How to Harness a Miniature Horse takes just a few basic steps.

1. Tie your horse safely and securely.
2. Place the saddle on the back and buckle the cinch.
3. Buckle the crupper under the tail.
4. Place the breast collar on and buckle the strap over the shoulder
5. Bridle your Horse
6. Buckle the throatlatch
7. Lastly - Connect the overcheck rein to the saddle.

Watch the Video below and see how easy it is!

Many riders feel that their horses respond better if a bitless bridle is used.  Before I get into more details about hackamores and bosals, I wanted to share a special video with you.

I have watched this video many times.  I never tire of seeing it over and over again.  Many of you have probably already seen Stacy Westfall's Freestyle performance, but if you haven't, you are in for a real treat!  Stacy puts her horse through his paces riding bareback and bridleless.

What is a Hackamore?

The hackamore describes a type of bridle that is bitless.  Instead of a bit, it has a special noseband that places pressure on the face, nose and chin.

It is commonly used with the Western style of riding.  It is very popular with endurance and competitive trail riders.

Often the hackamore is used when training a young horse or in horses that have dental or mouth injuries that a bit could aggreviate and cause pain. Once a horse has learned the basics then a trainer may choose to introduce the horse to a bit.  Some trainers never use the hackamore, while other horse trainers prefer the bosal and never introduce the bit.

The Bosal

The classic hackamore features a bosal which is a thick, leather braided noseband.  Sometimes people refer to this type of bitless bridle as a bosal or a bosal hackamore.  Technically, the bosal is the noseband portion of the bridle.

The bosal comes in different diameter sizes and weights.  They are usually made of braided rawhide.  The wider or thicker the diameter of the bosal, the more gentle.  The thinner, smaller diameter of the bosal is more severe.  Much of this depends on the rider's hands.

The bosal puts pressure on the nose and jaw and relys on pressure rather than leverage.  The long rope rein that is tied to the back of the bosal is called a mecate.

Mechanical Hackamore

The mechanical hackamore looks like a regular bridle, minus the bit.  The noseband is often a piece of leather with fleece backing which is attached to shanks similar to a western curb bit.

There is usually a curb strap or chain attached to the shanks that applies leveraged pressure to the chin, while the noseband applies pressure to the nose.

A hackamore can be gentle or harsh.  As with the bit, the severity depends on the rider's hands.  Improper fit or rough use can cause damage to the nose cartilage.

You may hear the term cinch and girth interchanged.  The correct term for the Western Saddle is Cinch while the proper term for the English saddle is Girth.

String Cinch

There are dozens of different styles of cinches, made from several different materials and often a combination of materials.

The most popular western cinch is made from Mohair or a Mohair blend.

The cinch is made up of single or double layers of strings or strands reinforced with a center crossbar which helps hold the strings in position and gives strength to the cinch.

Roping Cinch

Most western saddle cinches are straight except the Roping cinch which is wide in the center.

The width of most cinches is approximately 3 inches.

The roping cinch can be 9 inches or greater in width in the center of the cinch.

The ends of the Roping Cinch taper down to about 3 inches on each end.

Super Girth

A second popular western cinch is made of soft fleece backed by a wide nylon reinforcing strip.

This cinch is commonly referred to as a Super Girth.

The nylon and fleece can be dyed bright colors to accent our riding outfits or to match the colorful nylon bridles and breast collars that are so popular.

Different Cinch Materials

Below are the pros and cons or a few of the more popular cinch materials:

• LEATHER is popular for the English Girths and rarely seen in Western Cinches . It is strong, supple and durable, but it lacks breath ability.  They  require regular cleaning and oiling to keep it in good condition.

• NEOPRENE has become a very popular material for both the English Girth and the Western Cinch. It is easy to clean, disinfect, stays in place. Manufacturers state their neoprene girths prevent chafing and are lubricating by promoting sweating in the area of the girth. Be aware that a few horses have shown an allergic reaction to neoprene. Sensitive skinned horses have received galls and sores. Neoprene can tear and some will crack with use and age.

