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  Discussion on Saddle size for 3yo child
Author Message
Member:
stek

Posted on Friday, Jul 20, 2012 - 2:38 pm:

Hi guys,

My daughter is just getting interested in riding. We have a sweet older arab mare at the barn who would be a good fit for lead-line lessons for her. I'm looking for a saddle that would fit both of them (3 yo girl and wide barreled, narrow shouldered medium withered arab mare).

All the 'little kids' (10-11") saddles I see for sale list a pony tree but I have no idea what that means. Any tips?


Member:
natalya

Posted on Monday, Jul 23, 2012 - 11:54 am:

My daughter is very petit, she rode kids size pony tree saddle till she is 11 year old, we use the same saddle for a big Qhorse and her arab, the saddle is so small and kids are usually light on weight, didn't look that the saddle is bothering any of our horses. Besides it’s not enough of a saddle to do any damage IMO, it’s just something for child to stay on a horse, but people may disagree.
Member:
stek

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 24, 2012 - 2:49 pm:

Thanks Natalya, I have been hearing the same thing from a lot of people. In the meantime I am using a regular adult sized english saddle with a grab strap and stirrups removed while we decide if she should stick with this sweet old mare or try a pony...

Also just for the record, the photo above was a 2 second photo opp with a person just off camera spotting. We always ride with a side walker and helmet on!
Member:
natalya

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 24, 2012 - 3:29 pm:

They both look so quit, like a little princess on a magic horse Helmet is always good, some people find it embarrassing (my daughter get teased a lot she is 13). If it would be me I would stick with an old mare, younger the child older the horse should be, to build a confidence and etc. You probably can try bare back saddle they have a handle up front to hold on to and you can get buddy stirrups. It’s good to start riding bare back to build a sit. We used to give lessons to a 3.5 year old girl, her favorite part was bareback riding, and she really loved it. Good luck. The baby is adorable.
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