The Discovery saddle range
The Discovery Saddle range offers incredible quality at affordable prices for riders of all levels and disciplines.
Discovery Saddles are semi-customisable in that they can be made on a shorter panel if needed for very short-backed horses and there are different girthing and knee roll options available.
Discovery Saddles have been developed by a family of equestrian enthusiasts in the U.K. since 2016, who possess an impressive wealth of knowledge in designing, making and fitting saddles. They have been personally selected by Victoria Hamilton to form part of the VH Saddlery range for their excellent quality, incredible fit and value for money.
Designed and manufactured by master craftsmen, the Discovery Saddles have a number of special features that have earnt them their amazing reputation for excellent horse fit and rider comfort, including a uniquely shaped and flexible tree, with two tree options for a superior fit. One tree is for horses with more shape to their backs whereas the other is for a flat backed horse. Both trees have their own set of changeable gullets which go from medium to extremely wide.
British master saddlers work to exceedingly high standards to ensure these saddles are made correctly, with attention paid to every detail. By using modern techniques and carefully selected materials to ensure affordability without comprising quality, the Discovery range has a competitive edge.
As the sole importer of Discovery Saddles, you won’t find better value for money in Australia, than a Discovery Saddle through VH Saddlery.
Discovery Saddles are semi-customisable in that they can be made on a shorter panel if needed for very short-backed horses and there are different girthing and knee roll options available.
Discovery Saddles have been developed by a family of equestrian enthusiasts in the U.K. since 2016, who possess an impressive wealth of knowledge in designing, making and fitting saddles. They have been personally selected by Victoria Hamilton to form part of the VH Saddlery range for their excellent quality, incredible fit and value for money.
Designed and manufactured by master craftsmen, the Discovery Saddles have a number of special features that have earnt them their amazing reputation for excellent horse fit and rider comfort, including a uniquely shaped and flexible tree, with two tree options for a superior fit. One tree is for horses with more shape to their backs whereas the other is for a flat backed horse. Both trees have their own set of changeable gullets which go from medium to extremely wide.
British master saddlers work to exceedingly high standards to ensure these saddles are made correctly, with attention paid to every detail. By using modern techniques and carefully selected materials to ensure affordability without comprising quality, the Discovery range has a competitive edge.
As the sole importer of Discovery Saddles, you won’t find better value for money in Australia, than a Discovery Saddle through VH Saddlery.
clever design
Giving you great value for money.
AffordableUsing modern designs and carefully selected materials to ensure affordability.
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Unique treesmade on plastic trees which gives them flexibility and are sprung like traditional wooden trees and reinforced with metal to give them strength
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adjustable optionsAdjustable knee rolls, changeable gullets and different girthing options for superior fit.
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Discovery Saddle Range
Discovery Dressage saddleIf comfort and security are your number one priority, you can’t go past a Discovery Dressage Saddle.
Suitable for all levels of dressage, the Discovery Dressage Saddle maximises the balance of the rider and free movement of the horse. One of the most comfortable saddles you’ll ever sit in, the Discovery Dressage Saddles come in black and dark brown. 16.5-18.5" RRP - $3485. |
Discovery jump
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Discovery all-Purpose SaddleAn extremely versatile saddle, the Discovery All-Purpose Saddle is designed for general riding use.
Suitable for all activities including trail riding, schooling and jumping, the Discovery All-Purpose Saddles are an excellent choice for Pony Club, Adult Riding Club, Working Equitation or those who just like to do a bit of everything with their horses. The Discovery All-Purpose Saddles are available in black and dark brown and with long or short girth points. RRP - $3350. |
DISCOVERY Divine
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Discovery Saddle Features
Seat size
16.5"-18.5"
Adjustable knee rolls
Adjustable knee rolls on all saddles, with rear blocks available on all-purpose and jump saddles.
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Wide channel
The Discovery Saddles have generous felt lined and flock filled panels to ensure maximum comfort of the horse.
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Flexible tree
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Two tree types are available, the WB and the TB, which differ in the shape and angle of the gullet bars as well as the shape of the rails and panels. The WB trees are flatter whereas there is more shape to the TB tree, providing a superior fit based on the conformation of the horse. However, don’t be fooled by the tree name! The most suitable tree depends on the individual horse not its breeding and may sometimes surprise you!