• NYLON is durable, strong and easy to clean, but it doesn't give or stretch.

• MOHAIR is soft, breathable and stretchy. Perfect for the sensitive skinned horses. It does absorb sweat and dirt so it should be cleaned after each use.

• FLEECE is very soft, good for horses especially those with sensitive skin. Fleece does tend to pick up brush, burrs and dirt and so it should be cleaned after each use.

How to Measure the Cinch.

A Cinch is measured from end to end including the rings on each end. The following is a General Guideline to give you an idea of the size you should look for. The Western Cinch allows several inches of adjustment to give you room to get a proper fit without the necessity to be exact in your measurements.

Measuring your Mini, Pony or Horse is the best way to give you the proper size. The Western cinch comes in sizes from 14" to 50" with sizes available every two inches. It is important to learn the proper size that is best for your horse or pony.

How to Measure Your Horse's Girth Size

There is a simple formula for measuring your horse for a western cinch-girth.

Run a tape measure around the horse’s barrel where the girth sits, just behind his elbow and withers. Go completely around the body and pull the tape measure tight. This gives you your horse’s heart girth measurements in inches.

Take the heart girth measurement, divide by 2 and then subtract 3. Girths/cinches are usually sold in 2 inch increments and even numbers. For example; 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, etc.

If the finial number you come up with is an odd number go down to the next even number for your girth size.

General Cinch Size Guidelines

Miniature Horses, Pony and Horse sizes will vary greatly depending on their size and build.  Nothing can take the place of a tape measure to get the proper size for your horse.

Below are a few general guidelines to give you an idea of the cinch size range you should be looking at:

• 14" - 18"     Really Small Miniature Horse

• 18" - 20"    Average build miniature horse or pony under 32" tall

• 22" - 24"    Average build 34" to 36" tall miniature horse or pony

• 24" - 26"    Average built 10 to 12 hand pony (40" to 48") tall

• 28" - 30"   Average built 13 to 14 hand pony

• 32" - 34"    Small to average size horse depending on build

• 36" - 50"    Large horses

Remember to keep in mind the above is to give you a general guideline. The size, weight and build of the horse must be taken into consideration.

Western Cinch Rings & Tongue

The Western cinch has large round D-rings on each end. Many have tongues in both ring ends which are used to attach the cinch to leather off billets or cinch tie straps with pre-punched holes in them.

Some only have a tongue on one end and a few cinches have no tongues... just the ring on each end.

Some cinches have small d-rings attached to the center reinforced piece to attach the breast collar, tie down and/or attach the connector strap for the double rigging or rear - back cinch strap if you elect to use one.

How to Tie The Cinch Knot

Do you know how to tie the Western Saddle Cinch Tie the old fashion way?

Most new western cinches have a buckle tongue that can be pushed through holes that are punched in the cinch tie strap, also known as the latigo just like fastening a belt.

In the good ole days, cinches were tied to the saddle with a cinch tie strap using a special knot on both sides of the saddle.

The off billet is the double leather billet on the off side of the western saddle.  It has several holes punched in it to attach the cinch to.  On the near side, the cinch can be brought up and secured by using the holes in the cinch tie strap or you can just tie the knot.  Many riders prefer this method even if the cinch tie strap has prepunched holes in it.

In the past a rider didn't have tongues in cinches or holes punched in tie straps to tighten the cinch.  Tying the cinch knot is quick and easy once you know how.  It also will give you much more flexibility and allow you to tighten the girth exactly the way it should be.  Even with the holes punched and the tongues in the cinch, I still prefer to tie the knot.

1.  Start Tying the Cinch

Place the saddle pad or blanket and saddle on the horse. With the cinch attached to the off billet on the off side.

Reach under the horse and bring the cinch toward you on the near side of the horse.

Make sure the off billet and cinch are flat against the horse's side and belly.

