Saddle of the week- blog
Monoflap Saddles- What are the advantages of a monoflap saddle?
Monoflap saddles have become quite popular in modern day saddle making and many equestrians have opted to choose this design to ride in. Originally developed for Frisian bred horses, they now come in a variety of designs for many horse types. Most popular styles are the jump saddle. But what are the advantages of choosing a monoflap saddle?
A monoflap saddle can be described as saddle with one flap, hence the term “mono” that the girths points are normally fixed to, either both or sometimes one can be attached at the front helping it anchor. The idea of a monoflap saddle is that it is a closer connection to the horse with only one flap, eliminating the extra leather between the rider’s seat and horses back.
Monoflap saddles offer numerous benefits compared to traditional saddles, including enhanced communication. With the reduced number of flaps, riders experience a closer connection to the horse, allowing for more effective communication through their legs and seat. This can facilitate more nuanced cues and adjustments, fostering improved harmony between horse and rider. The saddle shows improved stability as the girth straps on a monoflap saddle are positioned lower on the horse, which enhances the saddle’s overall stability. Monoflap saddles are generally lighter than their conventional counterparts due to the use of less leather. By positioning the girth billets and buckles beneath the rider’s leg, there is a reduction in bulk between the rider and the horse.
One of the latest designs in monoflap saddles is the Arena Jump Monoflap Saddle which embraces all the advantages and lates designs in one saddle package. For a value for money product with quality design, the Arena Monoflap Jump Saddle is worth a look here.
The new Bates Versa- The Most Versatile Saddle you will find!
The new Bates Versa Saddle introduces cutting edge performance features never before seen in an all purpose saddle. A close contact, yet open seat ensures you feel free to move in the saddle, while the Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar and FlexiContourbloc deliver unparalleled security through perfect rider alignment, making this saddle so versatile. Balance is effortless and enhanced with a movable front FlexiContourbloc and a surprisingly effective thigh support bloc. For riders who enjoy all aspects of riding, both in and out of the arena, this saddle delivers revolutionary comfort and confidence. So is the new Bates Versa Saddle a good saddle? In all aspects, the Bates Versa Saddle is made with the same quality and features you would expect from any Bates saddle. The leather has a great hold to it and the added flexi block system both at the front and rear block offer exceptional hold for the riders position. If you do not like restricted leg positions on a saddle, the Bates Versa is not recommended. Although the blocks can be adjusted, the rider will still have a restricted leg area. The Bates Versa saddle is a great functional all purpose saddle which inexperienced or newcomer riders will benefit from the functional seat. The design is very similar to the Wintec Endurance saddle but being a leather saddle, this would probably not be suited for endurance rides due to the weight. To check out more on the Bates Versa saddle visit here
‘The NEW Status E2 Saddles Range
The NEW Status E2 Dressage and close contact saddles are available now with significant improvements to the previous designs.
The materials have improved in quality with high quality PU leather seat and flaps. This synthetic is extra grippy and durable compared to the previous models. The tumble nubuck synthetic material is long lasting a significant feature improvement in the design.
The best part about these new designs is that the gullets are now interchangeable. Gullets sets can be purchased separately and adjusted easily to suit your horses size.
The tree is mad from a strong full polymer fiberglass and comes with a 10-year warranty on tree.
The points on both the dressage and close contact jump saddle can be interchanged and purchased separately from the saddle. Available in 16” and 17”.
For $469.95, this saddle is a great price point for equestrian starting out. To learn more about the new Status E2 saddles range visit here.
How often should I have my saddle checked by a saddle fitter?
Proper saddle fit is crucial for both the comfort and performance of both the rider and the horse. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should have your saddle checked by a saddle fitter, several factors come into play, including the horse’s growth, changes in the rider’s position and weight, the type of riding discipline, and the saddle’s quality and materials.
Saddle fit is not a one-time affair. It is an ongoing process that needs attention throughout the horse’s life and the rider’s riding career. One of the most significant factors influencing how often you should have your saddle checked is the horse’s growth and development. Young horses, in particular, experience significant changes in their body shape as they mature. Therefore, it is recommended to have a saddle fitter assess the fit of the saddle every six months to a year for young horses, as their backs can change rapidly during this period.
