Horse riding is not just about the rider it is a partnership between the rider and the horse, and for children, this partnership is precarious and difficult right from the beginning. One of the most neglected but significant factors in the rider's, and horse's, enjoyment of the experience is the saddle. An ill-fitting saddle can make the experience unpleasant, unsafe, or discouraging for a child.
Enter the Versatile Apex Saddle, the world"s first convertible children"s saddle is a revolutionary innovation. The Apex not only grows with the child, but will also accommodate different horses and ponies! Your child may start riding at age 2 and spend their time riding their small pony, only to continue to grow in experience and/or size until they no longer fit into their pony. Well, the Versatile Apex will fit the 'horse' and rider combination with ease.
In this blog, we will discuss how it adapts to the horse transition needed from ponies to horses and why saddle fit is important, and how this innovation builds confidence for young riders and their horses from the very beginning.
Why Saddle Fit Matters for Both Ponies and Horses
When it comes to children and riding pony, parents and trainers focus on finding the appropriate horse for their child. Equally as important is the saddle. A saddle with poor fit can lead to:
- Discomfort for the horse: Poor saddle fit leads to pressure points, limits movement, and may even lead to long-term back issues.
- Poor rider posture: If a child is unable to sit correctly due to the saddle design, it effects balance, sitting upright and injury.
- Unsafe riding: Either a sliding saddle or an unbalanced saddle leads to unsafe riding.
- Loss of confidence: If a child feels unbalanced or the pony or horse is upset, it's quickly not a fun activity, just stress!
The problem? Ponies and horses come in all shapes and sizes, wide back ponies, high withered horses, narrow or wide builds. A traditional saddle typically only fits one type of horse well. This results in the parent having to go purchase more saddles.
The Apex Saddle, with its versatile, treeless design offers a solution to this problem. The Apex Saddle will mold to different back shapes and sizes for both pony's and horse's comfort.
The Transition from Ponies to Horses
Riding ponies often marks the beginning of riding for many youngsters. Ponies are smaller in stature, softer in temperament, and easier to manage, making them the right choice for novice riders embarking on their riding journey. As children grow in height, knowledge, and confidence, they will transition to riding a horse.
This natural transition often creates challenges for parents:
- New saddles for each level of the transition: Ponies can't wear the same saddle as a horse and therefore, they will need to purchase new saddles during each transition.
- Costs of new saddles: As growing kids transition often, parents will deal with the high prices associated with replacing saddles.
- Re-adjusting their riding position and posturing from the saddle: Changing saddles often leads to children having to adjust their riding position and posturing as they transition.
The Versatile Apex Saddle addresses these challenges, transitioning from ponies to horses without the inconvenience of needing several saddles that fit a single pony or horse while adjusting for a child transitioning up in size.
How the Versatile Apex Fits All Backs
1. Treeless Flexibility
Traditional saddles contain a rigid tree made from wood or fiberglass which allows for no flexibility. The Apex is treeless meaning it molds to the horses back naturally (whether wide and flat-backed ponies, or high-withered horses) which decreases pressure points all while giving plenty of opportunity to move the the horse with no pain or limitation to movement.
2. Lightweight Design
Saddles can become excessively heavy for smaller ponies or younger riders trying to manage their tack. The Apex has a lightweight construction that allows for easy lifting and placement by children, plus stimulating comfort all around for ponies or horses on longer rides.
3. Universal Fit
The adjustable design of the Apex means that it can be used for different riding schools, families with multiple horses, or children who are moving up to horses from ponies. The trainers love the saddle because they don’t need to stock twelve saddles for different back types-it’s an all-in-one saddle solution.
4. RDA Endorsed
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) fit has endorsed the Apex because it fits comfortably and safely to different horse types. You know it fits well and feels right, meaning that it is reliable as a universal fit.
How the Apex Builds Confidence in Children
1. Correct Posture from Day One
The design of the Apex encourages children to sit in a correct riding position from the beginning. No matter if they sit on a pony or a horse, they assume the same posture allowing them to maintain balance, control, and confidence they wouldn’t have without it.
