Polo Saddles Guide
What makes a polo saddle different from English or Western saddles, key features to look for, price ranges, and essential condition checks when buying used.
Polo Saddle vs English Saddle
Polo saddles are purpose-designed for the demands of the sport — maximum freedom of movement, quick weight shifts, and the long leg position needed for effective shot-making. Here is how they compare with general English saddles.
| Feature | Polo Saddle | English Saddle |
|---|---|---|
| Seat shape | Flat seat — allows the rider to move freely and shift weight rapidly. Less deep than English saddle. | Deeper seat with more defined knee rolls, designed for security and stability in jumping or dressage movements. |
| Flap style | Long, forward-cut flap allowing the rider's leg to hang long and swing freely for swing shots. | Cut to suit the specific discipline (short for jumping, longer for dressage). Not designed for mallet swing range. |
| Pommel & cantle height | Low pommel and cantle — allows the rider to move forward and back on the horse quickly. | Varies by type; jumping saddles have low pommel; dressage saddles have straighter flap. |
| Knee rolls | Minimal or absent knee rolls — freedom of movement is prioritised over security. | Pronounced knee rolls for security, particularly in jumping. |
| Stirrup bar position | Forward-set stirrup bars to encourage the long leg position needed for mallet work. | Positioned for discipline-specific riding posture. |
| Girth system | Point strap girthing system (three-point girthing) for security during the demands of fast turning and stopping. | Two or three point, discipline dependent. |
Polo Saddle Price Guide
Polo saddle prices span a wide range. The correct choice depends on frequency of play, budget, and pony conformation.
Entry-Level New
$400 – $800
Mass-produced saddles suitable for beginners and training. Functional but limited longevity compared to quality handmade saddles.
Mid-Range New
$800 – $2,000
Quality construction, good leather, suitable for regular club play. Most club players' preferred range.
Premium New
$2,000 – $5,000+
Handmade saddles from specialist polo saddle makers. Excellent leather, precise construction, and long lifespan. Preferred by serious competitive players.
Used / Second-Hand
$200 – $2,000
Used polo saddles can represent excellent value — a well-maintained quality saddle retains value. Always have a used saddle inspected by a qualified saddler before purchase.
Condition Checks for Buying Used
Used polo saddles can offer excellent value — but must be carefully inspected before purchase. A qualified saddler should assess any used saddle before significant investment.
A broken saddle tree is an irreparable safety hazard. Never purchase a used saddle without checking tree integrity or having it assessed by a qualified saddler.
Tree integrity
The saddle tree is the structural frame of the saddle. A broken or twisted tree cannot be ridden on safely. Place the saddle on your knee and flex gently side to side — any cracking or movement indicates a broken tree. Seek a qualified saddler's assessment before purchase.
Leather condition
Look for cracks, dry leather, or areas of heavy wear particularly at the girth straps, flap edge, and seat junction. Very dry leather may indicate the saddle has been poorly maintained. Good quality leather can be reconditioned if not cracked through.
Girth strap wear
Inspect each girth strap (billet strap) individually. They should be smooth, supple, and free from cuts or tears at the stitching. Girth straps are safety-critical — a broken strap mid-match can cause a serious fall.
Stitching integrity
Check all stitching on panels, flaps, and seat. Re-stitching is possible and much cheaper than replacing a saddle — but extensive stitching failure may indicate overall poor condition.
Panel condition
The panels are the padded underside that rests on the horse's back. They should be even, smooth, and free from lumps, hard spots, or areas of collapse. Uneven panels can cause saddle sores and back problems in the horse.
Professional fitting
A polo saddle must fit the horse it will be used on. An ill-fitting saddle causes discomfort and back problems in the horse, and affects rider position and safety. A qualified saddle fitter should assess fit before use on a new horse.
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Polo Saddles FAQs
Common questions about polo saddles
Last updated: May 2026