Shopping for an Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle is a big step for any parent or young rider — and it’s about so much more than choosing a beautiful piece of leather. I completely understand how overwhelming saddle fit, seat sizes, and all the “pony vs. horse” differences can feel at first.
Ponies have unique backs, young riders are still growing, and making the wrong choice can be an expensive mistake. If you’re still learning the basics of saddle fit, I recommend starting with my Dressage Saddle Fitting Guide for Adults (yes, the principles apply to ponies too), which breaks down tree shape, panel contact, and balance in simple terms.
If you’re wondering whether this saddle will truly work for your pony, support your child’s position, and still make sense for your budget, you’re not alone.
I’ve carefully researched the details and the real concerns parents face when choosing an Arena Pony AP saddle, and I’m breaking it all down in this detailed, parent-friendly guide to help you feel confident in your decision.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are worth considering for riders and their ponies.
Why Pony Fit Is Different from Horse Fit
Ponies deserve their own set of rules when it comes to saddle fitting. Most ponies are shorter backed, rounder, and a lot more compact than horses. That means plenty of saddles that look just fine on a small horse will pinch, rock, or bridge on a pony.
An Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle is designed shorter overall, which helps avoid pressure points or sliding over the pony’s shoulder blades.
- Length matters: A saddle that’s too long can push against sensitive areas at the back of the pony’s ribs, leading to soreness or misbehavior. It’s better to measure the pony’s back before you order and check the saddle’s actual panel length, not just the seat size.
- Look out for bridging: Place the saddle gently, without a pad, on the pony’s back and check if it makes even contact all along the panels. If the front and back touch but the middle lifts off, you’ve got bridging—this almost always causes trouble down the road.
- Is it rocking or rolling? If the saddle tips or rocks forward and backward when you press the pommel and cantle, stability is the issue. Ponies with very round barrels can make this a headache, so a saddle that hugs the shape closely makes a world of difference.
- Width counts too: Wide bodied ponies (think Welsh or Haflinger types) often need a broader gullet and flatter panels. The Arena’s interchangeable gullet system lets you tweak the fit as your pony develops muscle or changes shape across the seasons.
Seat Size Guide for Growing Riders
Seat size is where plenty of parents get stumped. If you want a deeper breakdown of youth saddle sizing and position support, see my full guide on Best Dressage Saddles for Beginners, where I talk more about rider development and balance. For pony saddles, the jump from a 15” to a 16” seat seems tiny, but for a child it can feel huge. Here’s what matters most when picking the right size:
- Current fit: Your child should have about a hand’s width between their bum and the cantle when sitting up tall. Too small and they’ll get squished, but too big and they’ll slide around.
- 15” vs 16” dilemma: Most kids between 6–10 start in a 15”. If they’re tall for their age or you want something that lasts through a growth spurt, a 16” might be more practical. While it’s tempting to go bigger so the saddle “lasts,” too big can hold back their riding confidence or position.
- Will they outgrow it fast? Kids grow at different rates. Ask your saddle fitter or instructor if they think sizing up makes sense for your rider. In my experience, it’s better to have them in a saddle that fits now and think about resale later if you need to size up in a year or two.
Understanding the Arena Adjustable Gullet System
The adjustable gullet system in Arena saddles is actually really handy for ponies, since their shape can change quickly. If you’re unfamiliar, the gullet is the metal plate that sets the width at the front of the saddle.
Arena’s system lets you swap it out with a screwdriver and a little elbow grease.
- How easy is it? The process is clear, and instructions are included. If you’re unsure, it helps to have a saddle fitter walk you through it once; after that, you’ll have it down.
- Does it adapt as the pony grows? Yes, to a point. If your pony gains muscle or weight, or slims down after a busy show season, you can swap the gullet for a better fit in about 10 minutes. This makes the Arena saddle practical for ponies that aren’t done growing or change shape year to year.
- Do you need a professional? It’s safer to ask a fitter to check the fit any time you swap the gullet or see weird dry spots under the saddle after a ride. But most parents can handle the change at home. Just make sure everything is even and snug when you put it back together.
When an All Purpose Saddle Is Enough (And When It’s Not)
The Arena Pony All Purpose is meant to do a bit of everything: flatwork, cross rails, hacking out, and some fun jumping. If your child is doing pony club, fox hunting, or local shows, this saddle covers a lot.
The seat is supportive (not too flat, not too deep), and the knee rolls give young riders enough stability without locking them in.
- For jumping: All purpose means it’s fine for cross rails and small jumps. But for riders who want to get serious about higher level eventing or do lots of jumping, a true pony jump saddle will give more close contact and a forward flap for proper leg position. If your child is starting to focus more on jumping, you may want to compare this with my review of the Bates Elevation Pony Jump Saddle, which offers a more forward flap and closer contact feel.
- Pony club or small shows: The Arena AP is a reliable partner for fun and competition up to a certain level. Ask your instructor if they think your child’s current demands are outgrowing the versatility of all purpose saddles.
Arena vs Bates vs Wintec for Ponies
This comparison comes up in every tack room. Arena, Bates, and Wintec come from the same company, but they feel different to ride and have different price tags. Here’s what I notice most:
- Arena vs Wintec: Arena is leather, while Wintec is synthetic. Leather feels more traditional, offers a bit more grip, and can give a close contact feel. Wintec is lighter, easier to hose off, and a bit cheaper.
