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 wide flat-backed horses?
The most suitable saddle for wide flat-backed horses depends on the shape and size of the horse’s withers. Horses can be wide and have little or no wither, or be wide and have a very pronounced wither. This makes a very big difference to which saddles may be suitable. Take the Discovery saddles for example: they come 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 tree 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. The VH saddles were designed specifically for the flatter-backed horses and are excellent for these. 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, as are any of our custom-made range (the Ryder Saddles and VH Signature Saddles) as they can be made to fit the rider and horse combination perfectly. Of the Ryder saddles the Zara, Baroque and Excellence are brilliant for short-backed horses.
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.
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. 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 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 different saddles, with more balance or a different rider position making such a big difference to the horse.
What are the best saddles for horses with atrophied back musculature?
The most suitable saddle for a horse with atrophied back musculature will depend on the reason for the atrophy, so history is very important. It may be due to a recently ill-fitting saddle, a past injury or illness, or past poor training. All of this needs to be taken into consideration along with the horse’s age and level of current work, nutrition and rider expertise. Also important is the position of the atrophy. Is it just around the wither area, the entire saddle platform area, only towards the back of the saddle or perhaps the whole topline of the horse? The position helps piece together the reason the atrophy has occurred. Max Benz One saddles have excelled with these horses due to their incredible panel design, maximising the weight bearing surface without impeding any important structures. They also have super clearance around all aspects of the wither – which often is a very problematic area for the horses with marked atrophy. Max Benz One saddles are like Discovery saddles in that they have changeable gullets. It would depend on the location of the atrophy and the shape of the horses back as to whether the WB or TB Discovery tree would be the best. Sometimes it will be necessary to wait and do some in-hand work to build up the muscles before selecting the best saddle. Often this is recommended if there is severe atrophy, and a custom-made saddle is being purchased. A big advantage of custom-made saddles, such as the VH Signature Range and Ryder range, is not only can the tree be made to measure, but the panels can also be made to whatever depth is required so extra flocking can be put in to make up for the loss of musculature and removed when the muscles re-develop.
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 riders with back pain?
Often back soreness in riders is markedly reduced when the rider is completely balanced. When they are able to ride in a neutral spine position without always fighting to find their balance, riders can use less muscular tension and just relax and ride. For some riders, having a softer seat can be helpful and this option is available in the Jeffries range of comfort seat saddles as well as in all the custom-made Ryder and VH Signature saddles. Other riders prefer a firmer flat place to sit as this can help with their posture. Often it depends on the type and length of riding as well as rider fitness and previous injuries.
What 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.
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 VH Signature saddles and Ryder Saddles, may be made this way.
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.