Saddles

The saddle - a key component in the communication between horse and rider

In order to ensure a good stability on your horse and to protect your horse's back, choosing the right saddle is extremely important. The design of the saddle differs depending on the riding style. There are dressage saddles, jumping saddles, eventing saddles, Icelandinc saddles and endurance saddles, to name but a few. If you want to protect your horse's back but don't want to have a proper treed saddle, you can opt for a treeless saddle or riding pads. These treeless "saddles" give the rider much less support, but cushion the horse's back. You should choose the saddle that suits you, depending on your riding style and your horse's build. The saddle should not only fit the horse, but you as the rider should also feel comfortable in it. If the seat is too small, for example, you will not be able to follow the horse's movements and will be limited in your aids. If the seat is too big, on the other hand, the aids usually become vague because the rider cannot sit calmly and constantly tries to compensate for the unsteady seat. 

Which saddle is best for which purpose?

Dressage saddles

A dressage saddle has a deep seat and pronounced knee rolls. In addition, the saddle flaps are considerably longer than those of a jumping or eventing saddle. Dressage saddles provide good balance when sitting and allow better contact with your horse. A dressage girth is used for a dressage girth with its long gullets. As with the all purpose girths, there are different models: with or without elastic insert, made of leather or neoprene, or a so-called moon girth, which allows the horse optimal freedom of movement.

Jumping Saddles

The jumping saddle has a much flatter seat and saddle flaps that are cut further forward, and the rear pommels are also more pronounced. Jumping saddles are designed to give you stability and support in the saddle while jumping, without restricting your freedom of movement. A general purpose girth is usually used for a jumping saddle.
When jumping horses with cleats, a stud girth is often used to protect the horse's sensitive belly. 

All purpose saddles

Eventing or all purpose saddles are true all-rounders. They can be used for different disciplines and riding styles and can be tailored for dressage or jumping. You can use an eventing saddle for dressage riding as well as for cross-country riding.

Treeless saddles, bareback pads and riding pads

The main difference between bareback pads and saddles is that they do not have a fixed saddle tree and therefore offer direct contact with the horse. One special type is the treeless saddle, which does not have a saddle tree. Fur saddles from Christ are also very popular. With their more or less pronounced front or rear pommel, they offer the rider considerably more support than a riding pad. 

Cross-country Riding Saddles

Cross-country saddles are specially designed for longer distances. They offer optimal pressure distribution and cover a large area of the horse's back. Trail saddles often come with extra features, for example, luggage attachments, to ensure comfort even on rides lasting several days.  

Racing saddles

Racing saddles are mostly used for racing and driving and are characterised by their light weight and small size. In horse races, they can give the jockey a decisive advantage.

Icelandic Saddles

These saddles are specially designed for Icelandic horses. They have a special shape and size and are perfectly adapted to the physique of Icelanders. 

Choosing the right saddle

Of course, the discipline in which you ride plays an important role when choosing a saddle. Once you have decided on a type of saddle, however, you should consider other criteria, because the saddle must not only fit you, but also your horse. 

Important criteria for the choice of your saddle are:

• Shape and size of the saddle tree and gullet plate.
• Size and spacing, as well as the angle and, of course, the filling of the saddle panels.
• Size and shape of the seat
• If applicable, the availability of suitable saddle accessories.

Saddle Accessories 

Horze offers a wide range of accessories for your saddle. The most important accessory is probably a saddle pads. To provide additional padding for the horse's back or to improve the position of the saddle, half pads are suitable. These are usually made of gel sheepskin or memory foam and provide even more comfort. Please note: sometimes less is more, because if you use too thick a pad under a saddle, the saddle can become too tight and cause pressure points. If you are unsure, it is best to talk to your trusted saddler, who will be able to give you good advice.

a wide selection of riding saddles

Our range includes high-quality saddles from Horze, but also from other top equestrian manufacturers. We also offer sheepskin bareback saddles from Christ. If you are riding an Icelandic horse, the Icelandic saddles from Karlslund which are specially adapted to the breed, are the best choice.