Pessoa Junior Saddle Review guides parents and young riders through everything you need to know before picking out a first quality saddle.
Sizing, comfort, and adaptability all matter a lot for growing kids, and these are things the Pessoa Junior Saddle handles better than many standard pony saddles. With handy adjustability features and solid, supportive design, it’s become a favorite in barns where beginner equestrians want a confident, comfortable start.
Just a friendly disclaimer for transparency sake. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
Why the Pessoa Junior Saddle Is Popular With Young Riders
The Pessoa Junior Saddle became popular because it gives kids and small teens the support and adjustability they need without overwhelming them with bulk or weight.
A super light carbon fiber tree helps smaller riders confidently carry and tack up their own pony or horse. The XCH gullet system allows you to tweak the tree width for growing ponies.
So you don’t have to keep replacing saddles every few inches of growth.
Combine that with soft AMS synthetic wool panels and velcro blocks for leg support, and you get a saddle that ticks a lot of boxes for both comfort and longevity for kid riders.
If you’re considering this saddle for a growing rider, you can check current pricing and available sizes here.
👉 Check current pricing for the Pessoa Junior Saddle.
Key Features of the Pessoa Junior Saddle
I’ve seen plenty of junior saddles over the years, but the features on this one really stand out for parents, trainers, and kids who want more than just a basic starter saddle.
So, here are the features and benefits I think you’ll really like if you have a young rider or are helping a child move up in the hunter-jumper or English world:
- Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tree: This core frame is much lighter than traditional wood, so small riders can lift the saddle onto their pony without help. Carbon fiber flexes gently with the pony’s back movement, which keeps both pony and rider more comfortable if the child shifts in the tack.
- AMS® Synthetic Wool Panels: These panels act like shock absorbers, giving the pony extra padding and making bouncier rides a lot more comfy. Synthetic wool needs less maintenance than real wool, but still allows a saddle fitter to reflock and adjust pressure points if your animal changes shape.
- XCH™ Gullet System: Growing ponies tend to change shape as fast as their riders do, so this system lets you swap out gullets to widen or narrow the saddle tree. A great money-saver for families, it reduces the need to buy a whole new saddle every season. (Comes with a medium width but others are available separately.)
- Half Deep Seat & Foam: Young riders get a balance of security and freedom of movement. The seat isn’t too deep, which encourages a nice hunter-jumper or equitation position, and the foam offers the right amount of cushioning for longer lessons or small course work.
- Velcro Knee & Thigh Blocks: Adjustable blocks can be moved to suit a kid’s current leg length and position. This makes it easier to develop a strong, natural leg, which is super important for building lifelong good habits.
- Wide Channel: There’s enough space down the center to avoid pressing on the pony’s spine. This keeps ponies happy, makes for less soreness, and supports clean moving at all gaits.
- Deluxe Calfskin Leather: The soft, grippy leather helps little legs stay in place. It’s comfortable to the touch, easy to break in, and stands up well to regular barn use with a little bit of basic care.
How These Features Help Young Riders and Ponies
The Pessoa Junior Saddle isn’t just designed to look nice in the ring. It’s built around what actual youth riders and their ponies need.
Lightweight construction makes life easier on small bodies.
The close contact design and half deep seat encourage proper balance, helping kids stay upright without fighting the tack. That means safer, more enjoyable rides, and less soreness after big lessons or pony club meetings.
The adjustable gullet and generously padded panels protect both the horse’s back and the family wallet, since you can refit the saddle as your pony and rider grow. In a sport where lots of gear gets quickly outgrown, this is a practical feature.
Saddles with adjustable features are especially helpful during growth phases, which is why we also break down the benefits in our guide to adjustable jumping saddles for growing kids.
If you’re juggling multiple ponies at home, the XCH system is super handy for sharing one saddle. The easy positioning for knee and thigh blocks also helps kids learn correct and safe leg position from day one.
This saddle’s grippy leather and wide channel support beginners who may struggle with their seat or leg slipping around, making lessons less stressful and much more productive.
And since it’s not oversized or overly deep, most short legged kids or petite teens find they can actually move in the saddle rather than feeling perched unsteadily.
What Types of Riding Is the Pessoa Junior Saddle Good For?
This is primarily a close contact, all purpose/jumping saddle, which means it’s best suited for rider development in hunter/jumper, equitation, pony club, and flatwork lessons.
The shape, support, and adjustability make it versatile for basic pleasure hacking, local shows, and low level jumping, without locking you into just one discipline. It’s a nice fit for those in lesson barns, show barns, or anyone starting on the regular horse show circuit.
Things for Parents to Think About With the Pessoa Junior Saddle
Finding the right saddle for a young rider usually sends parents into a spiral of questions. Here’s some info based on parent concerns I hear most often at the barn:
- Is it worth upgrading from a basic pony saddle? I think so. Many affordable pony saddles lack adjustability, proper panel support, and good leather grip, which can make learning harder and less enjoyable for kids. The Pessoa Junior Saddle is a smart upgrade without hitting the high price of custom or fancy adult brands. In the long run, you’re getting more value and a better experience for your child. See my post, “How to Upgrade Youth Rider’s Saddle Effectively.”
- Will it fit my growing child and pony? With the changeable gullet system and flockable panels, there’s tons of flexibility as your child and their four legged partner grow over the years. This can delay the need to buy another saddle while bodies are still changing quickly. If you have multiple kids riding, this option smooths the way for hand me downs and swapping between mounts.