Furthermore, regular riding can also impact the fit of the saddle. As a rider, your position in the saddle, your weight, and your riding style can change over time. If you’ve gained or lost weight, altered your riding posture, or started engaging in a different discipline, these changes can influence how the saddle interacts with both you and your horse. To maintain optimal saddle fit, riders should consider having their saddle checked by a fitter at least once a year, especially if they’ve noticed any discomfort or changes in their riding performance.
The type of riding discipline is another critical factor to consider. Different riding styles require different saddle designs and fits. For instance, a dressage saddle will have different features and fit requirements compared to a jumping saddle. If you switch disciplines or compete in multiple disciplines, it is advisable to consult with a saddle fitter to ensure that your saddle is suitable for your new riding goals.
The quality and materials of the saddle also influence how often it should be checked by a saddle fitter. High-quality saddles made from durable materials tend to maintain their shape and fit better over time. On the other hand, lower-quality saddles may wear out more quickly and lose their fit. For riders with high-end saddles, annual checks may be sufficient, while those with less expensive saddles may need more frequent assessments.
In addition to regular check-ups, riders should be proactive in monitoring their saddle fit. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or behavioral changes in your horse. If your horse is showing signs of discomfort such as pinning their ears, swishing their tail, or resisting your cues, it could be a sign that the saddle no longer fits correctly. Likewise, if you notice uneven sweat patterns or white hairs developing under the saddle area, it’s essential to address the fit issue promptly.
To conclude, the frequency at which you should have your saddle checked by a saddle fitter depends on various factors, including the horse’s growth and development, rider changes, riding discipline, and saddle quality. As a general guideline, young horses and riders who have made significant changes to their riding habits should have their saddle checked more frequently, perhaps every six months to a year. For riders who have stable riding routines and high-quality saddles, annual assessments may suffice. However, regardless of the frequency, it is essential to prioritize the comfort and well-being of both the horse and the rider, and to seek professional advice from a qualified saddle fitter whenever there are concerns about saddle fit. Ultimately, a well-fitted saddle is a key component in ensuring a happy, healthy, and productive partnership between rider and horse.
The New Bates Kimberley Half Breed Saddle is a Game Changer
The new Bates Kimberley Half Breed is an exciting advancement in half breed saddle technology that is sure to take first place on the market for horse saddles.
We were lucky enough to test ride the new Bates Kimberley Half Breed saddle here and can confirm how balanced you feel riding in the seat. The seat of the saddle puts you in the perfect comfort position with the support of the poly pads at the front knowing you are held in with confidence on young or unpredictable horses. You have a really close connection to the horse as the base panels of the saddle are broad but thin so you feel on top of every movement and in control.
The Bates Kimberley Half Breed saddle has incorporated the HART system into their design making this saddle the first half breed to ever have what we call the “gold star” level of technology. The underneath panels of the saddle are broad and flat making the contact between saddle and horse wide and evenly spread. The CAIR cushioning system allows the air pressure to circulate and consistently move around the horses movement so there is no chance of any pressure points or contact with the gullet bars. These saddles are fully adjustable with the Wintec/Bates gullet system and has the ability to instantly change the panel depth with the easy riser internal system.
This saddle is of the highest quality with the best materials and craftmanship with a lifetime warranty on the tree. Available in two sizes, medium or large which they also have the option for a short fender model. Although it is worth noting both fender lengths have a very adjustable size range.
No matter what style of riding you come from, the core principles of the Bates Kimberley Half Breed saddle provide every rider with experience of an enriched ride knowing your horse has the ultimate comfort and fit.
To learn more about the Bates Kimberley Half Breed Saddle visit here.
Time to Gel with your Saddle Pad
Have you checked out some of the gel pads that are on the market? The use of gel technology in saddle pads has greatly benefited horse saddles in fitting and horse wellbeing.