All Discovery Saddles are made on plastic trees, which are spung like traditional wooden trees but with the benefit of flexibility. They are reinforced with metal to ensure strength is maintained. |
changeable gullet
The trees are designed so the width can be easily adjusted in minutes by swapping the gullet bar, with sizes ranging from medium to extremely wide. This accommodates narrow to very, very wide horses quickly and easily.
Girthing options
Discovery Saddles offer the choice of four girthing options, with the point and rear V-Web girth option most commonly use as it creates maximum saddle stability.
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Leather
Discovery Saddles are available in Black or Dark Brown, with the finest hide covered leather for secure feel and durability. The textured seat and knee pads offer extra grip and comfort.
Customisable options now avaiable
All Discovery Saddles are now able to be customised in many different ways to enable you to have the saddle of your dreams!
The options are only limited by your imagination! Price depends on choices made but are very reasonable. So dream on! Coloured trims, embossed leather such as floral, crocodile print and many others, two toned leathers, diamentes are just the start of the choices. |
What our clients say
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best saddles for Very Wide horses?
The most suitable saddle for very wide horses depends on the shape and size of the horse’s withers and the profile of their backs, both from side on or if you imagined taking a cross section of their body. Horses can be wide and have little or no wither, or be wide and have a very pronounced wither. They may be very flat when viewed from the side or quite dippy in their backs and will also vary in how their ribs articulate to their spines, with all of these factors affecting the best choice of saddle for them.
FCS have specialised in producing saddles for very wide horses such as native ponies. They make their own trees, some of which are extremely open in the head and will always make a tree from scratch if need be.
Discovery saddles are available in two totally different tree types and both can go out from medium to extremely wide. The difference is the WB tree is suitable for the flatter backed horses and the TB tree for the horses with more shape in their backs.
Jeffries also have trees that vary in the flatness and angle of the rails with the Liberty and XP trees more for flatter backed horses.
Of the Ryder saddles the Baroque, Excellence, Legacy Ultra and Zara have flatter trees than the Molineux and the Panamera. All of the Ryder saddles are made to profile so can be made as wide as required, as can the VH Saddles which are designed for the flatter backed horses.
Once the tree has been chosen the back panels must be considered as even a flat-backed horse may require shortened back panels or raised up stitch-lines to alleviate pressure in this area, particularly if they have a short saddle platform area or highly developed loins muscles. Victoria is more than happy to discuss the individual requirements of your horse. Contact us to find out more.
FCS have specialised in producing saddles for very wide horses such as native ponies. They make their own trees, some of which are extremely open in the head and will always make a tree from scratch if need be.
Discovery saddles are available in two totally different tree types and both can go out from medium to extremely wide. The difference is the WB tree is suitable for the flatter backed horses and the TB tree for the horses with more shape in their backs.
Jeffries also have trees that vary in the flatness and angle of the rails with the Liberty and XP trees more for flatter backed horses.
Of the Ryder saddles the Baroque, Excellence, Legacy Ultra and Zara have flatter trees than the Molineux and the Panamera. All of the Ryder saddles are made to profile so can be made as wide as required, as can the VH Saddles which are designed for the flatter backed horses.
Once the tree has been chosen the back panels must be considered as even a flat-backed horse may require shortened back panels or raised up stitch-lines to alleviate pressure in this area, particularly if they have a short saddle platform area or highly developed loins muscles. Victoria is more than happy to discuss the individual requirements of your horse. Contact us to find out more.
What are the best saddles for short-backed horses?
It is all relative! Sometimes even a horse with a reasonable length of back is being ridden by a very long-legged rider and the same situation occurs where the rider needs a longer saddle to allow them to be balanced and able to sit in the middle of the saddle that the horse’s back allows. Some saddles are more open in the seat while others are more forward in the flap, both of which will give the rider more room as will saddles with moveable knee rolls if thinner or shorter knee rolls are used.
Discovery saddles are ideal for short-backed horses as they have a relatively short saddle platform area, are quite a roomy saddle for riders and have knee rolls on velcro so riders can often give themselves a bit more room by changing size, type or position of the knee roll. Best of all Discovery saddles can even be made on a half inch shorter panel if necessary.
