Choosing a Youth Western Saddle for your Child

It is a great idea to start teaching your child to ride at a young age. Children who start riding young are likely to advance much quicker than kids who start later. Small children often can’t ride in adult-sized saddles as they are too big, but a childs western saddle can be a great option.

When choosing a youth western saddle for your child, the three most important things to consider is the size, fit, and purpose. The childs western saddle is designed to work for very young riders but it also gives them room to grow. Youth western saddles can be too big for a rider at first but they will eventually grow into them. This lengthens the amount of time your child can use their saddle. Also, make sure the youth saddle correctly fits your horse. A poor-fitting childs western saddle can be dangerous as it can cause the horse to misbehave. Another consideration is showing. If your child plans on showing in their saddle it may be smart to buy them a childs western saddle designed for the show ring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Western Saddles

What size is a youth western saddle?

Youth Western saddles are usually between 12” to 14” and are designed for larger children.

What size saddle does my child need?

The size saddle your child needs depends on your preference. If you want a saddle that your child will grow into it is best to get a size 13” or size 14”. I would recommend getting a large size, this will be a better investment as it can be used for longer. If you size your child for a saddle based on their current size it will probably only fit for a few years. Here is a western saddle fitting guide for more information on how to fit your child to a saddle.