starter saddles for tots

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maisie2011

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my grandaughter is only 8 months, but I can hardly wait to get her involved in horses. I have a lovely quiet 14hh NF who will be a great first mount for her to have a lead rein plod around the fields and lanes.

Is it possible to get a 'starter' saddle e.g a thorowgood (sp?) cub for a horse her size or are they designed for the tiny ponies? Any recommendations?

Also what size do hats start at - I'd want to be as safe as possible.

Thanks in advance for advice
 
We have a cub saddle for my grandchildren. Pony is about 13 hands but the saddles are very supple, you should just need a longer girth. I think hats start at size 00 thats the charles Owen. You will have great fun. I now prefer messing about with pony and grandaughter than riding myself.
 
Cub saddle, they have adjustable pads so with a long enough girth fit anything. Also next best thing to bareback for position as they don't slide to the back like they do in a too big saddle.00 hats didn't fit my daughter as a baby, stuck a load of foam in more to get her in the habit of no hat no ride than because she was ever in a position to fall.
 
Have always used a felt saddle with a handle. Make sure the stirrup bars are good tho for leathers to come off as some very cheap versions around with D rings.
Teaches child a great seat, I used to compete on the shetties off lead at 4/5 - and D did too, having sat on a pony from under 1 yr.

If you can jump a 12.2 in one, then you really have got a good seat/balance :D

Fine to pop onto bigger ponies too, have got one of mine with extended girth (great job by saddler) so it went on for 12.2's as well.
As soon as they can sit up & have a grip, then off you go :)
 
If I was starting out with a very young child, I think I would use a sheepskin pad, well secured of course. It will give the youngster a natural seat and be warm and comfortable.

I think some of these little saddles must be like sitting on a sheet of wood

We rode on felt saddles on our first ponies, and it certainly teaches you to stick on.
 
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