All of our custom-made range (FCS, Ryder Saddles and VH Signature Saddles) are great as they can be made to fit the rider and horse combination perfectly. Seats can be made more open, flaps more forward cut, knee roll shape, angle and position adjusted to allow the rider more room and panel length shortened.
Discovery saddles are ideal for short-backed horses as they have a relatively short saddle platform area, are quite a roomy saddle for riders and have knee rolls on velcro so riders can often give themselves a bit more room by changing size, type or position of the knee roll. Best of all Discovery saddles can even be made on a half inch shorter panel if necessary.
All of our custom-made range (FCS, Ryder Saddles and VH Signature Saddles) are great as they can be made to fit the rider and horse combination perfectly. Seats can be made more open, flaps more forward cut, knee roll shape, angle and position adjusted to allow the rider more room and panel length shortened.
What are the best saddles for horses with big shoulders?
Horses with big shoulders often also have a forward girth groove which can be more problematic than the shoulders. When placed in the correct position on the horse, a suitable saddle allows the girth straps to hang perpendicular. If the straps have to be pulled forward to girth up, the saddle has no hope of staying back off the shoulders.
Many saddles have been designed to alleviate shoulder pressure and restriction. Some saddles such as the VH Signature Saddles have the tree point angling backwards, allowing greater shoulder freedom but resulting in the girth points on these saddles being further back. This is due to the fact that the further most forward girth strap can only be as forward as the tree point. These saddles must be placed and balanced correctly because if the whole saddle is behind the shoulder, not just the tree point, they will never stay in position. This is why it is so important your saddle fitter is either extremely experienced or knowledgeable on particular brands. There are other saddles that do the opposite, with tree points that flare out and angle forwards. This not only allows the shoulders to move freely but it also enables the girth straps to be very forward, hence keeps the saddle off the shoulders. Discovery WB tree and Max Benz One saddles are examples of such saddles. Max Benz also has a uniquely shaped front panel, allowing the horse’s soft tissue more room, but still excellent support for the moveable knee roll. Yet another unique solution is found in the Ryder Baroque saddles which were developed specifically for Friesian horses and have short tree points which are then flexible.
The paneling of the saddles and length and depth of the front gussets are also important when considering the comfort and fit of saddles for horses with big shoulders. This is quite separate to the width of the gullet or channel and is something that saddle-makers such as FCS and Ryder truly understand. They ensure there is the perfect amount of support and room to balance the saddle whilst keeping the saddle close contact and stable. A true art and rarely found!
Many saddles have been designed to alleviate shoulder pressure and restriction. Some saddles such as the VH Signature Saddles have the tree point angling backwards, allowing greater shoulder freedom but resulting in the girth points on these saddles being further back. This is due to the fact that the further most forward girth strap can only be as forward as the tree point. These saddles must be placed and balanced correctly because if the whole saddle is behind the shoulder, not just the tree point, they will never stay in position. This is why it is so important your saddle fitter is either extremely experienced or knowledgeable on particular brands. There are other saddles that do the opposite, with tree points that flare out and angle forwards. This not only allows the shoulders to move freely but it also enables the girth straps to be very forward, hence keeps the saddle off the shoulders. Discovery WB tree and Max Benz One saddles are examples of such saddles. Max Benz also has a uniquely shaped front panel, allowing the horse’s soft tissue more room, but still excellent support for the moveable knee roll. Yet another unique solution is found in the Ryder Baroque saddles which were developed specifically for Friesian horses and have short tree points which are then flexible.
The paneling of the saddles and length and depth of the front gussets are also important when considering the comfort and fit of saddles for horses with big shoulders. This is quite separate to the width of the gullet or channel and is something that saddle-makers such as FCS and Ryder truly understand. They ensure there is the perfect amount of support and room to balance the saddle whilst keeping the saddle close contact and stable. A true art and rarely found!
What are the best saddles for downhill horses?
Downhill horses and those with low withers can be challenging to ride but this need not be the case! It can be caused by conformation or age, but some horses may move downhill due to pain or training. For example, sore front feet can change the way a horse moves biomechanically, and they can travel on the forehand, as can horses that have been incorrectly stretched down in their work. Dr Victoria Hamilton always looks at the big picture when presented with horses like this as there is no point buying a saddle when there are undiagnosed, unresolved, underlying reasons for the way a horse moves.