Slip the end of the cinch tie strap down through the inside of the cinch ring and pull the strap up to yourself.

Take the end of the cinch tie strap and place it through the cinch ring on the saddle.  Go from outside to the inside.

Bring it down to the cinch ring on the girth and go through it again, so you have two layers.

Depending on the length of the cinch tie strap, you may be able to run it through one more time.  Make sure the leather is smooth against the horse.  Do not tighten.

2. Tying the Knot

Take the end of the cinch tie strap and slip it down the left inside of the saddle cinch ring.

Make sure the cinch and cinch tie strap are loose enough to allow you freedom to work.

Bring the end of the cinch tie strap up to the cinch ring on the saddle.

Once the end of the cinch tie strap is through the saddle cinch ring going from the outside to the inside on the left side of the cinch ring, check the straps and girth to make sure they are smooth.

Completing the Cinch Knot

Move the cinch tie strap toward the right side of the saddle cinch ring.

Go over the top of the cinch tie straps.

Slip the end of the cinch tie strap up through the outside of the cinch saddle ring into the center of the cinch saddle ring by going between the saddle ring and the saddle.

Pull the tie strap through the ring.

Slip the cinch tie strap down, underneath the portion of the cinch strap that lays across the top of the cinch straps.

This will complete the knot.

Gradually tighten the cinch tie strap until the knot tightens.  The saddle and cinch should fit snuggly.

The cinch and cinch tie straps should be smooth and flat against the horse's body.  You don't want the cinch to be too tight.  You want it to be snug without pinching or causing the horse to feel uncomfortable.

Wait a few minutes, walk your horse around and then tighten the knot a little more.

Positioning the Cinch

When you have the cinch as tight as it should be you will want to stretch the front legs to help position the cinch.

To do this, you strand in front of your horse. Pick up first one leg just behind the knee and pull that leg toward you.  Then do the same with the other leg.  This will pull any loose skin from under the cinch and help position the cinch comfortably on your horse.

You want your horse to be comfortable.  Saddle sores or galls come from improper fit. You want to avoid any pinching or anything that could cause an irritation.

As an adults, many of us don't think about about a small child riding  a full size horse. We think a young rider should be on a Miniature Horse or small Pony, using a pony or mini saddle....right?

When our children want to get on our full size horse, we just place the child in our full size saddle or put their pony saddle on our full size horse. Neither are very good ideas, especially if the child starts riding the full size horse regularly.

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17 New Leather Western Rawhide Pleasure Trail Saddle New    US $66.33

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These saddles need to be chosen with the size of the child and the build of the horse in mind.  The saddle must fit both properly.

Kids are Fearless! They want to ride that big, huge horse that towers over them. We have all see it and many of us have been there.

Locating child saddles designed for the full size horse or large pony is another challenge. Saddle manufacturers tell us it's all about the money. Of course it is!

Small Western saddles for kids that fit full size horses cost manufacturers as much, if not more to make than the big saddle. They cost as much to make and most of them sell for less.

The child saddle needs to fit both the child and the horse. Not only is it more comfortable for the child, but it is safer. This saddle also needs to fit the horse they are riding.

You need to consider what size seat is best, the stirrup length, and the type of saddle.

Then you need to look at the horse or pony they are riding. This means that you are looking at saddle trees with wider gullet size and of course, quality and affordability.

The saddle pictured on the left fits nicely on the broad back, stout built large pony or full size horse.  See how wide it is?  You will want to have a Semi- or a Full Quarter Horse Bar Tree.  The gullet measurements should be 6.5" to 7 plus inches.

Below is a photo of a 12" saddle that fits a full size horse.  Notice the deep seat and high cantle.

We have found that as a General Rule, stirrups will only go up so high on these saddles.  If you try to raise the stirrups any higher, you would run into the issue of trying to turn the stirrup forward.  Unless the child is severely pigeon toed, this won't work.  The only other option is to take the saddle to a leather craftsman to cut down the stirrup fenders to raise the stirrups.

