Saddles for lead-rein

[MagicMelon]

Think my son needs a proper saddle now as his Cub saddle has done its job really. Planning on getting one of those nice suede type showing saddles, but not too show cut as it needs to be GP enough for him to jump in it (he'll be on the lead-rein for some time so we're talking tiny x-poles). Must be suede as I think it'd be more grippy than plain leather. What makes/types can people recommend please? And what size would a Dartmoor take? I've tried a 16" on her but its unsurprisingly too long so thinking 15" or even smaller? Hoping some of these saddles also come with an interchangeable gullet as pony is a 5yo and will likely still change shape. I know nothing at all about saddles this ickle!

 

[elsielouise]

I bought a Thorn saddle pad for my son. I know a few people who use them and being a pad they fit anything.Ours has thigh rolls and is suede. My son uses it for PC and jumps in it fine. I'm very happy with it.

 

[minesadouble]

Fylde all the way. We use Haydens on our LR/FRs but maybe an Emma if jumping is involved. I would give them a call and see what they reccomend.

 

[MagicMelon]

Thanks, will go and have a look at those

 

[Fiona]

I've a lovely barnsby 15" show saddle. Its not suede but the leather is v grippy especially after an application of oz's fab saddle soap.

My friend has suede show saddles and refuses to get them wet, so something to bear in mind in Scotland

Fiona

 

[Nappy Croc]

Flyde or ideal We have a spare actually but I think it's 13 inches- a true lead rein saddle not just a pony saddle

 

[ozpoz]

Flylde, (until Solution makes teeny ones!) definitely for small ponies. I wouldn't buy a suede one unless I was going to keep it specifically for showing because I'd want the child to feel free to have fun on the pony and suede would make me a bit precious about the saddle becoming marked.

14" and under, depending on your pony.