How To Choose The Right Youth Saddle
Youth saddles give kids the support and balance they need to ride a horse, while keeping them safe and comfortable. With a range of styles and sizes available, choosing the right youth saddle is crucial for ensuring the child's safety and comfort while riding.
In this article, we'll explore the importance of youth saddle sizing, factors to consider when buying a youth saddle, how to measure for a youth saddle, and the most popular youth saddle brands on the market. Whether your child is a beginner or a more experienced rider, finding the perfect youth saddle can make all the difference in their riding experience.
What Is A Youth Saddle?
A youth saddle is a type of horse saddle designed for children and young riders who are still growing and developing their riding skills. Youth saddles are smaller in size, lighter in weight, and feature a narrower seat and shorter stirrups than traditional adult saddles.
Youth saddles are made specifically to fit the proportions of a child or teenager, ensuring that they are comfortable and safe while riding. They are available in a range of styles, including western, English, and jumping, to suit different riding preferences.
Youth Saddle Sizing
Choosing the right size youth saddle is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of young riders. Youth saddles come in a range of sizes, typically based on the length of the saddle's seat. To determine the correct size, measure the length of the child's thigh from the hip to the knee and add an inch or two to allow for growth.
It's also important to consider the child's weight, as a saddle that is too small or too large can affect their balance and potentially lead to accidents. Youth saddles typically have weight limits, which should be taken into account when selecting a saddle.
How to Buy a Youth Saddle
When buying a youth saddle, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the right saddle for your child.
Style
Determine what type of riding your child will be doing and choose a saddle that is appropriate for that style.
Size
Measure your child's thigh and weight to determine the correct saddle size.
Quality
Look for a saddle made from high-quality materials that are durable and comfortable for the rider.
Fit
Ensure that the saddle fits the horse correctly, as a poorly fitting saddle can cause discomfort and even injury to the horse.
Price
Youth saddles can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Determine your budget and look for a saddle that offers the best value for your money.
How To Measure For a Youth Saddle
Determine the seat size
The seat size of a saddle is the distance between the front of the saddle to the center of the cantle. To measure the seat size, place a measuring tape at the center of the pommel and stretch it to the back of the saddle where the cantle begins. The measurement should be taken in inches.
Check the gullet width
The gullet is the channel that runs down the center of the saddle, which should fit comfortably over the horse's spine. To check the gullet width, place the saddle on the horse's back without a saddle pad and see if there is enough clearance between the gullet and the horse's spine. There should be at least two fingers' width of space between the gullet and the horse's spine.
Measure the length of the saddle
The length of the saddle should match the length of the horse's back. To measure the length of the saddle, place a measuring tape from the center of the pommel to the back of the saddle where the cantle begins.
Assess the fit
After placing the saddle on the horse's back, assess the fit by checking if the saddle sits level on the horse's back, if there are any pressure points, and if there is enough clearance around the withers and shoulder blades.
Seek professional help
If you're unsure about measuring for a horse saddle or assessing the fit, be sure to ask a professional saddle fitter or an experienced trainer for help.
Most Popular Youth Saddles
Keep in mind that the popularity of a youth saddle depends on the personal preferences, fit, and the type of riding they do.
Wintec
Wintec is a well-known brand that offers a range of affordable synthetic youth saddles in different styles, including western and English.
Circle Y
Circle Y is a popular brand that offers high-quality western youth saddles with various features and designs to accommodate different riding styles.
Bates
Bates is a brand that offers high-end English youth saddles with adjustable gullets to fit growing horses and riders.
Collegiate
Collegiate is a brand that offers a range of English youth saddles with different features and designs to suit riders of various skill levels.
Pessoa
Pessoa is a well-known brand that offers high-quality jumping youth saddles with adjustable trees to fit growing horses and riders.
Final Thoughts
A youth saddle is an essential piece of equipment for any young rider. It's important to choose the right size and style of saddle to ensure the safety and comfort of the child while riding. By considering factors such as size, quality, fit, and price, you can find the perfect youth saddle for your child and help them enjoy their time with horses.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.