Stirrup Lengths

If you place a tape measure in the center of the seat and measure down the fender to the place the foot rests in the stirrup (roughly the inseam measurement of the child less a few inches for bending the knee) you can use this guide.

• 10" Western saddle - shortest stirrup length is about 20"
• 12" Western saddle - shortest stirrup length is about 22"
• 13" Western saddle - shortest stirrup length is about 24"

Barrel Racing Saddles

We have found a few manufacturers that offer affordable 10", 12" and 13" western saddles. Most are designed for barrel racing and gaming.

Whether the young rider is into barrel racing or not, these saddles are wonderful for all types of riding. Why? They have a deep seat with up to 5" or 6" high cantles. The deeper seats give both the children and the parent a better sense of security. It aids the child in maintaining better balance if the horse moves too quickly.

We have been selling these saddles for several years on eBay and at our shop. Recently we opened an online tack store that carries several types of child saddles that fit full size horses.

If you would like to take a look at or learn more about some of these saddles, send us an inquiry through our Contact page. Be sure to let us know if you ever have any questions about any of our saddles or tack in general. We are happy to help.

Come in Many Different Styles

The type of Western bridle depends on what your horse is doing. You want to decide which bridle works best on your horse and what type is your personal favorite.

Expensive bridles sell the headstall, bit and reins separately. You can choose what works best for you and your horse.

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FANCY MONTANA SILVER WESTERN SHOW BRIDLE $250 tag    US $31.00

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Dark Brown Western Leather Bridle Star Conchos Includes Reins New Horse Tack    US $20.50

The Western bridle is made up of three main parts.

• The Headstall,
• The bit and
• The reins.

The Headstall consists of the Head piece (Crown piece), the cheek pieces and sometimes the brow band and throatlatch.

The Head piece on a Western bridle often goes from the bit on the right side of the horse's head, up over the poll (crown), behind the ears and attaches with a buckle adjustment to the Cheek Piece on the left side of the horses face. Some western bridles have cheek pieces on both sides of the bridle which allow more room for adjusting the bridle to your horse's head.

The Brow Band is the part of the Headstall that goes across the horse's forehead, just above the eyes. It helps hold the bridle in place on the horse's head.

The brow band can be straight across the brow, while other brow bands are two pieces of leather joined in the middle to form a knot, sometimes known as a Futurity Knot.

Not all western headstalls have a brow band. Some western headstalls are known as "One-ear" headstalls.

The headpiece (crown piece) of a One-ear bridle is made from a piece of leather which has openings to fit over the horse's right ear.

Some One-ear headstalls have a loop of leather that fits over the right ear and it slides up and down the crown piece so you can adjust it to fit your horses head. Two-ear headstalls have pieces or openings in the crown piece that fit over both ears.

Some western bridles do not have a Throatlatch. This is the strap on the bridle that goes under the horse's throat and buckles on the left side. It helps to keep the bridle on the horse's head.

REINS

Reins are the steering wheel for the bridle. They come in many different styles and are made from different materials.

Most reins are made of leather or nylon. Some reins are covered with rubber so they do not slip from your fingers.

The Leather Split Reins are the most common reins used with the Western Bridle. They consist of two separate long pieces of leather that are attached to each side of the bit. These leather pieces are either 1/2" or 5/8" wide and vary in length up to 8 feet long. Some split reins have a sliding leather keeper that keeps the reins together.

GAME REIN

The Game Rein is a single rein that has a swivel scissor snap on each end to attach to the bit. These reins are popular with people who ride gymkhana events like barrel racing and pole bending.

Game reins are great for kids. You don't have to worry about the child dropping one of the reins, but since the game rein is much shorter, the horse can easily pull the rein from a child's small hand. These reins can be made of leather, nylon or cotton web.

All Purpose, Jumping, Dressage

Similar...but Different !

Several different styles of English saddles, each designed for a specific type of equestrian activity. Both the English and the Western saddle are made for comfort, security and purpose.