There are many different gel pads on the market, and most will be shaped and constructed slightly differently but in most cases, the key principle of these pads is to either help the saddle fit better to the horse or help the horse with a soreness issue.
Gel pads are commonly made of either latex, silicone, soy and some specially formulated thermoplastic elastomer. Most gel pads that are not made of silicone will have material sewn over the pad itself to extend the life of the product. Many gel pads that are silicone based are clear, soft and sticky. The purpose of the gel is that it is soft to touch but semi mouldable to shape when touched. When used under a saddle, it is highly shock absorbent so if a horse is experiencing some discomfort in a certain area of their back from the saddle, the gel is designed to absorb this pressure, disperse it throughout the gel before it gets to the horse. Sometimes a horse with an injury can benefit from a gel pad as it is a thin, under layer added under the saddle that reduces the impact a rider has on the horses back during normal riding exercise.
It is important to remember that any gel pad should not be used directly on the horses back as these materials can cause friction and potentially burn the skin. The gel pad should be used as a layer between the saddle and the saddle cloth.
Although these pads are a wonderful addition to correctly saddle fitting, they like most things do have some cons. They will not last forever, the material will break down and they are hard to keep clean. This however is understandable considering they are being used on live animals that shed hair, retain dirt and used in the outdoors. Washing the gel pad is not recommended as this can cause the material to break down faster and they also become quite sticky. If used in the correct manner between the saddle and saddle cloth, you should however have your gel pad for a much longer lifespan.
Some of the best gel pads for horses are the Horze Finntack branded pads. There is a couple of different types they make including a front lift, back lift and middle lift. These pads are a decent size which is hard to find in many gel pads and can be cut down if desired. To find out more about this brand, visit gel pads here.
A Synthetic Saddle with a Leather Look- Who’s to know?
Tekna saddles were all the rage back in the start of the 2000’s. And although they are not the most common synthetic saddle on the market now, they were the original synthetic saddle designed with the intention to look like a leather saddle for less cost and half the maintenance effort.
Like many saddles, some of the earlier models have come quite far in terms of design. Many early Tekna saddles were not adjustable and the earlier adjustable models relied on the Tekna tool to change the gullet. This essentially was an allen key that came with the saddle but when the key was lost or perhaps buying a second-hand saddle and this didn’t come with the saddle it became problematic. The differences between the gen 1 and gen 2 Tekna saddles were small other than the changes to the gullet system. Many people still struggle to identify their pre Tekna All Purpose Saddle or Tekna Dressage Saddle as to which generation they belong to. The best way to tell is the actual holes in the gullet and shape of them. Gen 1 Tekna gullets have larger holes and often oval shaped even though the gullet fastening holes on the saddle are still round. Gen 2 saddles have smaller holes for the screws. Both gen 1 and gen 2 use the allen key to change. This is done with a 2 point twist to remove and replace the screws which needs to be lined up each time.
In recent models, Tekna saddles have developed with a screw system that is much easier to adjust like other brands of saddles. They do still come with their own changing tool for convenience, but this is essentially a short handled screw driver which is Tekna branded and can easily be replaced if misplaced.
We especially like the new Tekna Adjustable Half breed Saddle with stirrup bars. This is a great easy care saddle model that looks like leather, is lightweight, adjustable and is shaped to fit well both horse and rider. The best feature of the Tekna Half Breed is the stirrup bars. In most fender saddles, the fenders are threaded back through the tree of the saddle which makes them permanently positioned. The Tekna saddle has the fenders on stirrup bars like you would see on a normal straight stock saddle or dressage saddle. If in the chance of a fall, these will slip off with the rider preventing the chance of being dragged in an accident. This feature is especially handy for people with young horses wanting another point of safety on their saddle. Pony club riders also love this feature with many clubs enforcing the rule that fender saddles must not have the fenders as a fixed point.
The Tekna Half breed with adjustable gullet and stirrup bars is a worthy saddle of our saddle of the week. For the price, it ticks all the boxes that you need and of course comes in sizes from 14” seat to 18” seat. Unfortunately, they only come in brown but this may be something Tekna expands on in their range in the future. You can find out more about the Tekna Adjustable Half Breed saddles here as well as all the gullet sizes which can be purchased for the closest fit you need to your horse.
