How to Fit and Clean a Pony Saddle for Daily Riding: A Practical Guide for Young Riders

How to Fit and Clean a Pony Saddle for Daily Riding

Making sure your pony’s saddle fits properly and stays clean isn’t just about looking smart for a ride—it’s a big part of keeping your pony comfortable, healthy, and happy. Whether you’re heading out for a gentle hack or getting ready for Pony Club, a daily saddle care routine is one of the best habits you can build.

In this guide, Danielle, our experienced rider and equine coach, shares friendly, expert advice to help you care for your tack and understand your pony’s needs—perfect for teenage riders and their supportive mums who want to learn together.

🐴 Why Saddle Fit Really Matters

A well-fitted saddle helps your pony move freely, reduces the risk of sore spots or injury, and makes your ride safer and more enjoyable. If a saddle is too tight, too wide, or sitting unevenly, it can pinch or press in the wrong places, leading to discomfort or even long-term damage.

Danielle explains:

“Saddle fit is often overlooked, especially with growing ponies or shared tack. But it’s one of the kindest things you can check for your pony’s wellbeing. It also gives you a better seat and more control while riding.”

✅ How to Fit a Saddle for a Pony

Here’s a simple step-by-step you and your mum can follow to check saddle fit at home:

1. Start with no pad. Gently place the saddle directly on your pony’s back, just behind the shoulder blade.
2. Check the wither clearance. You should be able to fit 2–3 fingers between the saddle and your pony’s withers.
3. Look at the balance. The saddle should sit level—not tipping forward or backwards.
4. Feel for even pressure. Slide your hand under both panels. You should feel even contact without hard spots or big gaps.
5. Watch your pony move. Walk and trot your pony in-hand with the saddle on. Look for slipping, bouncing, or tilting.

Danielle’s advice:

“If your pony seems fussy when you tack up—like pinning ears, moving away, or swishing their tail—it might not be attitude. It could be an uncomfortable saddle.”

When in doubt, a qualified saddle fitter can assess the fit and help you make adjustments or find the right saddle shape for your pony’s back.

🧼 Daily Saddle Cleaning: Quick and Easy Routine

Once you’re happy with the fit, keeping your saddle clean is the next step. Regular cleaning helps the leather last longer, prevents cracking, and keeps everything looking tidy and professional.

🕒 After Every Ride

Make this your post-ride habit:

1. Wipe down the saddle with a damp (not soaking) sponge or soft cloth.
2. Focus on sweat-prone areas like the underside and girth straps.
3. Check for loose stitching or wear while you clean—small problems can become big ones if missed.

Danielle says:

“It doesn’t have to be a chore. Think of it as part of your pony’s aftercare, like brushing out their coat. And it only takes five minutes.”

🧴 Once a Week

A deeper clean once a week helps keep the saddle supple and prevents build-up:

1. Apply saddle soap using a sponge, working in small circles.
2. Use a dry cloth to buff off any residue.
3. Apply leather conditioner sparingly, especially in colder weather.

⚠️ Don’t overdo it with oils or balms—too much can make the leather sticky and weaken stitching.

🧽 What You’ll Need in Your Tack Cleaning Kit

Keep your supplies together so it’s easy to clean your saddle regularly. Danielle recommends:

• 2 soft sponges (one for soap, one for balm)
• A soft cloth or old tea towel
• Saddle soap (liquid or bar)
• Leather conditioner or balm
• Small stiff brush for buckles and stitching
• Bucket of lukewarm water

Pro tip from Danielle:

“Keep your cleaning kit in a caddy or old grooming box. It’s much easier to grab everything in one go.”

🚫 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even keen young riders can miss these common tack care errors:

1. Using hand-me-down saddles without checking fit. Even if it’s the right size pony, every back is different.
2. Ignoring regular fit checks. Ponies change shape with age, exercise, and diet—what fit last summer may not fit now.
3. Over-padding to fix a bad fit. Extra pads or risers can actually make things worse.
4. Skipping daily wipe-downs. Dirt and sweat can damage leather quickly.

Danielle encourages young riders to take charge:

“You don’t have to be an expert. But the more you practice, the more you’ll notice what’s normal—and what’s not.”

🌟 Saddle Care Builds Confidence

Saddle fit and tack care aren’t just chores—they’re important skills that show responsibility and care. As Danielle says:

“Looking after your pony’s tack is part of being a great horsewoman. It shows you’re thinking about your pony’s comfort, your own safety, and taking pride in how you ride.”

And there’s something truly satisfying about seeing a gleaming, well-fitted saddle on a clean, content pony.

What’s Next?

If you’re not sure whether your saddle fits perfectly, ask your instructor or arrange a visit from a local saddle fitter. And why not turn tack cleaning into a weekend habit with your pony friends or your mum? It’s quicker—and a lot more fun—when you’re doing it together.

👉 Looking for more helpful horse care tips? Click here to browse all our How To Guides.