Leadline saddle??

[palomino]

I need some opinions. Should I get London a leadline saddle for her first saddle or should I just get a western with a small seat?? Im leaning toward a leadline saddle, but Im not sure how much quality matters when its a leadline saddle. She is by no means going to ride alone, but I just want to ensure she has a comfy ride when she is being led around. When she gets a little older and gets her own little horse we can worry about learning to really ride.:cowboy: She sure is in love with horses already though- YESSSSS!!

[WashingtonBay]

What is a 'leadline' saddle... is that a brand? or a type... give us pics :)

[palomino]

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-15553&tid=yahoosh&CATALOG_CODE=1X843&EID=X1843001&zmam=1460880&zmas=1&zmac=28&zmap=X1-15553

This is an example of a leadline saddle. I am debating between this type of saddle and just a 12" barrel saddle.

[outriding01]

When my trainer's son was that age, they got him the cutest little english leadline saddle, but I've heard from many sources that it's really helpful to start off with a bareback pad with a handle instead. They say at that age, the stirrups are just as likely to hinder as to help, and using just a bareback pad helps kids develop a good seat and balance much faster and get them ready for more advanced stuff by the time they're big enough for it. I can definitely understand the logic behind this, since so many little kids just look awkward in any saddle, but seem so much more comfy when just hanging out bareback.

[palomino]

That totally makes sense. Her balance right now is REALLY wobbly on horseback, but once I get her something I can lead her around on, Im sure she will get better.

[WashingtonBay]

I would agree that with really little ones, stirrups are a mistake.

[palomino]

Well then I think I will look for another bareback pad, one with a handle. I can go for a saddle when she is older. Thanks!

[WashingtonBay]

Careful with bareback pads that they actually have a secure enough girth for the handle to be safe to hang on to... no slipping!

The neatest thing I've seen for kids is a circingle with the vaulting type handles... Or like the anti-casting device Iris Green had. A big secure loop to hang on to, while still being bareback.

[palomino]

So if I took the leathers off of the leadline saddle that would be perfect. I do think a bareback pad will slip- I rode in mine yesterday and ended up halfway off the ass end of Izzy LOL. Im going to go ahead and get a leadline saddle and take the leathers off.

[WashingtonBay]

That sounds like a great solution :)

[palomino]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Childs-Leadline-Saddle_W0QQitemZ260509340898QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca79114e2

What about this? Looks like a smokin deal to me! I might just buy this one right now and london can start riding as soon as it gets here! It may be a crap quality saddle, but it doesnt have to be great quality for a leadline IMO. What do you think?

[WashingtonBay]

I think it would be hard to beat the price... it also looks like it might be pretty slick? What do you think of that... little legs can't do much gripping, and there's actually some appeal to a wool or fabric pad that is a little more sticky for little ones. Perhaps one of the seat saver type thingies would be secure and help?

[palomino]

I didnt think of that! There is a ton of the leadline saddles on ebay. Im going to post up a few more, maybe you can help me decide.

[palomino]

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHIRES-Bambino-First-Leadline-Saddle-Black-10_W0QQitemZ350283046419QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item518e7f1e13

This one has a more Wintecky (LOL) seat on it, and looks more secure for her size since its only 10". Think its too small?

[WashingtonBay]

I think that one looks less slippery... and if it's cheap, it doesn't have to last years... well fitting will be better than too big a seat.

[palomino]

True. its not spendy at all, I can get away with 50 bucks for a leadline saddle and still think its a great deal. Thats the total plus shipping, so Im ok with that.

[PoniesRock101]

Aww...That saddle is so darn cute!:) Hope everything works out. Bet london will be an adorable little cowgirl!