- Is it easy to care for? The synthetic wool and durable leather mean a bit less hassle than pure wool or calf only luxury saddles. I recommend a gentle wipe down after rides and basic conditioner as needed. The leather stays soft and doesn’t get slick easily, and the panels don’t need as much fuss. It’s practical for a busy barn life.
- What age or size is it made for? Best for children and smaller teens (roughly ages 6-13), but check the seat sizing and flap length for your own kid. The design works well for shorter legs so the balance and feel are better than a cut down adult saddle. Some petite riders in their mid-teens also find it comfortable enough, especially if they prefer a lighter saddle. Proper fit matters just as much as saddle quality — especially for young riders — which we explain step by step in our guide on how to fit a youth hunter saddle properly.
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s Best For
No saddle’s perfect for every kid, so here’s a quick rundown of things worth knowing before you shop or upgrade:
✅ Pros: Why Parents & Young Riders Love the Pessoa Junior Saddle
• Lightweight and easy for kids to handle independently
Designed with youth in mind, the Pessoa Junior Saddle is noticeably lighter than many adult saddles, making it easier for kids to tack up, carry, and adjust without strain — a big confidence and safety win.
• Adjustable gullet system that grows with your child
The adjustable gullet allows parents to accommodate growth spurts and changes in pony shape, helping extend the usable life of the saddle and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
• Supports correct rider position and leg development
A well-balanced seat and thoughtfully placed knee support encourage proper alignment, helping young riders develop a secure, effective leg position as their skills progress.
• Shock-absorbing panels that protect pony backs
The panels help distribute pressure evenly, improving comfort for ponies during lessons and regular rides. They’re also easy to adjust or reflock, which is ideal for growing or changing pony shapes. Choosing a well-balanced youth saddle plays a major role in comfort and injury prevention, something we explore further in our article on preventing saddle-related injuries in children.
• Soft, secure leather that breaks in quickly
The supple leather provides excellent grip and comfort without requiring months of break-in time — especially appreciated by kids who ride multiple times per week.
• Mid-tier pricing with premium features
Priced between entry-level and luxury saddles, the Pessoa Junior delivers high-value features like adjustability, balance, and comfort without the premium price tag — making it a smart investment for families.
• Wide channel promotes healthy pony movement
The generously designed channel helps keep pressure off the spine, allowing freer movement and better comfort for ponies during flatwork and jumping.
• Clean, classic design that fits in anywhere
Its timeless look blends seamlessly into lesson barns, local shows, and everyday schooling — no flashy styling that kids quickly outgrow.
⚠️ Cons: Things to Keep in Mind
• Designed specifically for youth riders, not adults
The Pessoa Junior Saddle is built around junior proportions, which means it’s not intended for adult riders or high-level competitive use. For growing kids, however, this targeted design is exactly what keeps the saddle balanced and manageable.
• Foam seat feel differs from fully wool-flocked models
Riders used to traditional wool-flocked seats may notice a slightly different feel at first. Many families find the foam seat offers consistent cushioning with less ongoing maintenance.
• Best results may come from professional fitting
Like most adjustable saddles, optimal comfort can depend on proper setup. Some ponies and riders benefit from a professional saddle fitter to fine-tune the gullet and panel configuration — especially during growth phases. See my post, signs of an ill-fitting English saddle.
• Soft calfskin requires basic care to maintain appearance
The grippy calfskin leather enhances comfort and security but, like all quality leather, performs best with routine cleaning and conditioning.
• Mid-tier pricing reflects added features
This saddle costs more than bare-bones pony models, but the adjustability, balance, and comfort often reduce the need for frequent upgrades as a rider grows.
For families who feel this saddle aligns with their rider’s needs, you can view current options and availability here.
Common Questions From Parents
Question: Is the Pessoa Junior Saddle suitable for both lesson and show use?
Absolutely. The support, adjustable fit, and nice leather mean it holds up in lesson programs and still looks polished for local shows. The clean look and practical features make it a barn favorite for versatility.
Question: How does the adjustable gullet system work?
The XCH gullet system lets you remove and swap gullets using basic tools (you can do it at home, or your saddle fitter can switch it out). This ensures a good fit on various pony builds, even if your child outgrows one mount or switches ponies for shows. Switching gullets takes just a few minutes, making transitions quick and easy.
Question: Can the blocks be moved for growing legs?
Yes, the velcro blocks can easily be adjusted or swapped out as your child’s leg position and preference changes over time. This adaptability is especially valuable during growth spurts, letting you give a boost to proper riding position.
Question: What kind of care does the saddle need?
A quick wipe down after each ride and conditioning every few months keeps the leather soft. The synthetic panels just need routine visual checks for lumps or shifting.
If the flocking gets packed down, a saddle fitter can reflock the panels to freshen up support for your pony’s back. For families new to English tack, this maintenance routine is manageable and isn’t a hassle to keep up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a youth jumping saddle that supports correct position, protects your pony’s back, and grows with your child, the Pessoa Junior Saddle checks the boxes that matter most to parents. It’s thoughtfully designed for young riders who are building skills — not rushing into adult equipment too soon.
👉 Check current pricing and availability for the Pessoa Junior Saddle to see if it’s the right next step for your rider.