The Best Jump Saddle on a Budget
Equestrians all dream of jumping fences that are like we see in the Olympics and aspire to showjumping as high as we can go with our horses. But what if we don’t have a budget like a professional rider but still want to compete at a high level?
Behold the Arena Jump Saddle- the best priced jump saddle in Australia.
Arena Saddles are a relatively new brand on the horse saddles market but the makers behind them have actually been around for decades. Arena Saddles is a brand developed by the same company as Bates Saddles and Wintec Saddles and were developed as an economically priced leather saddle. For customers who were not looking to spend $5000 plus on a new saddle but still want all the benefits associated with a quality Bates Saddle, the Arena Jump saddle ticks all the boxes.
The Arena Jump Saddle is classically crafted with pre oiled heritage leather. The panels are crafted using a hybrid material which is easy cleaning and long wearing. The forward cut panel is shaped perfectly for the rider’s 2 point jumping position.
The Arena Saddles also contain the gold star adjustments options known as the HART Technology. This allows the saddle to be adjusted through both the gullet width and also the shape of the panel.
You can be assured that Arena Saddles is a quality brand knowing their close relation to Bates Saddles, made and serviced by the same company. They come with a full warranty on the saddle tree as well as craftmanship. These are a great price for under $2000 the value is exceptional. Our experience in fitting the Arena Jump Saddle has been nothing but positive and we highly recommend this saddle as a saddle that will provide both performance value to a high level with added value for money advantage.
For more details on the Arena Saddles as well as some Arena Jump Saddles on sale visit here
Eurosport All Purpose Easy Care Saddles– A Saddle for Any Riding with Much Purpose
Eurosport saddles are not a new player to the saddle world, but are indeed a brand that are enjoyed by many horse riders popular throughout Australia.
The All purpose saddle is one designed for all disciplines whether it be dressage, jumping, trail riding etc. Eurosport saddles are very common in the pony club scene as they are lightweight, easy to care for, adjustable and inexpensive.
The design of the Eurosport Easy Care Saddle is everything you expect from an AP saddle. The flap is moderately short and forward cut but not overly forward like many all purpose saddles. This allows for the leg position to be adjusted with the blocks to suit the discipline that the rider is currently doing. The seat has some depth and the cantle positioned a little higher then most all purpose saddles which holds the rider in a bit more than flatter saddles. The equi-suede inserts on the flap and seat of the saddle are grippy allowing the rider to balance well in the horse saddle seat.
The panel is flocked on this saddle which means it moulds really well to the shape of the horse with the ability to adjust or re-flock in the future for a better fit.
The Eurosport Easy Care saddle is especially good for younger riders looking for a well made saddle that has some adjustability but at a very reasonable price. Most younger riders will outgrow both their pony and their saddle so the Eurosport saddle is a popular choice for parents looking for an economical saddle selection.
The Eurosport Easy Care All Purpose Saddles comes brand new with a wide gullet but other sizes such as narrow, medium or extra wide can be purchased separately. It is recommended that a saddle fitter changes the gullet for you as they do require some muscle and technical adjustment to change.
Seat sizes start from 15” right up 17.5” which means they fit smaller children all the way up to adults. And for under $500 AU, they are one of the best priced all purpose saddles on the market making the Euro Sport Easy Care All Purpose Saddle our saddle of the week.
To learn more about the features of the Eurosport Easy Care Saddle visit here.
A Better Balanced Saddle- The NEW Wintec Western Frontier Saddle.
Wintec Saddles have produced quality western saddles for many years now but have recently brought out a new design that is set to improve the fit of western saddles on your horse.
The new Wintec Western Frontier Saddle has updated rigging which allows the saddle to balance better on the horses back.
