Saddle size

My daughter is taking English riding lessons and has the fever for her own horse. We'll probably begin looking next year, but for now were considering getting her a saddle for Christmas. I've been looking on Ebay and have no idea what size saddle I should be looking for.

My daughter just turned 7 but is the tallest in her class. She can wear size 8 clothes easily and is pretty thin. I've seen 13", 14", 15", etc. What's the rule of thumb for choosing the right size.

 

You might find the following link helpful:

http://www.cha-ahse.org/railarticles/childsaddle.htm

 

And her riding instructor may be able to give you some guidance, too.

 

I don't understand why your daughter needs a saddle when she doesn't have a horse yet. It's not only the top of the saddle fitting the rider, but it's also the bottom of the saddle fitting the horse. Both these are important. I wouldn't get the saddle until you get the horse. I am 5'5", 130 lbs. and I ride in a 15" saddle, that's English or Western. I ride in a 17" Australian. I imagine that your daughter would ride in a smaller size saddle, like a 14" or so.(remember, she's growing) When sitting in the saddle, her knees should be on the knee pads and the back of the saddle should curve up around her back end without a lot of space between her and the saddle. Going to the tack shop and sitting in a couple will help with the problem, plus, they'll be able to help you there. I would consider this endeavour again, though. She doesn't need a saddle if she doesn't have a horse. The fitting of the underside to the horse is also crucial. Plus, if she is just starting and hasn't chosen interest in the exact discipline that she wants to follow, ( jumping, flatwork, dressage) I wouldn't jump the gun on the saddle. The peer pressure can be steep at riding stables and you could be feeling the pinch of your daughter trying to keep up with riders that are more established at the barn than she. Also, if I was taking a kid to riding lessons and paying for them, I'd expect the stable to provide the saddle. I would suggest waiting for the horse before the saddle, being able to fit the saddle to the horse and figuring out just what discipline she wants to ride in first. As a horse owner, I am fully aware of the money drain attached to such a sport and advise that you hold onto your wallet until the time comes. Good luck!

 

I agree with missyclare. The saddle not only has to fit your child but also has to fit the horse or pony. I just had to get rid of my brand new saddle and purchase another one because it was making my horse miserable. He went from a calm ,quite fellow to a bucking maniac when we would jump fences. I had him tested for everything and in the end it all came down to saddle fit. I also have to say like cars saddles depriciate in value! You never get what you pay for them. Just something to think about.