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Guy Cantin Beginner Saddles | Emmers Equestrian
Guy Cantin is a French saddler that specializes in saddles for children on ponies, built as a genuine step between a bareback pad and a full-size saddle. These are designed for young riders taking their first steps in the saddle (and, with the jumping model, their first fences) rather than for adults new to riding, so if you're shopping for a young child's first proper saddle, this is the right category to be looking at.
The main thing that sets these apart is the removable safety handle, fitted for an instructor or parent to hold onto while a small child finds their balance, along with full-grain leather construction that's noticeably lighter than a standard saddle. Most models are built for riders up to around 50 kg, which tells you this range is for genuinely young or very small riders rather than teenagers or adults on a pony.
The right saddle is essential for your horse’s comfort, freedom of movement and performance, and its fit can change as your horse’s shape and fitness develop. Whether you’re choosing a new saddle or checking your current one, discover the Emmers Equestrian Saddle Fitting Service for expert advice tailored to both horse and rider.
Tips for Choosing
- Choose the Educative model as a general first saddle, and the Jumping model once your child is starting to jump, since it adds knee blocks and cleats the Educative version doesn't have.
- Check the maximum rider weight (around 50 kg across this range) before buying, since these saddles are built for small children, not teenagers or lightweight adults.
- Measure your pony rather than guessing; sizes run from roughly 13.5" to 16.5", and getting this right matters more than usual given how closely these saddles are built to a child-and-pony fit.
- Keep the safety handle in mind as a teaching aid for the instructor or parent, not a replacement for proper balance and position as your child progresses.
- Factor in how long your pony will realistically be the right size, since children and ponies both grow, and this is very much a saddle built for a specific stage rather than years of unchanged use.
Frequently asked questions
Is this saddle only for complete beginners, or can a more confident child rider use it too?
It works well for both, the educative model suits a true first-timer, while the jumping model suits a child who's progressed to jumping, so it's about stage rather than just confidence.
What's the safety handle actually for?
It gives an instructor or parent something secure to hold while a young rider is still finding their balance, rather than being a feature the child uses to hold on to themselves.
Is there a weight limit I should know about?
Yes, these saddles are generally built for riders up to around 50 kg, so they're intended for small children rather than older or heavier riders.
How do I know what size my pony needs?
Measure your pony's back rather than guessing from age or height alone, since these saddles are designed to fit smaller pony conformations closely.
Will my child need a new saddle quickly as they grow?
Possibly, this range is built for a specific stage of a child's riding, so it's worth thinking of it as a saddle for now rather than one that will last several years of growth.
Can this saddle be used for jumping straight away?
Only the Jumping model is built for that; with dedicated knee blocks and cleats, the Educative model is meant for general flatwork and early lessons rather than fences.
You'll find the Guy Cantin pony saddle range at Emmers Equestrian.