Saddle: Dressage, Jumping and General Purpose Saddles for Your Horse

Saddle: fit makes all the difference to comfort

A saddle spreads the rider's weight across the horse's back and gives you support and balance. Here you will find dressage, jumping and general purpose saddles from Wintec and Waldhausen, along with a working saddle with a flexible tree and a complete leather pony saddle set. Many Wintec models have an interchangeable gullet plate so the width can be adjusted.

Which saddle suits your riding

A dressage saddle has long, straight flaps and a deep seat so your leg can hang long against the horse. The jumping saddle is flatter, with forward-cut flaps for shorter stirrups. The general purpose saddle sits in between and suits riders who combine flatwork, hacking and small jumps. Synthetic saddles are light and easy to care for, while leather saddles need more attention and become beautifully soft over time. There are also dedicated models for broad horses or horses with high withers.

Have it fitted rather than guessing

Even the nicest saddle is no use if it pinches. Have the width and panel contact checked on your horse by a saddler or saddle fitter. Air panel systems such as CAIR mould slightly to the back but do not replace a check. Because muscling and back shape change, a check roughly once a year is worthwhile. A saddle sits correctly when it makes even contact, leaves the shoulder free and has enough clearance over the withers.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell that my saddle does not fit?
Typical signs are dry patches in the sweat pattern, white hairs, a sensitive back or a horse that becomes grumpy when tacked up. A saddle that slips or rocks is another warning sign. Have a saddler take a look, and call the vet if your horse seems to be in pain.

Is a synthetic saddle worse than a leather one?
Not in principle. Synthetic saddles are light, washable and are ridden in competition too, as long as they fit well. Leather saddles feel grippier and last many years with good care.

Can I change the gullet width myself?
On saddles with an interchangeable gullet plate, the plate can be swapped with very few tools. Which width your horse needs should still be decided by someone experienced, with the horse in front of them. The wrong width quickly puts pressure on the withers or shoulder.