Saddle stability and balance is of utmost importance in these situations and Discovery Saddles excel in this area. With a choice of a flatter or a more shaped tree, changeable gullets and incredible girthing options, they can fit almost every shape of horse.
Custom-made saddles including our FCS, Ryder and VH Signature Saddle ranges are also good for these horses as the balance of the saddle can be perfected by requesting different front panel and gusset options.
The choice of saddle would depend on the shape of the horse’s back and rider preference. Many horses that have travelled downhill for some time actually completely change the way they move when in a different saddle. Trying many different saddles on a horse through a saddle trail/consultation can paint a picture as to what the horse does and doesn’t like about the various parts of a saddle. Sometimes it is the pressure directly applied by the saddle to the horse, but often it can be how the rider sits in various saddles, with more balance or a different rider position making a huge change to the horse.
Saddle stability and balance is of utmost importance in these situations and Discovery Saddles excel in this area. With a choice of a flatter or a more shaped tree, changeable gullets and incredible girthing options, they can fit almost every shape of horse.
Custom-made saddles including our FCS, Ryder and VH Signature Saddle ranges are also good for these horses as the balance of the saddle can be perfected by requesting different front panel and gusset options.
The choice of saddle would depend on the shape of the horse’s back and rider preference. Many horses that have travelled downhill for some time actually completely change the way they move when in a different saddle. Trying many different saddles on a horse through a saddle trail/consultation can paint a picture as to what the horse does and doesn’t like about the various parts of a saddle. Sometimes it is the pressure directly applied by the saddle to the horse, but often it can be how the rider sits in various saddles, with more balance or a different rider position making a huge change to the horse.
What are the best saddles for young horses?
Young horses are going to develop and change, and how much depends on the breed, workload and age. For most people it is sensible to use a saddle with changeable gullets if the horse is under 5 years of age such as the Discovery Saddles, Max Benz One Saddles or Wembley Pro. This way the gullet may be changed at any time and over a large range of sizes. They also have generous panels and gussets to allow a lot of adjustments to be made through the flocking by your saddle fitter. After 5-6 years of age, depending on breed and development, many riders choose a custom-made saddle from the FCS, VH Signature or Ryder range of saddles. These saddles can be pressed in or out 1 size either way by your saddle fitter, 3-4 times throughout the saddle’s life, which along with their wool-flocked panels, allows for great adjustability.
What are the best saddles for horses with a forward girth groove?
Horses with big shoulders often also have a forward girth groove which can often be more problematic than the shoulders. When placed in the correct position on the horse, a suitable saddle allows the girth straps to hang perpendicular. If the straps have to be pulled forward to girth up, the saddle has no hope of staying back off the shoulders. Many saddles have been designed to alleviate shoulder pressure and restriction. Some saddles such as the VH Signature Saddles have the tree point angling backwards, allowing greater shoulder freedom but resulting in the girth points on these saddles being further back. This is due to the fact that the further most forward girth strap can only be as forward as the tree point. These saddles must be placed and balanced correctly because if the whole saddle is behind the shoulder, not just the tree point, they will never stay in position. This is why it is so important your saddle fitter is either extremely experienced or knowledgeable on particular brands. There are other saddles that do the opposite, with tree points that flare out and angle forwards. This not only allows the shoulders to move freely but it also enables the girth straps to be very forward, hence keeps the saddle off the shoulders. Discovery WB tree and Max Benz One saddles are examples of such saddles. Max Benz also has a uniquely shaped front panel, allowing the horses soft tissue more room, but still excellent support for the moveable knee roll. Yet another unique solution is found in the Ryder Baroque saddles which were developed specifically for Friesian horses and have short tree points which are flexible.
What are the best saddles for horses with high shark-fin withers than extend a long way back?
There are lots of options for these horses, depending on the width, length and shape of the horse’s back.
Max Benz One saddles excel in wither clearance, especially laterally, and have super generous back gussets to help with the balance in these situations.
Discovery TB tree saddles are great for these horses and have the changeable gullets as do the Max Benz one saddles.
Of the Ryder saddles, the Zara and Molineux are amazing for these horses, the choice depending on how much shape they have in their backs.
Jeffries make a tree specifically designed for these horses – the Xtra, but the Jeffries Sport is also very good.
Max Benz One saddles excel in wither clearance, especially laterally, and have super generous back gussets to help with the balance in these situations.