Like the Western saddle, there are several different types of English saddles. The English saddle offers more contact with the horse and places the rider closer to the horse than the Western Saddle.

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English Hilason Treeless Memory Foam Saddle Pad with Anti Slip    US $59.42

COLLEGIATE English Saddle Cover Green Tan Logo Elastic Cotton Material    US $3.25

Today's English saddles are either Leather or Synthetic. The synthetic saddle can either be a leather-look alike material or a fabric covering. Synthetic saddles are lighter weight, cheaper and easier to clean.

Instead of oiling the leather saddle, the synthetic can be wiped down with a sponge and water or hosed off. Many riders like to use the synthetic saddle for daily work outs saving their good leather saddles for special occasions and shows.

Most saddles are built upon a solid framework called a tree. This tree can be made of laminated wood, fiberglass or plastic materials.

The first saddle pictured below is a Synthetic English Saddle.  The two photos below it are Leather English Saddles.

ALL PURPOSE SADDLE

The basic model for the English saddle is referred to as the All Purpose (AP) or General Purpose (GP) saddle. It's features make it suitable for all types of riding at a non-professional level. The All Purpose English saddle can be used for pleasure riding, hunting, jumping and basic dressage. This saddle has a deeper seat than close contact jumping saddles, but not as deep as a dressage saddle. The flaps are between those of the dressage saddle or jumping saddle. This makes it the ideal choice for the beginning and non-competitive rider.

CLOSE CONTACT JUMPING SADDLE

The Close Contact Jumping saddle has a shallow seat and flaps are more forward than on the All Purpose Saddle. This design lets the rider to get into their jumping position and gives them security over fences.

DRESSAGE

The Dressage saddle has a deep seat and longer, straighter flaps. This saddle places the rider in an upright position and places the rider's legs close to the horse's sides so subtle aides can be given to the horse.

SADDLEBRED SADDLE

The Saddlebred saddle is designed for showing gaited horses. It has a cut-back pommel and wide saddle flaps. This saddle places the rider much further back than normal.

POLO SADDLE

The Polo saddle has a flat seat, extended sweat flaps and no knee or thigh rolls, all of which all the rider freedom of movement.

Other Types of English Saddles Include

The Show Saddle, Event Saddle and Working Hunter Saddles are among several other English saddle designs.

The saddle is one of the most important and one of the most expensive pieces of equipment that you will buy for your horse. Today's saddle has evolved over the years to the demands of the modern rider. The saddle's design and fit effects both the horse's performance and the rider's position.

MEASURING THE ENGLISH SADDLE

The English saddle seat size is measured differently from the Western Saddle. Place the tape measure on the metal button just below the pommel on the side of the English saddle and go diagonally across the seat to the center edge of the cantle.

Most of the small English saddles that you see for the Miniature Horse or the small pony are All purpose or Jumping saddle styles. They are usually 10" or 12" in seat size. This is equivalent to the 8" and 10" Western saddle seat size.

You will find more Western saddles than English saddles made for the Miniature Horse. I believe when most small children begin to ride, they feel more secure in the Western saddle than they do riding English.

Training the Miniature Horse to accept a harness and pull a driving cart is not as hard as you might think.

Their curious nature and aim-to-please disposition makes driving fun and enjoyable.

Safety is important as driving can be a dangerous sport. It is important that you should read some instructional books and attend a clinic if possible to learn the proper methods of driving your horse.

Driving Miniature Horses is for Adults too!

Don't let the small size of the Miniature Horse and Pony fool you. They can do just about everything their larger counterparts can do. Minis are not just for kids! They are fun for everyone!

Don't let the kids have all the fun!

The popularity of Miniature Horses is growing everyday. With the discovery of this wonderful, multi-talented companion, the joy of driving the Mini Horse or Pony has seen a steady gain in popularity.

Does This Harness Come With Instructions?

