If you're deciding between the Mini and the Standard Versatile Apex Saddle, the short answer is this: the Mini is for riders aged 2-9, and the Standard is for riders aged 10-17 or children with additional support needs. Age is the starting point, but your child's confidence, riding experience and the pony they'll ride all help you land on the right size.
This guide explains how the two sizes differ, who each one suits, what to do if your child sits between sizes, and which ponies and horses the saddle is designed for.
Still comparing saddle types in general? Start with our best children's saddle guide.
Table of Contents
Mini vs Standard at a Glance
| Mini | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Rider age | 2-9 years | 10-17 years, or children with additional support needs |
| What it offers | Added support for early balance and confidence | Stability as skills develop |
| Best for | Young and beginner riders | Older children and teens, and riders who need extra support |
| Ponies and horses | Ideal for ponies | Ideal for ponies |
What Both Sizes Have in Common
Both sizes use the same patented, treeless design. Each has a lightweight build, front and rear support panels, a detachable balance strap, curved safety stirrup bars and a memory foam seat in easy-wipe vegan leather.
The support panels can be swapped for smaller ones as a rider gains confidence, so the saddle gradually becomes more open instead of changing all at once. If you'd like to know why support matters so much for young riders, our stability, sizing and adjustability guide goes into detail.
When the Mini Is the Right Choice
The Mini is designed for children aged 2-9 and gives added support for early balance and confidence. Younger riders are still developing their balance, so the front and rear panels and the detachable balance strap give them something secure to settle into. The strap can be removed once they feel confident riding independently.
Choose the Mini if your child is:
- Aged between 2 and 9
- A beginner, or still building confidence
- Riding a pony
If your child is very young and this is their first saddle, our guide to a first saddle for a toddler covers what else to look for.
When the Standard Is the Right Choice
The Standard suits two groups of riders.
Riders Aged 10-17
Older children and teens who have outgrown the Mini still benefit from steady support while their skills develop, with more room to ride independently as they progress.
Children With Additional Support Needs
The Versatile Apex Saddle is endorsed by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), and the Standard size is suitable for children who need extra support. The front and rear panels and the balance strap are designed to help riders feel stable and secure.
Which Ponies and Horses Is It Designed For?
The Versatile Apex Saddle is designed for young riders and is ideal for ponies. We don't recommend it for large horses. Draught, extra-full and full sizes are not recommended for children or new riders and have been removed from the product range.
Its treeless construction is designed to follow the shape of the pony's back, and the saddle should be used with a dressage-style girth for a secure, balanced fit.
What If Your Child Is Between Sizes?
The age ranges meet at 9 and 10, and age isn't the only thing that matters. If your child is close to the cut-off, think about:
- Their height and build
- How much riding experience they have
- How confident they feel, and how much support they need
- Whether they have additional support needs
- The size of the pony they'll ride
Still unsure? Contact the Criterion team before you order and we'll help you choose.
Checklist Before You Buy
- Age: 2-9 points to the Mini; 10-17 points to the Standard
- Support needs: children with additional support needs are suited to the Standard
- Experience and confidence: beginners and nervous riders benefit most from the support panels and balance strap
- Pony size: ideal for ponies, and not recommended for large horses
- Girth: use a dressage-style girth
Where to Buy
You can see full details of the Versatile Apex children's saddle on the Criterion website, then buy online at Versatile Saddle and choose your size at checkout.
The Versatile Apex Saddle is patented, and Versatile Saddle and Versatile Apex are trademarked names.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Versatile Apex saddle does a 7-year-old need?
The Mini is designed for children aged 2-9, so it's the size for a 7-year-old. If your child has additional support needs or you're unsure, contact the Criterion team for advice.
What age is the Standard Versatile Apex saddle for?
The Standard is for riders aged 10-17, and for children with additional support needs.
Can I use the Versatile Apex saddle on a large horse?
We don't recommend it. The saddle is designed for young riders and is ideal for ponies.
Is the Versatile Apex saddle suitable for children with additional support needs?
The Standard size is suitable for children with additional support needs, and the saddle is endorsed by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
Does the saddle change as my child improves?
Yes. The front and rear panels can be swapped for smaller ones and the balance strap can be removed, so the saddle gives less support as your child's confidence grows.