In recent models which is unanimous in many western saddle brands not just Wintec Westerns, the issue has always been when cinching the saddle, the balance is thrown out. This is due to many reasons which include the horses shape, gullet width, tree design and size. But most commonly, the rigging on western saddles is usually placed right at the front of the saddle so when cinched up tight, it pulls from the front of the tree only. If you think about the length of a western saddle (which is normally quite long) it’s a basic gravity issue. Pressure (cinching) from the front of a long saddle causes the saddle to tip forward and the back-end bridge at the back. The addition of a flank strap can help alleviate this but our experience, flank straps are certainly not for all horses!! If you are trying to balance a western saddle using a flank strap, always be mindful that the placement of this strap can turn the most placid horse into buck-jumping hero!! So, we rarely use these when fitting western saddles.
The Wintec Western Frontier has adapted the rigging which is now positioned 7/8 for maximum stability, along with a square skirt for protection of your horse’s back. It is positioned with a rear cinch option for a V set up which provides fantastic stability. In the new Frontier models, this means that your saddle is balanced better with the rigging positioned differently to the previous model allowing the saddle to cinch towards the middle of the saddle giving a more balanced position once girthed up not solely from the front of the saddle as before.
This model will certainly widen the fit range to more horse body types and reduce some bridging issues.
The new Wintec Frontier have a great seat size range from junior, youth to western and the option of full quarter horse bars or semi- quarter horse bars. At this stage, there is no option for short fenders, but we have found the fender lengths are quite reasonably adjustable.
As with any horse saddle, the horses shape will play a big part in the fit so a typical flat blacked, no with quarter horse will still fit the old models well whether they need full quarter horse bars of semi quarter horse bar western saddles. The previous Wintec Western Saddles may still be perfectly fine for your horse’s needs but at least now, there is another option. You can find both the new Wintec Western Frontier and previous Wintec Western Saddle details here and also some great deals on the previous models on clearance with FREE Shipping here.
Bates Artiste- The New Generation in Dressage Saddle Design
The Bates Artiste is a new design model from Bates Saddles Australia that has combined decades of innovation to create the pinnacle of dressage saddles.
The Bates Artiste Dressage Horse Saddle consists of new technology and a modern approach to riding.
Being a monoflap saddle, the rider sits closer to the horse allowing a better connection of aids and response to leg and seat position.
One of the newest features is the synergy panel that has revolutionized fitting across the Bates range. In past times, many fitters tended to fit saddles wider as a general rule and the panels whether they be flocking, foam or CAIR were much thicker which resulted in the rider being somewhat “perched” on top of the saddle. The modern version of the CAIR system has allowed the synergy panel to be introduced as a thinner area surface, sitting the rider closer to the horse with the same assurance that no pressure points can occur with the CAIR system doing it’s job, protecting the spine and muscular anatomy of the horse as it moves under the panel. The CAIR system never allows contact with the tree points or pressure from any part of the tree as it is designed to move around. CAIR never stays static like a flocked or foam saddle can be, giving the best unique fit to the individual horse’s body every time. The combination of the synergy panel and monoflap has resulted in the bates Artiste being one of the most innovative and exciting Dressage Saddles on the current market.
The Bates Artiste is also designed using the Lux Leather which is the highest grade of quality leather in their range. You can easily feel the difference with the lux leather as it instantly grips and holds anything it touches. This extra “hold” in the seat has helped riders stay balanced every stride.
The Bates Artiste also has incorporated the moveable Flexi Contourbloc system which refers to the knee blocks at the front of the saddle. These adjustable blocks all ow the rider to stabilise their leg and eliminate lift, with a contour that flows through the full length of the bloc following the most comfortable line of the rider’s leg. It is the quiet interaction of this FlexiContourbloc in riding that is like no other and has to be ridden in to experience its power of this great saddles’ design.
If you are looking for a top of the range dressage saddle with all the latest technology, fully adjustable to fit all types of horses and used by all the top equestrians, the Bates Artiste is worth every dollar spent.
To find out more specific model details on the Bates Artiste visit here
Status Stock Saddles- The New Design Has Landed
Status horse saddles have been widely known as an economic entry level saddle for their simplistic materials and make. But in recent times, the Status Stock Saddle has evolved to accommodate the ever-changing market in saddle options.
