VH Signature Collection
Every rider dreams of achieving perfect harmony with their horse. The VH Signature range of dressage and show saddles were developed to preserve the beauty of the horse’s natural movement, whilst setting the rider up for success under saddle.
The exquisite craftsmanship and superior design creates the ultimate balance and fit without substituting style. Made by English Master Saddlers, the quality and attention to detail in all VH saddles is second to none.
The soft, flat, generous panels and wide channels provide ultimate freedom for the horse, allowing their hindlegs to swing through and their backs to lift. This results in an incredible feeling for the rider.
The extremely comfortable seat and narrow twist, with flaps and skirts covered in hide, give the rider close contact and grip.
Custom made to suit individual needs and preferences, the VH Signature range of saddles offer amazing value for money and unparalleled comfort for even the most difficult to fit horse and rider combinations.
The exquisite craftsmanship and superior design creates the ultimate balance and fit without substituting style. Made by English Master Saddlers, the quality and attention to detail in all VH saddles is second to none.
The soft, flat, generous panels and wide channels provide ultimate freedom for the horse, allowing their hindlegs to swing through and their backs to lift. This results in an incredible feeling for the rider.
The extremely comfortable seat and narrow twist, with flaps and skirts covered in hide, give the rider close contact and grip.
Custom made to suit individual needs and preferences, the VH Signature range of saddles offer amazing value for money and unparalleled comfort for even the most difficult to fit horse and rider combinations.
Expertly Crafted
The difference is in the design.
Profiled treesMade exactly to the profile of your horse’s back to ensure supreme fit
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Pressable gullets
Adjustable by qualified saddle fitters in or out one size, up to 4 times in the saddle's life
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Specialty knee rollsFor optimal rider biomechanics and efficiency of aids.
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VH Signature Saddle Range
VH Signature Dressage SaddleThe VH Signature Dressage Saddle features external knee rolls, which are perfectly positioned for each individual rider to achieve their ideal position in the saddle. The knee rolls can be ordered in any length or position to ensure the right support without restriction.
An extremely close contact fit allows the rider to feel the horse’s movement underneath them, for more effective communication with their aids. Price start from just $4950. |
VH Signature Show SaddleThe VH Signature Show Saddle features changeable knee rolls hidden under a beautiful, padded flap. Five different knee roll options are available with various height, width, length and shape.
An excellent choice for riders looking to participate in multiple disciplines, the knee rolls can be moved forward for bush and pole work or for longer legged riders and back for flat work, to ensure the correct hip and knee joint angles for any activity. Price start from just $4950. |
VH Signature Saddle Features
Seat size
15.5" to 18.5"
The size of the seat is selected to suit the best fit for the rider, but the horse or pony’s saddle platform area must be taken into consideration. The back gussets of the VH Signature Saddles can be made shorter to prevent the saddle extending too far back on the horse or pony’s back, without comprising the position of the rider. This is particularly useful for tall riders on small or short-backed horses.
The size of the seat is selected to suit the best fit for the rider, but the horse or pony’s saddle platform area must be taken into consideration. The back gussets of the VH Signature Saddles can be made shorter to prevent the saddle extending too far back on the horse or pony’s back, without comprising the position of the rider. This is particularly useful for tall riders on small or short-backed horses.
Flaps
The flaps on the VH Signature Saddles can be extended to maximise the comfort of long-legged riders or shortened to ensure correct communication of the aids for short-legged riders. Trial saddles are standard sizes and used as a base to determine the best length for individual riders.
The flaps can also be made with a slightly more forward cut if the rider has particularly long legs or is limited by the conformation of their horse or pony for seat size.
The flaps can also be made with a slightly more forward cut if the rider has particularly long legs or is limited by the conformation of their horse or pony for seat size.
knee rolls
The specially designed knee rolls on all VH Signature Saddles are positioned for optimal rider biomechanics. These can be shortened or adjusted for riders who may require a slightly different angle.
To allow for multi-discipline use, the knee rolls on the VH Signature Show Saddles are attached with Velcro underneath the top padded flap, so they can be repositioned at any time. This is also a convenient option for young riders that are still growing. By changing the knee rolls as the child grows, the length of their legs is accommodated without comprising the angle of their hip and knee joints, ensuring a correct and effective position is maintained.
Five different knee rolls are available, all varying in depth, length and shape from long, deep, straight knee rolls to shallow tear-drop shaped knee rolls.
To allow for multi-discipline use, the knee rolls on the VH Signature Show Saddles are attached with Velcro underneath the top padded flap, so they can be repositioned at any time. This is also a convenient option for young riders that are still growing. By changing the knee rolls as the child grows, the length of their legs is accommodated without comprising the angle of their hip and knee joints, ensuring a correct and effective position is maintained.
Five different knee rolls are available, all varying in depth, length and shape from long, deep, straight knee rolls to shallow tear-drop shaped knee rolls.
adjustable tree
The tree is made from layers of laminated birch plywood with sprung steel. The standard sizes are Narrow, Medium, Medium/Wide, Wide, Extra Wide and Super-wide, and can be made to profile if necessary. The trees are adjustable by a qualified saddle fitter to one size in or out from their original size, up to 4 times in their life.
