Western Accessories for Ponies

Which Western saddle is suitable for ponies?

Ponies and small horses have a short back and usually a round belly. This should be considered when buying a Western saddle for ponies. The contact surface should not protrude beyond the last rib and the skirts should not bump against the hip bone. As a guide, the distance between the skirts and the hips should be one hand width. The centre of gravity of the saddle must be above the centre of gravity of the pony. Conversely, this means that the seat must be smaller than that of a normal size Western saddle. At Kramer Equestrian you can buy Western saddles for ponies with a seat size of 13".
As many ponies do not have big withers, there is often sufficient room for the withers under the gullet. However, you should make sure that the gullet is wide enough so that the pony can move its shoulders freely. This is because many ponies have a broader stature, which means that bars that are too steep could press into the shoulders.
Especially with bellied horses, the Western saddle must not constrict the rib cage. For this, the swing of the saddle tree must fit the pony's back. Only if the saddle fits perfectly is it possible to distribute the pressure well, which is compressed on the already small contact surface of a pony saddle.
Remember that each saddle must be individually fitted to the pony. Since Western saddles can only be adjusted to a limited extent, the saddle tree should fit the curve of the back. Smaller adjustments can be made using inserts in correction pads. In all cases, you should have the saddle purchase accompanied or carried out by a saddle expert.
At Kramer Equestrian you can buy Western saddles for ponies and horses with short backs. You will also find a wide range of accessories for Western ponies. In addition to Western saddles for ponies, bareback pads and Western pads and knot rope halters, you can also buy Western headstalls for ponies. You can discover more accessories in our extensive pony range.

Which knot rope halter is suitable for ponies?

Knot rope halters can be easily adjusted to the length of the horse's head. However, the halter must fit correctly in the nose area, as it cannot be adjusted individually here. In general, the basic rope of a knot rope halter for ponies is shorter than that of a halter for warmbloods. This means that there is less excess rope at the end and the knots are in the right places on the horse's head.
To determine the correct size rope halter for your pony, measure the nose circumference. The nose rope must not be too tight or too wide, so that it fits the head correctly, does not slip or chafe and the knots do not press uncomfortably. Place a measuring tape two finger widths below the cheekbone once around the nose and measure the result:

• Shetland Pony: 44-48cm nose circumference
• Pony: 47-54cm
• Nose circumference
• Cob: 54-60cm nose circumference

Which Western girth is suitable for ponies?

Ponies and some cobs are often barrel-shaped. This can be a challenge when fitting and selecting a Western saddle and Western girth. In addition, many ponies have small withers, which is why the saddle slips very easily.
To prevent this, besides an adapted saddle, the shape and length of the girth can also make a big difference. On the one hand, a suitable girth length is of course important. The length should be chosen so that the buckles of the girth are above the elbows. Above this, they do not pinch any folds of skin. At the same time, it must not be too long, otherwise it would press on the upper muscles or, in the case of the horse accelerating, no longer hold the saddle in place.
When buying a Western girth for ponies, it is best to measure from the place where the girth buckles should lie after girthing. Make sure that you place the measuring tape at the same height on both sides.
If your pony's saddle slips forward when moving, a crescent girth can be part of the solution. In our online shop you can buy Western girths in different sizes as well as shapes. You can find a larger selection of Western girths in the corresponding category.

Which Western bit is suitable for ponies?

When choosing the correct Western bit for your pony, the size is the first decisive factor. Ponies' mouths are not only small, but also narrow. The bit should not protrude more than half a centimetre from the mouth on either side. For ponies and small horses we have Western bits with a length of 11.5 and 12.5cm.
When buying a Western bit for your pony, also pay attention to the bit thickness. Ponies don't have much room in their mouth anyway, which is also taken up by the tongue. A thick bit can be annoying for the pony. However, Western bits are usually very thin. In our online shop you will find, for example, Western bits for ponies with a thickness of 11mm.
Among the Western bits there are snaffle bits and bits with shanks, whereby mainly snaffle bits, which can be compared to a normal loose ring snaffle bit, are used for ponies. To give your pony lateral guidance, single jointed Western bits with D-rings are recommended. These cannot slip or be pulled through the mouth and are very steady on the lips.
For a particularly calm position in the horse's mouth, you can buckle in a chin strap, which also supports the effect of the bit.