The traditional Status Stock Saddle was built on a non-adjustable tree and suited a medium fit horse off the shelf. Little could be done to adjust this model.
But with the latest update to this saddle, we can now adjust the gullet width. The new Status Saddle E2 edition has an adjustable gullet. This set of gullets can be purchased in addition to the saddle. The saddle also has synthetic flocking which may be adjusted by a saddle maker.
The materials remain synthetic on the outer but are a slightly different material then the previous range. It feels very much the same as the later model but is more durable and longer lasting.
It is important to note that the Status Synthetic Stock Saddle comes in a 12”, 15”, 16” and 17” seat but the 12” remains non adjustable as the gullet system is too large to fit in a smaller seated model. When purchasing either brand new or second hand, it is worthwhile confirming with the seller if the Status Stock Saddle you are purchasing is the new adjustable model or an earlier model.
Available in both black and brown, the Status stock saddle is suited to low level riding, trails and all round pleasure riders. It is a lightweight option compared to leather and the tree has a warranty for 5 years. Many people prefer this saddle in warmer climates as leather saddles tend to gather mould from the moisture in the air whereas the synthetic saddle can be easily cleaned and stored without fear of constant maintenance.
For more information visit here
SYD HILL and Sons GIBSON HALF BREED SADDLE, ROUGHOUT LEATHER – SHXP ADJUSTABLE TREE AND PANELS
This week we take a look at the Syd Hill Gibson half breed saddle and what makes this horse saddle our saddle of the week at Horse Saddles Australia.
The Gibson Half Breed is the first saddle with the new SHXP technology, built on a lightweight, flexible tree which is fully adjustable, with removeable 12mm panels, this saddle can quickly, and easily be customised to different shaped horses.
Adjustable half breeds have been available on the Australian market for a while now, but the Syd Hill Gibson is one of the first to offer adjustable panels on the base of the saddle. This allows the rider to determine the thickness of the panel underneath the saddle. The saddle comes mounted with 12mm pads but 22mm pads are also available separately for those horses that need more support. This ultimately gives more options for hard to fit horses or those horses that lack the topline shape to suit the typical half breed.
Half breed saddles typically fit best to wider, flat backed horses but given the adjustability of the Syd Hill Gibson half breed, a horse with a more pronounced wither or lack of topline condition now have a better chance of fitting a half breed horse saddle.
The roughed-out leather adds a steady grip for the riders position and wears well against general wear and tear. The saddle is a tan base with a black seat and detailed patterning which gives the saddle a unique look against others.
This saddle comes with a 5 year warranty on the saddle tree and is available in seat sizes 15”, 16” & 17”.
For more details visit here
The Wintec Pony Pad continues to be the best selling kids saddle on the market.
Why does the Wintec kids pony pad continue to be the best selling kids saddle on the market?
Most Australia kids start out riding their first pony in a wintec kids pony pad. The Wintec kids pony pad is an Australian favourite. It is a great fit for most ponies as they tend to be on the smaller but rounder side so the flat structure of the pony pad saddle sits well on their backs and also has removeable base blocks for those extra, extra wide ponies.
Small in length, they are great for little kids on lead lines. They also have a built-in monkey grip at the front for the kids to hold onto in times of need or extra confidence. The Wintec kids pony pad takes a normal 2 point buckle dressage girth and can be fitted to the very small of ponies to larger horses if the girth size is changed. They ideally work well with Wintec mounts with the very popular Wintec kids webbers that hook onto the stirrup bars and can be adjusted for length of the riders leg.
Made from long lasting Wintec materials, the pony pad is very durable and low maintenance, light and easy for children to carry and take care of. It does not require strenuous cleaning routines like a leather saddle and can be simply hosed down and dried.
Saddle fitting is not normally required for the pony pad as it is not adjustable in terms of gullet sizing or panel adjustment. The Wintec Kids pony pad is designed for small children on lead lines doing low level exercise so the impact on an exact saddle fit is minimal. Once children are confident and riding independently they will progress to a different horse saddle.
To find out more about the design and details of the Wintec Kids Pony Pad visit here