- Arena vs Bates: Bates saddles are higher priced and usually use the CAIR air panel system, which many ponies like for pressure distribution. I also compare Arena and Bates more closely in my article on the Arena Monoflap Jump Saddle, where I explain how wool flocking versus CAIR panels can affect pony comfort. Arena skips CAIR and uses classic wool flocking, which a lot of fitters prefer for ponies since it’s adjustable and can be reflocked if your pony’s shape changes.
- Why Arena is less expensive: No CAIR, less custom extra touches, but all the practical features you need and the same adjustable gullet system as the other brands.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
I’ve seen families waste money and cause pony problems with these mistakes. Here’s what helps avoid those headaches:
- Assuming a “pony” saddle automatically fits all ponies. Always check panel length and gullet width before buying.
- Sizing up the seat too much, hoping to “grow into” it. It can lead to saddle slipping and bad riding posture.
- Skipping a professional fit check—even a quick one—after swapping gullets or if the pony’s coat shows odd sweat or dry marks. I explain more about warning signs like dry spots, pressure points, and imbalance in my guide on How to Choose an Arena Monoflap Jump Saddle, which includes practical fit checkpoints you can use at home.
- Choosing synthetic for price, then regretting it when the child wants to show in a ring where leather is the standard.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
- Measure your pony’s back and look up the saddle’s actual panel length, not just seat size.
- Check the gullet width and, if possible, try different options with your pony before buying.
- Watch for bridging or rocking when testing the saddle in person.
- Consider your child’s age, size, and riding goals before deciding on seat size or moving from all purpose to specialty saddles.
- Don’t hesitate to get a fitter’s advice or a trial period from your tack shop so you can be sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this saddle actually fit my pony’s back?
The Arena Pony AP is designed shorter for ponies, so it’s often a solid starting point. Measure your pony’s back for best results and check for rocking or bridging once you test it.
Is it too long?
Measure your pony from the back edge of the shoulder blade to the last rib. The saddle’s bearing surface should not overlap onto the loin or put pressure behind the ribs.
Will it bridge?
Place the saddle directly on the pony and run your hand under the panel. There should be even contact along the entire length; any gaps in the middle can be a red flag.
Will it rock?
If the pommel or cantle tips when you put pressure, the fit may need tweaking with gullet swaps or a visit from a fitter.
Is it good for wide ponies?
The interchangeable gullet system allows extra wide fittings, making it handy for broad shouldered types.
What seat size does my child need?
Most young riders do well in a 15” or 16”. Sit your child in the saddle to check for comfort and room to grow, but don’t size up too much.
Will they outgrow it in a year?
Kids grow fast, but a well maintained Arena AP saddle usually has good resale value. Many local tack shops will even buy it back or take it on consignment if you need to upgrade later.
Should I size up?
Only size up if your child is right at the edge of outgrowing the current seat, or if your instructor recommends it for safety and posture.
Is Arena better than synthetic pony saddles like Wintec?
Synthetic saddles are lighter and easy to care for. Leather (like Arena) offers more traditional grip and a close contact feel. Both are good choices depending on your budget and goals.
Does the adjustable gullet system really work?
Yes. The system lets you change width as your pony changes shape. You can do it at home, but getting a professional fit check now and then leads to longer comfort for your pony.
Is an all purpose saddle good enough for jumping?
The Arena AP saddle works for cross rails and small jumps. For bigger courses or more advanced jumping, a dedicated pony jump saddle might be better.
Is the saddle too “advanced” for a beginner rider?
The Arena AP saddle is friendly for beginners, with supportive knee blocks and a secure seat. It’s not too complicated for a child just starting out.
How long will this saddle last?
With good care, you can get 3-5 years or more from this saddle. The resale market for Arena pony saddles is active, so it’s not hard to sell or recoup some costs when you’re ready to size up.
Is it comfortable for long lessons?
The saddle gives nice support and a soft seat, with knee rolls that suit young riders. If pinching occurs, check the fit or add a thin pad.
Is it too heavy for a small pony?
The leather is a bit heavier than synthetic options like Wintec, but the short panels and pony specific build keep the weight manageable for most small and medium ponies.
What sets an Arena pony saddle apart from Bates?
Bates saddles use the CAIR panel system (air cushioning) and higher grade leather, which increases the price. Arena has wool flocking, is more affordable, and is easier to adjust and maintain for ponies whose backs are always changing.
Final Thoughts: Choosing With Confidence
At the heart of it, this decision isn’t just about leather, brand names, or price tags. It’s about protecting your pony’s back and supporting your child’s confidence in the saddle. That’s a big responsibility — and it’s completely normal to want to get it right the first time.
The Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle is popular for a reason. It offers adjustability, pony-friendly panel length, and enough versatility to carry a young rider through lessons, pony club, and small shows. For many families, it strikes the right balance between performance and practicality.
Before you purchase, measure carefully, double-check gullet width, and if possible, request a trial or have a fitter confirm your choice. A well-fitting saddle isn’t just an expense — it’s an investment in years of happy rides.
If you’re ready to explore current sizes, pricing, and availability, check trusted retailers below and compare options carefully.
👉 View current Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle availability here
Your pony’s comfort and your rider’s confidence are worth it.