Many of our harness customers are new to driving their miniature horses. At least once a week, we are asked, "Does this harness come with instructions?" This is one of the reasons we decided to put this website together.

Many people purchase the Miniature Horse or Pony for their children as an introduction to their larger counterparts. The full size horse can be rather intimidating to the small child, while the Mini is just the right size. In no time, the parents are saying, "Why should the kids have all the fun? We want to have fun too!"

Measuring for Your Driving Harness

Before you purchase your tack and equipment, you need to measure your Horse.

A. First you want to measure for the bridle. Measure from the corner of the Mini's mouth, up along the cheek, go just behind the ears (over the poll) and down the opposite side to the corner of the mouth.

B. Next measure the girth circumference. Do not measure over the withers, but several inches behind the withers. The harness saddle and girth sits on the horse back.

C. A final measurement to check is the length of the horse. This measurement goes from where the saddle sits to the dock (where the tail joins the body).

If you are having your harness custom made, the harness maker will  require some other measurements for the perfect fit.

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NEW BROWN LEATHER MINIATURE SHOW DRIVING HARNESS SET    US $22.50

Parts of the Single Horse Harness

The harness used in the Parts of the Harness photo is a Single Driving Harness and the cart is called an Easy Entry Cart. Miniature Horse and Pony harness is also available in a double set for Team driving. You cannot buy two sets of Single driving harness and expect to do any Team Driving without some modifications made to the harness or the purchase of a Conversion Kit. It is easier to purchase Team Harness that is already set up for this purpose. Some harness also  includes a Collar and Hames instead of the Breast Collar. The harness in the photo uses the breast collar.

Harness Pieces & Parts

The Harness Driving Bridle

The Harness Driving Bridle has the cheek pieces and crown piece like a regular riding bridle. Some driving bridles also have the noseband. This bridle has two additional pieces: Blinders (I often call them Blinkers - don't know why) and a Checkrein which is sometimes called the Overcheck.

Blinders sit beside the eyes on the cheek pieces of the bridle. They keep the horse from seeing what is behind and around him. They keep his attention on the road ahead and to your commands. Some blinders are square and some are rounded in shape.  This is a very important part of the bridle as you do not want your horse to become distracted from the road ahead or your commands.

The checkrein goes from the bit, up the front of the horses face, between his ears and down his mane to the saddle water hook. The water hook is the center hook on the top of the saddle. This keeps the horses head up and in place. This also prevents a horse from kicking hard. If a horse cannot get his head down he can't kick quite as hard. With the horse's head in position, you have more control.

Your driving harness bridle should always have the check rein and the blinders for safety.

Driving Snaffle Bit

The most common bit used to drive the Miniature Horse is a Half Cheek Snaffle Bit. The lower shanks of the bit keeps it in place and prevents it from being pulled through the horse's mouth.

The Bridle should NEVER be removed from the horse while the horse is hitched to the cart. A horse can become frightened when he sees something coming behind him....that is attached to him. This could spell disaster.

Some harness driving bridles have a noseband. When properly adjusted, this piece keeps the horses mouth closed, giving the driver more control.

Harness Breast Collar and Traces

The Breast Collar and traces are how the horse pulls the cart. It is important that the breast collar sits properly on the horse. It should lie just below the base of the neck, on the horse's chest. It should not be so high that it restricts the horse's breathing. It should not be near the point of his shoulders. This piece of equipment should be keep very clean and free of any material that may cause an irritation or galling to the horse.

The Breast Collar is connected directly to the singletree on the cart by the Traces. The traces are usually sewn or buckled onto the Breast Collar and have an opening in the center of the leather near the end of the piece. The opening in the Trace slides over the end the singletree on the cart. Usually a piece of leather goes over the trace and holds it in place on the Singletree.  There are several different ways the traces may be attached to the cart as not all harness are made the same.  Go figure.

The traces should lie in line with the shafts of the cart. If you need to adjust the height of the shafts, raise or lower the shaft loops which are on each side of the saddle. The traces are in a fixed position by the breast collar and cannot be changed.

