Saddle Fitting Service

Saddle design

There are a few important rules about the design of the saddle.

1. The panels must be wide,  even on both sides, and feel smooth from front to back.
2. The gullet or channel should be wide and straight.
3. The girth straps should be as far apart as possible so that the pull from the girth is widespread.
4. The ends of the stirrup bars must not point inwards.

I keep demos of these saddles in stock and am available to bring them out to try and assess on site.

 

GENERAL PURPOSE SADDLES

The Albion K2 GP has to be a favourite.

It has large knee rolls that give great security out hacking, not too high a cantle and a reasonably deep seat.  It is very comfortable for long periods, it is the saddle I ride in myself.  It is a great saddle for the non competitive rider. If you want to event or show jump, see the K2 jump.

There is a straighter cut version that suits wider horse.

The Albion VSD.

This saddle is great for showing and working hunter as it shows off the horses shoulder.

Ideal Monarch

The Ideal Monarch is a modernised version of the old favourite the international event, a true GP. This model has large knee rolls with soft kneepads incorporating ghost pad lines to enable fold. It also has a multi cell seat as standard and increased panel surface area. 

Ideal Gazelle

This saddle has a square cantle and can give optimum space for the larger, taller rider without compromising the space on the horses back.

It has a massive dropped panel, so gives great cushioning for the horse and it can be made to fit the narrowest of horses.
Hastilow Ranger

The Hastilow Ranger for ponies has a shallow seat and is designed to fit closely to the pony. A knee roll holds and supports the leg without impairing the shoulder of the pony. There are five girth strap positions available to suit even the most difficult shaped ponies.

I will put the K2 Jump in this category as it is an excellent GP/jump saddle for the more competitive rider. It has a large high knee roll and a smaller thigh roll, open seat with a square cantle. Taller riders have more space in the saddle as their knees come below the knee roll.  It is a useful saddle for shorter backed horses.  There is more depth in the panel than in a normal jumping saddle so it can be used for general riding and hunting.

JUMP SADDLES

All jump saddles have square cantles, I put them into 2 categories.

1. The true Close Contact Jump has a thin panel, usually composite, foam and moulded.  Some more competitive riders prefer them as they are light and unobtrusive.  I do not sell many as they are mostly sold direct from the manufacturer.
2. The close contacts I prefer to sell are flocked panel saddles which are more adaptable and easier to adjust when the horse changes shape.  They can also be used for schooling and general riding, not just for competing.

The K2 Jump

This saddle is a best seller.  It is not only a great GP it is also a great jumping saddle, the knee rolls give you security with a great close contact feel.

The Albion Kontact

The Kontact saddles were created in co-operation with William Fox Pitt.  They use new design technology to put the performances of the jumping horse and rider ahead of the competition.

The main criteria set by William to develop the perfect jumping saddle was to remove pressure from the loins and shoulder, whilst eliminating saddle movement and providing both horse and rider with the ultimate comfort.  The Kontact can have single flap and long girth straps or standard short girth straps.

The Ideal Gazelle for Jumping

This saddle provides a wider seat with all the benefits for the heavier rider. It has soft kneepads to ensure comfort and security. It has adjustable thigh blocks which are held in place by Velcro and has proved to be popular with the hunting fraternity.
The Impala Professional

This modern single flap saddle fulfils the need for closeness to the horse but without compromising on fit, it has a close contact flocked panel.  The tree has a flat cantle for a more open seat, ideal for x country and with a free swinging girthing system allowing fitting flexibility.   

The GFS Generation Training SP

This saddle has a composite panel which is not normally my choice but this particular model has a very well shaped tree almost identical to the Pessoa I have found that it fits well on ponies and with a few adjustments to the girthing it virtually is one of the only saddles that stays put, it is outstanding value for money and is an ideal alternative to a synthetic.

THE PESSOA AMO

In Harmony with Nelson Pessoa’s philosophy the Amo is a minimal close contact saddle built on a moulded panel with a narrow twist.

THE PESSOA LEGACY EVENT

Featuring the X-change system the Legacy Event XP3 saddle has 5 different tree width options.  A forward cut panel and flap offer a rider with a long hip to knee measurement adequate room to balance and perform in the saddle.  The Legacy is built on a lightweight, RD Dupont close contact tree and has a flocked panel.

(pic of Pessoa Legacy Event)

RODRIGO PONY

The price is high for this pony saddle but it has great stability.  The flat shaped tree enables the rider to slip their seat effectively when required.  The only blip is it does not come with point and balance tabs which means I often have to add these at greater cost.
(pic of Rodrigo Pony)

DRESSAGE SADDLES

The Albion SLK Platinum Ultima

This saddle is the most luxurious saddle Albion have ever created.  With the seat, pads and panels made from the finest calf leather, this saddle provides the ultimate in performance technology for both horse and rider.

The SLK Ultima features precision moulded flaps, providing riders with the highest level of support needed to achieve peak performance.

The SLK Ultima is the choice of Badminton winner William Fox Pitt, with its reputation growing rapidly it continues to be the 1st choice of many of the World’s top dressage riders.

The Platinum model has a changeable head so can adjust to follow the horse’s changes through its working career.

Ideal Suzannah 1650

The Suzannah is a saddle that is based on the original Jessica.  This saddle is designed for fit horses in training and competition.  A serious saddle for the serious rider, the wider seat profile and steeper cantle improve the balance and stability of the rider.  The tree has been slimmed down to enable a closer feel.  All in all this is on a par with the Albion SLK and it fits a different type of horse.

BATES INNOVA

This saddle has a completely new and slightly unusual look but it really works, particularly on a big moving horse when the rider is really struggling to keep movement to a minimum.  There are two models, the standard large block and the smaller moulded block. The large block helps the rider to sit very upright.  Some horses appreciate the feel of the rider in this saddle.

The Innova also has the ‘Cair’ Air Panel System and has a changeable gullet plate.

Wintec Isabel Dressage saddle

The Wintec Isabel is the only synthetic saddle that has all the virtues of a leather Dressage saddle.  It has the high cantle and deep comfortable seat.  With use of the ‘Cair’ Air Panel System, it is easily adjustable to fit quite difficult horses and I would recommend this saddle rather than trying to locate a decent second hand saddle.