Finding the right jumping saddle for your growing kid can feel like a neverending hunt. Kids change shape fast, and their riding skills grow just as quickly. Adjustable English jumping saddles bring a ton of flexibility to this adventure.
They’re built to adapt as your child grows and their needs mix it up with every season, making them a pretty smart buy if your family spends lots of time at the barn.
Why Adjustable English Jumping Saddles Make Sense for Kids
English saddles come in a huge range of sizes and shapes. A regular saddle fits great when it’s new, but once your child shoots up a few inches or takes on new jumping challenges, that perfect fit disappears.
Adjustable jumping saddles give you some room to work with. Many models let you tweak the tree width, swap out gullets, or change the panel flocking. This means one saddle can keep up with a kid who’s outgrown their breeches twice this year.
On top of all that, riding in a well-fitted saddle isn’t just comfy, it’s super important for building solid riding skills and keeping horses happy. Poor fit can make learning harder and even affect your horse’s movement.
Getting an adjustable saddle early opens doors for both progress and savings. Also, as your child takes on more advanced riding, the ability to modify the saddle proves even more valuable. Comfortable kids and horses make for more productive lessons and happier rides for everyone.
Popular Brands That Carry Adjustable English Saddles
Several brands have jumped into the adjustable saddle game, and you’ll find lots of different features between them. Here are some brands I recommend you check out if you’re on the hunt:
- Bates Saddles: Known for their Easy-Change Fit Solution and CAIR Cushion System. They’re top picks for English disciplines and widely used in both showjumping and dressage.
- Wintec Saddles: Affordable and hard wearing, these synthetic models are a staple for young riders. Their “Easy-Change Gullet System” is really popular for kids who need an upgrade every year.
- Crosby Prix De Nation: Handcrafted from the finest quality, soft & supple luxurious European double leather which provides superb grip, comfort and rider support.
- Thorowgood: These British made saddles have a changeable gullet bar, making them handy for kids who ride different horses at the lesson barn.
- Collegiate: Traditional style meets modern adjustability. Their “Easy-Change Gullet System” works well for families who want a classic look.
- Kent & Masters: Adjustable gullet bars plus high end leather build, they’re a bit pricier but get great reviews for young competitors.
If you’re looking for something a bit special, brands like Fairfax and Arena Saddles (from the makers of Bates) also offer adjustable models, though they’re often on the higher end of the budget scale.
Most tack shops carry at least some adjustable options, and your local saddler can offer really good advice. Some saddlers even let you test ride before you buy, which is especially useful when shopping for growing kids.
Beyond these brands, it’s worth asking your riding instructors and other parents at the barn for suggestions based on real experience.
Choosing Between Regular and Adjustable Saddles for Kids
I’ve met plenty of parents debating whether to go with a standard saddle or an adjustable one. The answer depends on your budget, how fast your child is growing, and how many horses they ride.
Kids who compete, attend riding camps, or switch between lesson horses will benefit most from a saddle that adapts with them.
- Adjustable Saddles can change tree width and other features to fit both pony and horse as your kid moves up. They save you cash and hassle in the long run since you won’t have to swap saddles every time your child gets taller or stronger.
- Regular (fixed tree) Saddles are made for a set size and shape. You might get a super precise fit, but outgrowing it means shopping all over again. For kids who plateau in size or only ride one horse, these can work fine, especially if you find a great secondhand deal.
For most families with growing kids or riders who lease or switch horses often, an adjustable jumping saddle just makes life easier. You won’t keep shelling out for new saddles every year, and your kid gets to develop skills in a saddle that fits right.
Plus, used adjustable saddles keep good resale value since the next owner might have the same needs. Long term, families save both money and time, which means more fun at the barn.
How Adjustable Saddles Work: Key Features and Parts
Modern adjustable jumping saddles look a lot like their traditional cousins. What’s different is the tech hidden inside. Here are some cool features worth mentioning:
- Interchangeable gullets: The “gullet” is the channel that sits over your horse’s spine. Changing it means you can adjust the saddle’s narrowness or wideness for different ponies and horses.
- Shimming and panel options: Some saddles let you add or remove small “shims” to control how it sits on the horse. Others have adjustable or reflockable panels, which help balance the saddle as your child grows taller or develops a deeper seat.
- Seat size options: While seat size itself isn’t usually adjustable, brands often make the same model in a big range of seat sizes, and the adjustability is all about the width and sometimes minor panel tweaking. This makes it easier to size up the seat while keeping adjustability in play.
Some systems use screws or a simple lever, while others need a saddler to swap things out. Most changes take under an hour with a little practice, no fancy skills required. Parents can learn basic adjustments, saving a trip to the saddler for small tweaks.
