner

[CobsaGooden]

My son is 6 and has finally found his riding bug! Our pony is just being backed so he’s been riding a friends cob who is as safe as they come but a barrel. The pony has a 17inch saddle and my son looks lost on it and can’t get his legs onto the pony.

Can anybody suggest a cheap saddle as a suggestion? Something treeless maybe or adjustable so it can go between both ponies, suitable for a tall 6 year old complete novice to ride in?

Thanks in advance

 

[Patterdale]

Guy Cantin.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Wintec adjustable, we had a 16” which was fab. My daughter found it comfy too. Can get them second hand on eBay and Facebook marketplace pretty easily. They also do 15” I think

 

[sbloom]

Very tricky question. I have suggested the Guy Cantin in the past but now having seen one in the flesh I'm less keen (this is the pads/treeless, would never have recommended the standard saddles as no idea about trees etc). The pad had a headplate that was, at best, a medium. On the pony concerned it tipped back and would have needed substantial padding, even if the headplate was wide enough (which it wasn't, and I can't see it fitting correctly on many healthy pony backs, sorry @Patterdale, yours may of course be the exception).

What does the rider need? What do they want to do? A standard shetland pad is okay and works well for some. There are cheaper synthetic, and leather, pony saddles but without a fitter it's impossible to know what would fit. I'm not personally a fan of many of them and would suggest finding a fitter who can advise on, or supply, a small seat (14" probably for a 6 year old but again it depends) second hand traditional pony saddle.

 

[Patterdale]

Very tricky question. I have suggested the Guy Cantin in the past but now having seen one in the flesh I'm less keen (this is the pads/treeless, would never have recommended the standard saddles as no idea about trees etc). The pad had a headplate that was, at best, a medium. On the pony concerned it tipped back and would have needed substantial padding, even if the headplate was wide enough (which it wasn't, and I can't see it fitting correctly on many healthy pony backs, sorry @Patterdale, yours may of course be the exception).

I do see what you mean! Ours was the result of (as you may remember!) a VERY long search for a treed saddle. It is not the perfect solution but it’s the best we could get.
I use mine with a VIP pad and my riders are light. The ponies are never tender for physio or show any discomfort so they must be ok, but I do see what you mean!

 

[CobsaGooden]

He’s literally just walking at the minute and gaining control. I doubt he’ll do much more than have a little trot around at this stage.

I’m waiting on delivery of a wintec for my youngster but I can’t be bothered with the faff of changing it every time he ante to ride my friends con (which is All. Of. The . Time!)

 

[Melody Grey]

We have a thorogood griffin as a cheap and cheerful option- the flaps are short so good for little legs!

 

[Melody Grey]

Shires hi-lite are a cheap synthetic adjustable and come in some fairly small sizes I think. I have a bigger one I use as a spare and it’s ok for the money.

 

[sbloom]

I'd stick with shetland pad or second hand saddle from a fitter.