Waldhausen Star Leather Crupper for Horses & Ponies
Description
Waldhausen Star Leather Crupper - Adjustable Padded Dock Piece
The Waldhausen Star Leather Crupper is an adjustable leather crupper with a softly padded dock piece that attaches to the back of the saddle and passes under the tail to hold the saddle in the right position. It is best for ponies, Shetlands, cobs and horses with low, flat or rounded withers whose saddle creeps forward when hacking, hill work or schooling.
Three lengths are available - Shetland, Pony and Full - and each one adjusts through a set range so the fit can be tuned to the individual rather than forced. You can see more saddlery of this type in our saddle accessories collection.
Key Features
- Softly padded dock piece for comfort beneath the tail
- Adjustable on every size for an accurate, individual fit
- Leather construction in a traditional crupper design
- Helps stop the saddle sliding forward on flat-withered horses and ponies
- Shetland, Pony and Full sizes covering 49cm to 71cm of adjustment
- Suits ridden work, in-hand work and lead-rein ponies
Specifications
| Brand | Waldhausen |
|---|---|
| Model | Star Leather Crupper |
| Material | Leather, padded dock piece |
| Adjustment | Adjustable dock strap |
| Shetland size | 49cm smallest setting to 54cm largest setting |
| Pony size | 54cm smallest setting to 62cm largest setting |
| Full size | 65cm smallest setting to 71cm largest setting |
| Country of origin | India |
How to Use
- Measure from the crupper attachment point at the back of the saddle to the base of the dock, and choose the size whose range covers that figure with adjustment spare.
- Fasten the crupper strap to the crupper D or dee on the rear of the saddle.
- Lift the tail gently, pass the padded dock piece under it and let the tail rest naturally over the strap.
- Adjust the length so the strap is snug with a slight give - not tight enough to pull on the dock, not slack enough to swing.
- Check the dock piece is lying flat with no twists and that no tail hairs are trapped underneath.
- Introduce it gradually over a few short sessions and check beneath the tail for rubbing afterwards.
FAQ
What size crupper do I need?
Measure from the saddle's crupper attachment to the base of the dock. Shetland adjusts from 49cm to 54cm, Pony from 54cm to 62cm and Full from 65cm to 71cm. Choose the range that leaves adjustment in both directions rather than sitting at the extreme end.
What does a crupper actually do?
It links the back of the saddle to the dock, which stops the saddle sliding forward onto the shoulders. It is most useful on ponies and horses with little or no wither, and on steep, hilly ground.
Is the dock piece comfortable?
The dock piece is softly padded so the part sitting under the tail is cushioned. It should lie flat and untwisted, and the underside of the tail should be checked for rubbing during the first few uses.
Can it be used on a Shetland or lead-rein pony?
Yes. The Shetland length adjusts from 49cm to 54cm and is intended for the smallest ponies, with the Pony size covering 54cm to 62cm.
How do I care for the leather?
Wipe clean after use, dry naturally away from direct heat and condition the leather periodically to keep it supple. Inspect stitching and the attachment point as part of your regular tack checks.
My horse has never worn a crupper - what should I do?
Introduce it in short sessions in a safe, enclosed area. Some horses clamp the tail at first, so allow time for them to accept the feel before longer rides.
About Waldhausen
Waldhausen make saddlery, stable equipment and rider kit for everyday yard use, pairing traditional designs with practical, hard-wearing materials. The Star range covers straightforward leather essentials for horses and ponies.