Tips for Fitting and Adjusting Your Child’s Saddle
Getting the fit right from day one matters a lot. Here are a few things I always recommend:
- Check Your Child’s Position: Make sure their knee hits the saddle’s knee roll in the right place and their seat bones are well balanced. They shouldn’t be tipping forward or bracing against the stirrups. Encourage your child to sit quietly while you check their form at the halt and walk.
- Assess Horse Comfort: After riding, check for dry spots or ruffled hair where the saddle sat. Any rubbing means the fit needs adjustment. Watch how your horse moves after tacking up; if they’re fussy or hollowing their back, adjustments are probably in order.
- Book Re-checks: As your child grows (or moves up a horse size), have a qualified saddler check the fit. Sometimes even a small growth spurt can throw things out of whack. Annual checks are a solid minimum, but whenever your child feels uncomfortable or your horse starts acting differently under saddle, it’s time for a fit review.
Most kids and ponies are happiest when both rider and horse have plenty of room to move yet feel secure. Adjustable saddles make small tweaks so both sides of the team can stay comfy and safe. A good fit helps prevent sore backs and encourages steady improvement for young riders.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with all the adjustability in the world, some hiccups can pop up. Here’s what I see most often:
- Saddle pinching the pony: Usually solved by widening the gullet or adding flocking to the panels. Check before every ride if your horse is sensitive or you’ve recently switched horses.
- Rider slipping back or forward: This often means the seat is too big or too small, or you need to adjust the panels for better balance. A saddle that fits your child today might not fit perfectly in a few months, so don’t be afraid to tweak often.
- Pony acting grumpy during tacking up: Double check fit, especially right behind the shoulders. Quick switches with the adjustable gullet tool can make a world of difference.
Maintenance is easy. Just keep the saddle clean, check bolts and screws, and bring in a professional if you aren’t confident making changes yourself. Brands like Bates and Wintec even have quick video guides online to help first timers.
Keeping the panels and flocking in good condition also extends saddle life. Regular cleaning with appropriate products ensures your investment looks and feels like new for longer.
Practical Benefits for Kids and Their Families
It’s not all about saving money, though that part’s pretty great. Here are a few extra wins I’ve noticed over the years:
- Confidence boost for kids: Kids ride better when they feel secure, and a well fitted saddle helps them stick those jumps and try new skills. Proper fit also encourages young riders to stay positive, since comfort on the horse lets them focus on learning rather than fidgeting.
- Quick fixes for horse changes: If your child needs to switch from pony to horse at shows or lessons, a saddle with easy adjustability is a lifesaver. This keeps show days and lesson schedules running smoothly, without frantic last minute saddle swaps.
- More time riding, less time shopping: Adjustable saddles mean fewer saddle swaps and more focus on riding and learning. Families with busy schedules appreciate the ease of making changes at home rather than having to shop for new tack each season.
I’ve chatted with parents who were constantly in the used saddle market until they made the switch, and they all mentioned the relief of having one “good saddle” that just keeps working year after year. It’s a real game changer, especially for busy families juggling multiple riders or a barn full of different horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions I hear from other parents and young riders all the time:
Question: Can I adjust the saddle myself, or do I need a professional?
Answer: Most gullets and shims can be changed at home with simple tools, but it’s always wise to schedule a professional check every few months or after big growth spurts. Learning proper adjustment procedures gives you extra confidence, but never hesitate to get expert help for tricky fits.
Question: Will an adjustable saddle fit every horse?
Answer: Adjustable models cover many types, but if your child rides a horse with unusual back shape, you might need a more custom fit. Try before you buy if possible. Always pay attention to how the horse moves with the new saddle and ask your trainer for their opinion on the fit.
Question: How much should I budget for a decent adjustable saddle?
Answer: Quality beginner models start as low as $400 for synthetic brands (like Wintec and Tekna), while high end leather versions from Kent & Masters or Bates sit closer to $1200–$2000. Used options can save money. Don’t forget to budget for professional fittings and occasional flocking adjustments, which help the saddle last through your child’s different riding stages.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for your child’s first jumping saddle doesn’t have to be stressful. Adjustable English jumping saddles bring flexibility, make growing up with horses way easier, and often mean fewer headaches and better rides for both parents and kids.
Brands like Bates, Wintec, Thorowgood, Collegiate, and Kent & Masters offer reliable options with enough size tweaks to last for years. Careful research helps buyers make informed decisions.
If you’re tired of constantly re-shopping or just want a hasslefree ride, it’s definitely worth a look. Bottom line: an adjustable jumping saddle can keep up with your energetic young rider and help everyone enjoy more time in the saddle.
Did you find this post helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comments below. And if you and your child are thinking about giving Western riding a try, feel free to visit my site, Horse Saddle Comparison, where I share honest reviews of Western horse saddles.