Driving Harness Saddle

The saddle should sit a couple of inches behind the withers on the horse's back. The saddle and girth or bellyband should be snug around the horses belly, but not too tight. It should not be as tight as a girth on a riding saddle.

The center check rein hook (water hook) is on top of the saddle. There are two rings on each side of the hook. The reins go through these rings. On each side of the saddle are the shaft loops which are adjustable to fit the shaft and position the shaft of the cart.

Water Hook Trivia. I believe this term came from days gone by, when you would release the head check rein to allow your horse to lower his head for a drink of water.  Hence the name water hook.  This term is rarely used now days.  If anyone has heard any other interesting trivia, let us know.

Driving Harness Crupper

The Crupper is the piece that goes around the horse's tail. It is a stuffed or padded, oval piece that is connected to the saddle with the crupper straps. The purpose of the crupper is to keep the saddle from shifting up on the withers. The crupper should fit fairly snug, but not too tight. A too tight crupper can gall the horse beneath his tail.

Driving Harness Breeching

The Breeching are your brakes. The breeching goes around the horse's hindquarters and is held in place with the loin straps. Breeching straps attach to the cart, going through the Breeching Dee or Footman's Loop. This is a metal fitting is located on the shaft of the cart. The breeching strap should go through the metal fitting and wrapped around the shaft a couple of times. The breeching should not fit tightly around the horses hindquarters.

LEATHER OR SYNTHETIC?

LEATHER is the first choice of most people when they go to buy harness. Until recently, most driving harness was made of leather. Leather looks good, feels good and smells good. Leather is heavy and is high maintenance. It requires regular cleaning and oiling.

NYLON HARNESS is popular due to its strength, durability, and light weight. The biggest advantage of nylon is the low maintenance. A big plus with Nylon is the ease of cleaning and the low cost and the light weight.

BioThane is another popular material used in making harness. This is a plastic covered nylon webbing material which is used to make nylon harness stronger and easier to keep clean. It is very light weight.

The section covers some general information about the Western saddle.

• Parts of the Western Saddle

• How to Measure the Western Saddle

• Western vs. English vs. Australian Saddle Measurements

• Western Saddle Seat Measurements

The Western Saddle is designed for comfort, practicality and security. There are many variations of the Western Saddle, each designed for different riding styles and purposes.

One of the most popular is the Pleasure Saddle. Other common styles of the saddle include the Barrel Racing Saddle, Cutting and Reining Saddle, Endurance Saddle and Roping Saddle.

The Saddle is one of the most important and one of the most expensive pieces of equipment you will get. With proper care and maintenance a saddle will last for many, many years.

The Western saddle's design and fit can have a big effect on both the horse's performance and the rider's position as well as comfort. An ill fitting saddle can cause the horse considerable discomfort as well as physical damage. When choosing a new saddle, you will want to be sure the saddle fits not only the rider, but the horse properly.

The Western Miniature Horse Pony Saddle are usually designed similar to the pleasure saddle or the barrel saddle. The main parts of the Western Saddle are shown in the photo below.

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Western Saddles are made of several different materials. In the past, the Western Saddle was made from leather which covered a wooden tree. Most working western saddles are still made this way today. The wooden tree makes these saddles very heavy.

Today, many western saddles are made from synthetic materials and the trees are made from fiberglass. Using these materials to build the saddles make them lightweight which is easier on the horse and easier on the rider.

One advantage to a synthetic saddle is the ease of cleaning them up. Usually just a wet sponge will take the dirt off. The other main advantage to the synthetic saddle is the lightweight. Some synthetic materials used are Nylon, cloth and neoprene.

Disadvantages of the synthetic saddles are:

• Tend to have a shorter lifespan
• Material can tear more easily
• Trees tend to be more flexible

How to Measure the Western Saddle Seat

When you purchase your Western Saddle you need to decide what size seat you will need. The Western Saddle is measured from just below the back side of the saddle horn, straight across the seat to the fore edge of the Cantle.

