Buying a youth saddle is different from buying an adult saddle in one critical way: children grow. The saddle that fits perfectly at age eight may not be right at age eleven. The used market for youth saddles is exceptionally deep for exactly this reason — parents are constantly cycling through sizes.
Youth Saddle Sizing
Youth saddles are generally categorized by seat size:
- Pony saddles (10"–12"): For very young children, typically ages 4–7, on ponies or small horses.
- Small youth (12"–13"): For children approximately 6–10 years old on small to medium horses.
- Youth / junior (13"–14"): For older children and teenagers. Many 14" saddles bridge the gap between youth and small adult.
As with adult saddles, use the knee-to-hip measurement method and add approximately 2 inches to estimate seat size. For younger children especially, err on the slighly larger side rather than smaller — a child can grow into a slightly large seat, but a too-small seat is immediately uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.
Safety Considerations
Safety is the top priority when buying any saddle for a child. Inspect youth saddles with extra thoroughness:
- The tree test is non-negotiable. A child on a spooked horse depends on a sound saddle.
- Check all billet straps carefuly — don't accept any cracking or thinning in straps that a child's safety depends on.
- Inspect stirrup leathers and any tapaderos (covers) for wear or cracking.
- Ensure the cinch included (if any) is in safe condition and appropriate for the child's horse.
Top Brands for Youth Saddles
Circle Y
Circle Y produces well-made youth saddles in a range of styles. Their quality control is consistent, making them a reliable used buy.
Crates / Colorado Saddlery
Good quality youth saddles at a slightly lower price point than Circle Y. Widely available on the used market.
Big Horn
Big Horn youth saddles are widely available and represent reasonable value for beginner riders. Quality is not in the same league as Circle Y or Crates, but for a child just getting started, they're a practical choice.
Tex Tan
Tex Tan produces solid entry-to-mid range youth saddles. Good construction, reasonable pricing on the used market, and widely availble.
The Used Market Advantage
Because children outgrow saddles, the used youth saddle market is unusually liquid. You can often find excellent condition saddles that have been outgrown rather than worn out — a child who rode for a year or two before growing into a larger size may have barely used a saddle that looks almost new. This is the ideal scenario for buying used.
Price Ranges
- Budget / import: $80 – $200
- Mid-range (Big Horn, Tex Tan): $150 – $400
- Quality (Circle Y, Crates): $300 – $700