If you’re researching an Arena Pony All Purpose Saddles Review, you’re likely looking for that first “real” saddle for your child’s pony — something that feels like a genuine upgrade without stepping into high-end custom pricing. The Arena Pony All Purpose (AP) saddle often appears in that sweet spot between entry-level and premium, offering leather construction, adjustability, and a more refined ride.
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For many parents, this saddle represents a meaningful step up from a basic starter model. It promises improved balance, better rider support, and a more polished feel — without crossing into custom-saddle pricing.
But does it truly deliver on fit, comfort, and long-term value for growing riders and their ponies? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at construction, adjustability, pros and cons, and whether it’s the right choice for your child’s riding goals.
Is the Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle Worth It?
Most parents want to make sure they’re getting real value for their cash, especially with something their child is going to use and possibly outgrow. The Arena Pony AP isn’t the cheapest leather saddle, but it does pack in some features you’d normally need to pay a lot more for.
If you’re after a saddle with decent leather, adjustable fit, and a design focused on pony/child pairs, this one’s worth checking out, especially for pony clubbers, eager beginners, and riders moving up from a synthetic or basic starter option.
Who Is This Saddle Best For?
The Arena Pony All Purpose is spot-on for confident beginners all the way up to intermediate young riders. It’s a handy choice for pony club, local shows, lessons, and hacking out.
If your child wants to do a bit of everything, flatwork, grids, little jumps, maybe a bareback romp at the end of a ride, this saddle is made to flex with your needs. It’s also a pretty good match for most British pony breeds, little cobs, and short-backed types. For true high-level show jumping or if you’re dealing with an extremely wide/flat pony, you may want to keep browsing.
Fit woes are common: bridging (where there’s a gap under the saddle tree), pinching at the withers, or sliding off sideways thanks to round barrels. I haven’t found the Arena Pony AP to do any of those out of the box on most average-shaped ponies, thanks to its tree shape and adjustability.
If you’re worried about a truly tree-flat native breed, though, professional fitting is always smart.
Arena Pony AP Saddle Fit & Adjustability
The biggest thing setting the Arena AP apart from entry-level saddles: its interchangeable gullet system. Adjusting the saddle tree to fit a pony’s changing shape or a new addition to the herd saves big headaches down the road.
Swapping gullets (you’ll need the tool and the right gullet size) is straightforward, and the range of widths covers everything from slim to chunky small ponies. The saddle’s panels are designed to contour to short backs without sliding forward onto the shoulders or bouncing on loins.
There’s also generous adjustability for kids who are in the middle of a growth spurt and whose legs suddenly get longer overnight. It really is a lifesaver for parents watching their kids and ponies grow.
If you’re used to Wintec or Bates’ changeable gullets, this system will feel familiar. The Arena AP doesn’t have flocked panels that need immediate tweaking (unlike some cheaper leather alternatives), so it fits smoothly from the get-go in most cases.
If your pony really doesn’t match up with “average” (think extraflat backs or witherless wonders), a good saddle fitter can help with tweaks or recommend a different route.
Seat Depth & Security for Young Riders
One of the most common worries parents have: Will my child feel safe and stay secure? Arena’s pony seat is moderately deep but not bucket-shaped.
There’s enough support to help less steady legs feel confident and stop them sliding around, but it’s not overly restrictive, so riders can still post comfortably or stand in the stirrups over fences.
The flaps have a subtle forward angle, making it easier for longer legs or kids who like to jump. Calf blocks aren’t bulky, but they’re there, which is handy for developing proper leg position and not letting wobbly riders “swim” in the tack.
For most kids at the beginner or early intermediate level, this balance hits the comfort spot. The Arena AP isn’t quite as deep as some high-end pony jump saddles or show saddles, but that’s part of the allpurpose appeal: good for a range of activities while giving enough security for nervous parents watching on the rail. If you’re comparing deeper, more jump-specific pony saddles, see my Bates Elevation Pony Jump Saddle Reviews.
Leather Quality & Build
If your child is graduating from a synthetic (like a Wintec), the first thing you’ll notice about the Arena is the feel of the leather. It’s miles more natural and supple, definitely real leather and not a plasticy mix.
The seat and knee pads are slightly grippy, so legs don’t slide around, and it starts to soften up nicely with just a few rides. Out of the box, the leather is more “ready to go” than break-inintensive. Hardware feels sturdy, stitching is tidy, and the panels are shaped well for ponies and aren’t just scaleddown versions of adult saddles.
If you’re comparing to a Bates, the Arena’s leather is a touch less premium and a little stiffer at first. It’s still a step above most starter leather options and feels much more grownup compared to a Wintec.