2. Fewer Adjustments, More Fun
When children transition from ponies to horses, with a traditional saddle they often need to re-learn the saddle position. The Apex saddle avoids this transition stage- children already know what the saddle feels like.
3. Safe Riding = Confident Riding
With safety stirrups and meeting safety regulations, children feel safe riding. The Secure design provides both the rider and parent, trustworthiness.
4. Lightweight Independence
Children feel proud to manage their own saddle. The Apex is light-weight, providing independence and makes kids feel confident, in and out of the saddle.
5. Consistency Across Horses
When a saddle fits every pony and horse, children do not need to worry about saddles slipping or being uncomfortable. A consistent fit allows children to work on their riding skills and bond with the pony or horse.
Parents’ Perspective: Saving Time, Money, and Worry
From a parent's narrative seen through the lens of a financial investment the Apex is a financially sound purchase:
- Cost savings: Rather than purchase multiple saddles as kids grow or switch horses, the Apex last for years.
- Real peace of mind: RDA endorsement = parents know their child is safe.
- Ultra-Durable: Faux or genuine leather saddle with materials built to last for years.
- Maintenance: Easily cleaned = saves parents time.
- Trainer Perspective: The apex is a Saddle of Choice by Riding Schools
- Many equestrian schools and trainers deal with many horses, ponies, and riders every day. The Apex makes or takes the worry out of their job.
Trainers’ Perspective: Why Riding Schools Prefer the Apex
A Great Many equestrian schools and trainers are dealing with multiple horses, ponies, and riding students each day, and the Apex makes their life a lot easier because they:
- Provides a universal fit for different horses.
- Allows children to learn good posture without the trainer correcting them every time.
- Reduce accidents that happen from poor saddle fit.
- Allow students to progress faster.
Comparing Traditional Saddles vs. Versatile Apex
|
Feature |
Traditional Saddles |
Versatile Apex Saddle |
|
Weight |
Heavy, hard to lift |
Lightweight & child-friendly |
|
Fit |
Fixed, not adaptable |
Treeless, fits all ponies & horses |
|
Posture Support |
Limited, causes bad habits |
Built-in posture guidance |
|
Safety |
Standard, adult-focused |
Child-focused, RDA endorsed |
|
Value |
Requires multiple purchases |
One saddle grows with child & horse |
Long-Term Benefits: A Saddle That Grows with Both Rider and Horse
- Encouraging development from ages 2-9: Will adjust as the child grows.
- Long-term savings: One saddle replaces many.
- Developing traditional riding habits: Correct position and confidence from the start.
- Benefitting horse welfare: With a treeless saddle design there is no back strain on the pony or horse.
- Supported by the experts: Endorsed by the RDA and trusted in the use for children with special needs.
Final Thoughts
From that first pony ride at age 2 to later riding a horse, the Versatile Apex Saddle is designed to be an ever-present part of the child's riding journey. Designed to be treeless, lightweight, and adaptable for all ponies and horses while allowing the rider to grow, have advantageous posture, and build confidence.
- For parents it means less headaches,
- For trainers it means easier to teach,
- For kids it means the safest, fun, and confidence building rides.
Once a ponies and then the horses, one saddle does it all. Get the Versatile Apex Saddle because from the right start comes the best rider.
FAQs: From Ponies to Horses & the Versatile Apex Saddle
Q1: Can the Versatile Apex really fit both ponies and horses?
Yes! Its treeless design molds to different back shapes, making it suitable for ponies, horses, and everything in between.
Q2: At what age can my child start using the Apex?
The Mini size is designed for children as young as 1 year up to 11 years, while the Standard size works for older riders and children with special needs.
Q3: How does the Apex help with posture?
It naturally guides children into the correct riding position, preventing slouching or imbalance and improving confidence.
Q4: Is the Apex safe for complete beginners?
Absolutely! With safety stirrups, lightweight design, and RDA endorsement, it’s ideal for first-time riders.
Q5: Will the Apex save me money compared to traditional saddles?
Yes. Instead of buying multiple saddles as your child grows or switches horses, one Apex lasts for years, making it a cost-effective choice.