Discovery TB tree saddles are great for these horses and have the changeable gullets as do the Max Benz one saddles.
Of the Ryder saddles, the Zara and Molineux are amazing for these horses, the choice depending on how much shape they have in their backs.
Jeffries make a tree specifically designed for these horses – the Xtra, but the Jeffries Sport is also very good.
What are the best saddles for nervous riders?
Riders looking for great security should be looking at saddles with a deep seat, sticky leather, bigger knee rolls and close contact. The close contact comes not only from the basic design but also in how well the saddle tree fits the horse. A perfectly fitting tree will not require the same depth of panel and gusset and allow the rider to stay closer to the horse. Nothing is worse than a rider that is perched on top of a saddle that has been over-packed to make it "fit"!
Discovery, FCS and most of the Ryder saddles are all great choices. For extremely close contact, any Ryder saddle can be ordered in a mono flap design with the knee rolls aligned perfectly for the rider. Riders can also choose from 7 different types of knee rolls, all varying not only in size and shape but also softness/firmness. Leather choices from super sticky, to smooth soft calfskin, to textured grainy leathers and everything in between!
Discovery, FCS and most of the Ryder saddles are all great choices. For extremely close contact, any Ryder saddle can be ordered in a mono flap design with the knee rolls aligned perfectly for the rider. Riders can also choose from 7 different types of knee rolls, all varying not only in size and shape but also softness/firmness. Leather choices from super sticky, to smooth soft calfskin, to textured grainy leathers and everything in between!
What are the best saddles for working equitation?
Working equitation riders need to have security and freedom. The Max Benz One Kenzie saddle has been specifically designed with this in mind. Discovery saddles are also incredibly popular for this reason and both of these saddles have the knee rolls on Velcro, which can be changed for different activities.
All of the FCS and Ryder saddles can be made with knee rolls on velcro and with flaps more forward cut if necessary. FCS also have all-purpose and hunter saddles.
Discovery saddles and Wembley Pro saddles are also available in All-purpose which are making a comeback with this incredibly fun, multi-discipline sport.
All of the FCS and Ryder saddles can be made with knee rolls on velcro and with flaps more forward cut if necessary. FCS also have all-purpose and hunter saddles.
Discovery saddles and Wembley Pro saddles are also available in All-purpose which are making a comeback with this incredibly fun, multi-discipline sport.
What is the best saddle for more than one person?
If more than one person is sharing a saddle, you should definitely be looking at changeable knee rolls, which allow for different leg shape and length. All Discovery saddles, Max Benz One and any of the custom-made saddles, including FCS, VH and Ryder Saddles, may be made this way.
What are the best saddles for Off the Track Thoroughbreds?
Four saddles instantly come to mind when looking for a suitable saddle for the OTTB.
The Discovery TB tree is designed specifically for thoroughbreds, not only in the shape and angle of the changeable gullets but also in the shape of the generous panels. They allow ample adjustability and packing, distributing the rider’s weight evenly and without any pressure at the back of the saddle. Available in dressage, jump and all-purpose.
The Max Benz One saddles are brilliantly designed to give great wither clearance – not just at the very front and top where everyone is so used to checking but also laterally and back at the stirrup bar area. These also have changeable gullets, a unique tree, cleverly designed front panels to alleviate soft-tissue pressure behind the shoulder area when the horse’s leg comes back (or body moves forward over the leg) and super back panels that perfectly suit horses where the back muscles slope away from the spine. Changeable gullets can be really beneficial for these horses as they do sometimes make tremendous transformation / development when transitioning from racehorse to their new disciplines.
Wembley Pro saddles are proving to be great on TB's as they have lovely width at the gullet head and some shape to their panels, similar to the Discovery TB saddles. They also have changeable gullets and are available in dressage and all-purpose.
Finally, whilst not boasting screw in /screw out gullets, the Jeffries Sport saddles are super for tb’s with a tree designed based on the average TB back which can be pressed in or out one size by qualified saddle fitters. The age, development and condition of the horse is also a consideration in terms of whether this would provide enough adjustability. They do have lovely deep panels allowing for ample flocking but if looking at buying and fitting a saddle to a young horse straight of the track with a view to it lasting its entire ridden career, Max Benz and Discovery may be better options. If it was an older horse that had finished growing and had been let down the Jeffries Sport should be a safe bet.
