Saunders & Daughters Saddles

16/10/2026

Fitting ponies is something close to our hearts. Lizzie has had plenty of practice with her own little riders! 🤍

Ponies aren’t just small horses, and they can be some of the trickiest to fit. A few things we look out for:

🐴 Shape: lots of ponies have broad, round backs and low withers, so saddles can easily slip forward or roll.
🐴 Length: short backs mean the saddle mustn’t sit past the last rib, even if a bigger seat looks comfier for the rider.
🐴 Changing shape: youngsters are still growing, and good doers can change a lot with the grass, so regular checks really matter.
🐴 Hand-me-downs: a saddle that fitted the last pony won’t automatically fit the next one.

And the saddle has to suit the little rider too. Shorter flaps and the right seat size help them feel safe, balanced and confident, and children grow fast, so it’s worth rechecking as they go up a size.

15/10/2026

27/09/2026

Sensible saddle storage doesn’t have to be complicated - or cost the earth! 🙌

We loved this simple idea from one of our clients, who has used foam pipe insulation to cover the metal arms of their saddle racks. Pool noodles work brilliantly too! Both create a wider, softer surface for your saddle to sit on, helping to prevent narrow metal arms from leaving pressure marks or indentations in the panels over time.

A few simple things can make all the difference:
🤎 Pad your saddle rack: foam pipe insulation or pool noodles are an inexpensive and easy way to protect your saddle.
🤎 Keep it covered: a saddle cover helps protect against dust, dirt, scratches and general yard grime. Lizzie is modelling one of our lovely SD Saddles covers here!
🤎 Keep it dry & ventilated: store your saddle away from damp, condensation and direct heat to help keep the leather in good condition.

Small changes that can help keep your saddle protected and in the best condition possible.

25/09/2026

⚠️ A few simple checks before you tack up can help you spot wear or damage before it becomes a safety issue. ⚠️

Here are 3 saddle safety checks you can easily do at home:
1️⃣ Check the tree: look and feel for any unusual movement, twisting or noises that could indicate damage.
2️⃣ Check the stitching: keep an eye out for loose, fraying or damaged stitching, particularly around high-stress areas.
3️⃣ Check the leatherwork: inspect your girth straps and stirrup leathers for cracks, stretching or excessive wear.

They only take a couple of minutes, but getting into the habit of regularly checking your tack can help keep both horse and rider safe.

And if you spot anything you’re unsure about, don’t take the risk - have it checked by a professional before using it again ☑️

20/09/2026

We’re keeping the GFS theme going this week!

You may remember Atlas the Connemara from one of our previous posts, where we fitted him with a GFS Premier Monoflap.

This time, we’re showing just how versatile the GFS range of saddles can be. This GFS Premier Contour Monoflap features deeper, fuller panels designed to accommodate horses with muscle atrophy or a less developed topline, helping us achieve the correct fit for a very different back profile.

Another example of why having the right panel configuration can make all the difference.

18/09/2026

A lovely day at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials 🤍

A huge thank you to GFS Saddles for inviting us along. GFS are new proud sponsors of the prestigious 8 & 9 Year Old Event Horse Class, and it was great to be there supporting them.

We also got an exciting preview of their brand-new affordable saddle range, which was being showcased at Blenheim 👀

Coming very soon… and we can’t wait to share more with you!