- Pony saddles typically have a narrower seat width, ranging from 12 to 14 inches, to accommodate the smaller build of a pony.
- Horse saddles have a wider seat width, usually between 14 to 18 inches, to provide more comfort and stability for a larger rider on a horse.
2. Horn Size:
- Pony saddles often feature a shorter and less pronounced horn, usually 2 to 3 inches in height, designed for a child's or smaller rider's reach and safety.
- Horse saddles have a taller horn, typically 3 to 4 inches in height, to provide better control and leverage during riding maneuvers.
3. Stirrup Length:
- Pony saddles have shorter stirrups to accommodate the shorter legs of young riders or those with smaller builds.
- Horse saddles have longer stirrups to fit the longer leg length of an adult rider or someone taller.
4. Skirt Length:
- Pony saddles have shorter skirts, which are the panels that hang down on either side of the seat, to prevent them from interfering with the pony's movement.
- Horse saddles have longer skirts to provide a better fit for the horse's conformation and longer stride.
5. Overall Size and Weight:
- Pony saddles are typically lighter in weight and have smaller dimensions overall to suit the smaller size of a pony.
- Horse saddles are larger and heavier, constructed to withstand the weight of a full-grown adult rider.