The Discovery TB tree is designed specifically for thoroughbreds, not only in the shape and angle of the changeable gullets but also in the shape of the generous panels. They allow ample adjustability and packing, distributing the rider’s weight evenly and without any pressure at the back of the saddle. Available in dressage, jump and all-purpose.
The Max Benz One saddles are brilliantly designed to give great wither clearance – not just at the very front and top where everyone is so used to checking but also laterally and back at the stirrup bar area. These also have changeable gullets, a unique tree, cleverly designed front panels to alleviate soft-tissue pressure behind the shoulder area when the horse’s leg comes back (or body moves forward over the leg) and super back panels that perfectly suit horses where the back muscles slope away from the spine. Changeable gullets can be really beneficial for these horses as they do sometimes make tremendous transformation / development when transitioning from racehorse to their new disciplines.
Wembley Pro saddles are proving to be great on TB's as they have lovely width at the gullet head and some shape to their panels, similar to the Discovery TB saddles. They also have changeable gullets and are available in dressage and all-purpose.
Finally, whilst not boasting screw in /screw out gullets, the Jeffries Sport saddles are super for tb’s with a tree designed based on the average TB back which can be pressed in or out one size by qualified saddle fitters. The age, development and condition of the horse is also a consideration in terms of whether this would provide enough adjustability. They do have lovely deep panels allowing for ample flocking but if looking at buying and fitting a saddle to a young horse straight of the track with a view to it lasting its entire ridden career, Max Benz and Discovery may be better options. If it was an older horse that had finished growing and had been let down the Jeffries Sport should be a safe bet.
What are the best saddles for riders with back pain?
Often back soreness in riders is markedly reduced when the rider is completely balanced. A saddle should allow the rider to ride in a neutral spine position without always fighting to find their balance. Then they can use less muscular tension and just relax and ride.
For some riders, having a softer seat can help whereas others prefer a firmer, flatter place to sit as this can help their posture. Often it depends on the type and length of riding as well as rider fitness and previous injuries.
Different saddles can feel totally different on different horses as their barrel shape also affects rider position and the horse's like or dislike of the saddle greatly affects the way they use their backs and therefore the end feeling for the rider. No matter what the saddle feels like to you, if your horse doesn't like it then their back will not be soft.
VH Saddlery has a huge range of saddles and Victoria is always happy to share her extensive knowledge of working with riders for over 30 years to find a saddle that is comfortable for you and your horse.
Which are the best saddles for riders with narrow hips?
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to seat and twist width.
Generalisations suggest females prefer a wider seat and more narrow twist than males due to the difference in pelvic shape, but this is not always the case. Also, people often feel totally different things in the same saddle as others, so it is important to just get in and try as many saddles as possible, remembering that the balance of the saddle is incredibly important in these situations. If a saddle is down in front the rider will be sitting in a totally different place compared to if it is balanced or even up in front. Even as little as a few mm’s can make a saddle the rider’s favourite or most hated saddle!
Riders need to be aware that the seats of saddles usually also reflect the fit for the horse, unless they are built up so much off the horse to allow a completely different shape seat. This is not a problem if the rider has a lot of leg to spare but may be problematic for short legged riders riding very round, wide horses and wanting a very narrow twisted saddle. It all comes down to rider preference along with horse comfort, but we are confident we have a saddle to suit. The best plan is to come and try them for yourself.
Generalisations suggest females prefer a wider seat and more narrow twist than males due to the difference in pelvic shape, but this is not always the case. Also, people often feel totally different things in the same saddle as others, so it is important to just get in and try as many saddles as possible, remembering that the balance of the saddle is incredibly important in these situations. If a saddle is down in front the rider will be sitting in a totally different place compared to if it is balanced or even up in front. Even as little as a few mm’s can make a saddle the rider’s favourite or most hated saddle!
Riders need to be aware that the seats of saddles usually also reflect the fit for the horse, unless they are built up so much off the horse to allow a completely different shape seat. This is not a problem if the rider has a lot of leg to spare but may be problematic for short legged riders riding very round, wide horses and wanting a very narrow twisted saddle. It all comes down to rider preference along with horse comfort, but we are confident we have a saddle to suit. The best plan is to come and try them for yourself.