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15 inch saddles for sale - where to find them.

By Jade | February 14, 2022
  1. Pony Saddles

15 inch saddles for sale - where to find them?

15 inch saddles are notoriously popular and work really well on ponies. In this article we will discuss all about 15 inch saddles and why is is important to have a saddle that fits your mini rider and their noble steed! We will look at different options if you are looking at 15 inch saddles for sale, different brands and models to consider as well as where to buy them. 

If you have a saddle for sale, we would love to help you turn your unwanted saddle into cash. Simply fill in our Sell your Saddle form and our quotes team will be in touch. 

What do we mean by 15 inch saddles?

When we speak about a 15-inch saddle, we are talking about the measurement of the seat in the saddle. These saddles fit the petite, the younger generation and pony wise they fit ponies typically above 12.2hh. These saddles are everyone’s ‘go to’ because people assume they fit such a wide range of little people and ponies too! Hence, they are in such high demand.

However, it is really important to note that often small ponies under 12.2-12.3hh are often fitted with saddles which are too long for them. Its really common for our saddle fitters to get called out to a client who has a small pony and is using a 15 or 15.5 inch saddle on them. This could be because its what another fitter has sold them, or because its what came with the pony when they bought it. Either way, its highly likely that the saddle will be too long.

Often ponies under 12.2hh cannot take a seat size larger than 14 or 14.5 inch. Putting a saddle that is larger than this on the pony will cause lumbar and back pain and may cause the pony to misbehave by bucking, rearing and running away with the child on board. All of these are signs that your pony is in pain. 

How do I know if a 15 inch saddle will fit me or my rider?

Children usually can fit into a 15 inch saddle. With a young rider you need to ensure they are not lost within the saddle as it won't support their riding position. Its worth spending the money to get the correct size for your child and pony, even though they will grow, as this will allow your young rider to develop a correct riding position and advance in their learning faster. 

The best way to measure your seat size is to take the measurement of your thigh from your knee to your buttocks. Firstly, sit in a chair and allow your knees to be at a 45-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor and your buttocks touching the back of the chair. Secondly, grab a measuring tape along your thigh and measure from the back of your knee to your buttocks. If your leg or seat measurement comes to 16.5 inches or less, congratulations! You can join the 15 inch saddle crew. However, that is just the rider consideration. If you are a petite adult riding a pony or sharing a pony with your child, it is vital that you understand how a saddle too long for the pony can impede the pony's performance and cause pain. Learn more about saddle fit issues in our online course. 

Why do people focus on saddle seat sizes so much?

A correctly fitting saddle, which fits you and your horse is so important. Saddles give you as a rider support, balance and comfort. With dressage riders, it is so important to be able to sit upright and straight, and to specifically distribute your weight for each movement before coming back into balance for the next. For the jumpers, a saddle will aid your recovery and balance mid-air. Jump off turns are high-speed and technical.

Therefore, a saddle where you can jump, land, recover your position and turn is so important. For the horse, a saddle should allow freedom to move and the opportunity to develop the correct muscles. After all, a horse performs its best when the rider and the horse was working in harmony.

With children's saddles people often overlook this. Our fitters are often asked by parent's the following;

'Can we have a slightly bigger seat size so she/he can grow into it?'

No... your pony cannot take a larger seat size. It will cause the pony pain, the pony will then respond by misbehaving and this could knock your childs confidence or cause you to have to sell the pony as a result of your child not wanting to ride it for fear of it misbehaving. 

'What happens when she/he outgrows the 14 inch saddle?'

 If your child outgrows the saddle they have outgrown the pony. It will be time for a bigger pony. 

'I need to ride the pony too, so I will need a bigger seat as I won't fit in a 14 inch'

Can you find an alternative way to excerise the pony? Either with a smaller competent jockey or by lunging/long reining?

What size pony does a 15 inch saddle fit?

15 inch saddles typically fit 12.2 - 13.2hh ponies depending on their back length and their jockey's size!

The 15-inch are a specifically designed seat for small riders for small horses! The great thing about these types of saddles now a days is that some of them also are adjustable. This means the width can easily be altered should the pony change shape throughout the year. Some also have velcro blocks which means the knee blocks can be repositioned to suit your rider as their legs grow. 

There are a variety for sale in the 15-inch category. If you are wanting a cheaper saddle for the moment, then you can go for a synthetic type of saddle. Wintec's and Thorowgoods are a great choice. Less maintenance and less money. Perfect. If you are the professional, there also is a wide range of stock for you, in every discipline. From show saddles, to working hunter, to Grand Prix level, here at The Saddle Bank we have something for everyone.

Not sure which saddle will work best for your pony? Our experts and saddle fitters are on hand to help you narrow down your search. Simply send your details through here for Saddle Recommendations. 

If you are wanting to sell a pony saddle you can get a quote quickly here. Get a Quote. 

Banner to learn more about recognising saddle fit issues

Thank you!

Thank you for reading this article! We hope you found it useful!

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The Saddle Bank Team x

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