How to Fit a Pony Saddle

A Shetland pony and rider

The fit of the saddle is an important aspect of equipping your pony properly. Because they often have low withers and wide backs, ponies are sometimes harder to fit for saddles than horses. While you need to take into account your own needs when buying a saddle, you also have to find a good fit for your mount. In this article, you'll learn how to fit a saddle for a pony.

Things You'll Need

• Pony
• Saddle(s)

Instructions

1. Stand your pony on a flat surface and tie it up. Without using a saddle pad or any other kind of pad, put the saddle on. Place it over the pony's withers and slide it down until it is in the correct position, with the saddle flaps just behind its shoulders.

2. 

   Look down the saddle underneath the pommel from in front of and behind the pony. You should be able to see light all the way through and should be able to fit 3-4 fingers between the pony's withers and the pommel.

3. 

   Run your hands underneath the saddle to make sure the pressure is even where the pads of the saddle rest on the pony's body. The saddle should not go farther than the pony's last rib. If it is longer, it could be resting on the pony's kidneys.

4. Put the saddle on the pony using a thin white cloth or towel instead of a thick saddle pad. Ride until the pony is sweaty. Take off the saddle and cloth. Examine the cloth: it should show the sweat evenly in the outline of the saddle. If there are places where there is no sweat or more sweat than other areas, then the saddle is putting uneven pressure on those areas and you will need to try another saddle.

Resources

• Advanced Saddle Fit
• Tack and Equipment Just for Ponies
• Tack and Equipment