I’d rate build quality as more in line with the needs of a hardworking pony family: durable, not too fussy, and not disposable like bargainbin imports.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
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- Adjustable tree for growing ponies or changing mounts
- Real leather, softens up quickly
- Fits most Welsh, Connemara, and British ponytype shapes
- Secure but not too restrictive seat
- Good for both flatwork and low jumps
- Wellmade, stands up to daily riding and plenty of pony antics
- Cons:
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- May need professional fitting for truly flatbacked or extraround ponies
- Seat not ultra deep, so for nervous or very tiny riders, may want extra support
- Not as customizable as highend options
- Price is a step up from starter synthetics
Real Life Scenarios with the Arena Pony AP
Picture your child cantering around at a Pony Club rally—Arena AP on a chunky bay, tackling polework and a little grid. No bouncing around, the saddle is balanced, and your child feels just as secure in flatwork as in jumping.
Lesson barns like the Arena for growing children who move between ponies; it saves a lot of refitting every year. I’ve seen plenty of these saddles turning up at first schooling shows, with kids excited to have a “proper” leather saddle that looks the part in the ring.
Parents tell me the difference is clear: kids are proud, ponies are comfortable, and no one is panicking about sliding off during a spook.
Moving up from a synthetic? The confidence boost for your child is genuine. Arena’s look and feel is way more “grownup” than basic models, and I saw one 10yearold practically beam when she walked into her first show with it.
Her Connemara’s back also looked happier without pressure marks from older, flatter trees. If your child is taking lessons on multiple ponies, having an Arena with its adjustable tree is a real win for the barn as well—barn managers appreciate how quick it is to set the saddle up for different mounts, and kids enjoy getting a familiar feel ride after ride.
Plus, if you spend time cleaning tack, the Arena’s leather holds up well and cleans faster than you might expect for a “real” saddle, saving even more time for riding and fun.
How It Compares to Other Pony Saddles
- Arena Pony AP vs Wintec 500 Pony: Arena wins for leather feel, comfort, and “grownup” appearance. Wintec is lighter, cheaper, and easy to clean but feels less special and is fully synthetic.
- Arena Pony AP vs Bates Pony: Bates costs more and has fancier leather, but the adjustability and basic fit are similar. Go Bates only if you want top-tier finishing details or extra features for showing.
- Arena Pony AP vs Pessoa Junior: Pessoa is a classic for jumpers, with a slightly more forward flap and prestige appeal. It tends to fit narrower ponies. Arena AP is more versatile and easier on the wallet for an allpurpose kid’s saddle.
Still feeling unsure about which to pick? I have some thorough guides on choosing the right Arena Monoflap saddle, a super detailed article on pony jump saddles, and even a super practical saddle fit guide for ponies. Also, check out my growing rider article for help with adjustable options, and read my take on the Bates Pony if you’re comparing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle
Is it better than Wintec for ponies?
In my view, yes if you care about leather feel and a classic look. Wintec holds its own for value and low maintenance, but Arena feels more like a “serious” saddle kids can grow into.
Does it actually fit wide/chunky ponies?
With the adjustable gullet and sensible panel shape, it works for most chunky or wide British pony types. For super flat or extra wide ponies, have a fitter confirm before buying.
Is it adjustable?
Yes. The interchangeable gullet system is designed for fussfree athome adjustment as your pony fills out or swaps size.
Will my child outgrow it quickly?
Most parents find it lasts at least two or three years, even with growth spurts. The forward flap gives some extra room as legs grow.
Is the seat deep enough for security?
It’s moderately deep, enough for support but not confining. For most kids, it’s the right balance.
Is it good for both flatwork and small jumps?
Yes. The design is genuinely versatile, so it’s great for both ringwork and a bit of crosspole action.
Does it sit balanced on shortbacked ponies?
The saddle is made with shortbacked ponies in mind and shouldn’t rock or bridge on most kids’ ponies.
Is the leather good quality?
Definitely better than entry-level or synthetic. Not luxury level like top brands, but soft, grippy, and tough for everyday riding.
What are the real pros and cons?
See above for a full list—great adjustability, real leather, and pony comfort, with some limits if you need a custom fit or ultrasupportive seat.
Final Thoughts
The Arena Pony AP strikes a smart balance between quality construction, adjustable fit, and everyday versatility — without pushing families into high-end custom pricing. For many pony-and-rider pairs, it delivers exactly what matters most: stability, comfort, and room to grow.
Your child gains the confidence that comes from riding in a saddle that feels secure and polished. Your pony benefits from a thoughtfully designed tree and panels made with shorter backs in mind. And you gain something just as important — the reassurance that you’ve made a practical, long-term investment.
If this sounds like the right direction for your rider, take the next step.
A well-chosen saddle today can prevent unnecessary upgrades tomorrow — and give your child the foundation they need to keep progressing with confidence.