Girth System
A point and V-web system is used for maximum stability both laterally and longitudinally on the horse. It helps equalise the pressures applied by the girth to the back of the horse. Alternate girthing systems are available if requested and are available to try on one of the trial saddles.
Channel
VH Signature Saddles have a wider than standard channel, to ensure no pressure is placed on the horse’s spine. Channels can be widened even further to accommodate extra wide horses and ponies, ensuring the perfect fit for all horses.
Panels
VH Signature saddles have soft, wide and flat panels to allow a very close and secure contact between the horse and rider, whilst maintaining maximum comfort.
The conventional panels will suit the majority of horses, but for those with marked atrophy behind their shoulders due to long-term ill-fitting saddles, drop down panels can be a great benefit. Dr Victoria Hamilton can advise whether this would be the best option during the saddle consult.
The panels are flocked with pure white wool as standard, but synthetic wool can be used on request.
The conventional panels will suit the majority of horses, but for those with marked atrophy behind their shoulders due to long-term ill-fitting saddles, drop down panels can be a great benefit. Dr Victoria Hamilton can advise whether this would be the best option during the saddle consult.
The panels are flocked with pure white wool as standard, but synthetic wool can be used on request.
Front gussets
Front gussets can be added to the VH Signature Saddles, making it possible to increase the flocking at the front of the saddle. All depths and lengths are available in order to achieve the perfect balance of the saddle. It also allows for flexibility as the horse changes shape. Saddle balance is extremely important for rider position and the stability of the saddle, especially on very wide horses, horses with low withers and those built downhill.
Standard Back Gusset
Baroque (no back gusset)
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Back GussetsThere are four standard back gusset options.
1) Standard extended back gusset for maximum stability (where room allows) 2) Standard extended back gusset with a raised stitch-line to alleviate potential pressure points 3) Straight back gusset for short backed horses 4) Straight back gusset with a raised stitch-line Gussets can also be made deeper or more shallow if necessary, depending on the horse's conformation. VH Baroque Saddles do not have back gussets at all, allowing the back panels of these saddles to round upwards. This avoids pressure on the backs of horses with extremely short backs and often highly developed lumbar muscles. This is a particularly good option for welsh cobs and similar breeds. |
Leather options
Black Leather
Chestnut Leather
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made to perfectionFlaps and skirts are covered in hide, with soft inserts creating a comfortable feel and superior grip for the rider. Buffalo hide is also an option.
The seat and knee rolls are covered in calf, with patent or printed leather options for the back cantle and other non-wearing areas adding a touch of class to the saddle. There are four colours to choose from including Black, Havana, Chestnut or London Tan. Alternatively, riders can choose a combination of colours to make their own unique saddle. |
Havana Leather
London Tan Leather
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Welt colours
custom stirrup loops
Plain Leather Loop
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Silver Welt
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Diamante
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Plain Crew Leather
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Tri-Coloured Welt
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Blue Welt
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Get the vh look
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Saddles can be finished with the classy VH Signature Saddle Nails, be kept plain or covered in leather.
The VH Saddlery Logo is marked on the back of the cantle with gold or silver pins, which combined with gold or silver piping on the back of the cantle finishes off the classic look of the VH Signature Saddles. However, as with all parts of these stunning saddles, riders can request different options. |
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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.
Ready to Ride?
Book a saddle consultation with Victoria Hamilton today!
An initial consult takes around 1.5 hours and involves a close look at your horses back, a full history, a discussion about your plans for the future, checking different trees and saddles on your horse and a discussion about your preferences. Vicky will watch you ride to determine the horses reaction and biomechanics under saddle, their willingness to work, and rider position. It is sometimes useful to try the saddle again on a different day. Next, Vicky can help you to select the saddle tree, seat size, softness, depth and twist, widths of the channel and gullet, shape of the front and back gussets, stirrup bar positioning and type, knee roll type and placement, material, flap type and length and girthing options. And finally, you get to customise the look of your saddle including inlaid seat, flap and skirt, trims and cantle inserts, leather colours and infills. Vicky has vast experience in rider and horse biometrics, and saddlery, so there's no need to feel intimidated about the process. Do you value the opinion of your coach and/or saddle fitter? Not a problem! Vicky does too. They are always welcome to get involved.
An initial consult takes around 1.5 hours and involves a close look at your horses back, a full history, a discussion about your plans for the future, checking different trees and saddles on your horse and a discussion about your preferences. Vicky will watch you ride to determine the horses reaction and biomechanics under saddle, their willingness to work, and rider position. It is sometimes useful to try the saddle again on a different day. Next, Vicky can help you to select the saddle tree, seat size, softness, depth and twist, widths of the channel and gullet, shape of the front and back gussets, stirrup bar positioning and type, knee roll type and placement, material, flap type and length and girthing options. And finally, you get to customise the look of your saddle including inlaid seat, flap and skirt, trims and cantle inserts, leather colours and infills. Vicky has vast experience in rider and horse biometrics, and saddlery, so there's no need to feel intimidated about the process. Do you value the opinion of your coach and/or saddle fitter? Not a problem! Vicky does too. They are always welcome to get involved.