Comparison Between English, Western, and Australian Saddle Seat Sizes

English Saddles and Australian Saddles are measured differently from the Western Saddle. The measurement is the same for them, while the Western Saddle seat size measurement is 2" smaller.  Although the seat is the same, the places you measure from are different.  The table below shows the equivalent measurements for each type of saddle.

Western Saddle Seat Sizes

Western Saddles can be found in many different sizes, ranging from 5" to 22" seat sizes.

• Tiny 5" Miniature Western Saddles are made for decoration purposes.

• 7" and 8" Miniature Horse Saddle are the smallest, usable saddle manufactured.

These adorable, tiny saddles are exactly like the larger western saddles they are modeled after. They are used for the small toddler who is just learning to ride and are designed to fit the Miniature Horse or small pony. They are also used to begin training the Miniature Horse or small pony to carry a saddle.

The tiny 7" and 8" saddles are also put to use on large dogs as part of festive Halloween and party costumes.

The most common Miniature Horse or Small Pony Saddle size is the 9" and 10" seat size. The 11" and 12" Western Saddle can be used on larger Miniature Horses and Small Ponies.

Many 10", 11" and 12" saddles are designed to fit the full size horse, so you must make sure that the gullet is designed to fit your mini or pony comfortably.

Saddle Seat Guide - What Size Do You Need?

The chart below lists the different Western Saddle sizes and a general description of what size person will fit in each size.

The Miniature Horse is a scaled-down version of the full-size horse. They come in all colors and coat patterns and body types. Minis are less expensive to feed and easier to care for than the full size horse. Although  both Miniature Horses and full size horses have the same needs, including:

• Feed, Hay and Pasture
• Shelter
• Grooming
• Regular veterinary care,
• Hoof trimming and Shoeing
• Regular deworming.

The Miniature Horse is certain to turn heads everywhere they go. They are Sure to bring ooos and ahhhs and smiles from everyone this little bundle of joy encounters. Growing in popularity everyday and filling many special niches from the smallest child to the elderly.

Minis make a special companion, pet and friend, much like the large dog and so much more. These little horses can do everything a full-size horse can do, although riding the smaller miniature horse is not recommended.

Extremely versatile, the Miniature Horse is well suited for everyone. From a backyard pet and companion to showing off their beauty and skills in the show ring. From therapy horses for the handicapped and the elderly.

Small children who are afraid of larger horses quickly fall in love with the Miniature Horse.  Foals are adorable, standing only 14" to 21" at birth.

Older horse people who can no longer ride due to various physical challenges their larger, full-size horses present, find the Miniature horse a wonderful addition to their lives and are discovering the joy of driving.

Miniature Horse Breed Associations

There are several registration associations for the Miniature Horse. The two best know are the AMHA and the AMHR.

The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA)

AMHA registers Minis that are 34 inches and under. A Temporary certificate is issued until the horse reaches sixty (60) months of age. If the Miniature Horse is thirty-four (34") inches or under and sixty (60) months of age, a Permanent Certificate will be issued after certification of height by the owner.

The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR)

The AMHR registers Minis in two divisions

• "A" Division for Miniatures that are 34 inches and under

• "B" Division for Miniatures that are 34 inches up to, including 38"

The AMHR also has a separate registry for the Shetland Pony.

How to Measure a Horse's Height

Horses and larger ponies are measured in hands. One hand equals 4 inches. Miniature Horses are measured in inches instead of hands and is known as a height breed.

The height of a miniature horse is the vertical distance from the last hairs of the mane (withers) to the ground.  Make sure the animal is standing squarely on a level area. Special Miniature Horse Measuring Sticks are available to accurately record the height of your miniature.

Parts of the Horse

If you are new to the world of horses, you will often hear and read about different parts of the horse and terminology that sounds foreign to you. Below is a diagram showing the main parts of the horse that you should be familiar with.