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Horse riding requires a saddle — and it is likely to be the most expensive item of tack that you find yourself buying, with prices ranging from the hundreds up to well into the thousands. Choosing the best one for you and your horse is critical, because it must fit, and be comfortable for, you both.
There are plenty of saddles out there to choose from, and whether you opt for a brand new model or a second-hand one, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Employing the services of a saddle fitter is ideal, as they will visit your yard to measure your horse and have a selection of saddles for you to try.
Before this, it helps to know the kind of styles you like and have an idea of what you might be able to buy within your budget.
That’s where Your Horse comes in!
How we test
Our testing team is made up of horse owners who ride regularly and take part in a range of activities, from hacking to grassroots-level competing. Each rider used their saddle for at least a year, so that they could get a really thorough idea of what it is like. Your Horse is not paid to test these products, so you can be sure the reviews you’re reading are honest and without bias. We advise all saddles are professionally fitted by an SMS-registered saddle fitter.
Wintec 500 All Purpose Saddle with CAIR
Length of test: over 10 years
About the saddle: A quality saddle with a supportive seat, and the added comfort and grip of its supple and durable leather-look material. After a big day of riding simply hose it off. Soft panels mould in and around the horse’s muscles and hug their conformation.
Tester Aimi Clark, editor of Your Horse Online who owns/rides ex-racehorses, says: “I am a big fan of this saddle and I’ve owned three in the last 20 years or so, using them on different horses, mostly Thoroughbreds but originally on a Danish Warmblood.
“The latter used the saddle in a medium-wide gullet, and when he died the saddle sat unused until my family bought a little ex-racehorse who proved tricky to find a saddle for. In the end, my Wintec, now with a narrow gullet inside (I changed it myself — it’s fiddly, but straightforward to do), came back into commission.
“What I love best about this saddle is its versatility. It’s affordable, easy to look after, smart enough to do low-level competitions in, and comfortable for long rides, jumping and fast work. My top tip when cleaning it is to wipe it off with water only first, before using any synthetic-specific product, otherwise it can look greasy.
“I hack for miles and when I hunted regularly, I didn’t have to worry about this saddle getting wet in the rain or scratched by low branches. Even after all this time it is in good condition; the only sign of wear and tear is a small chip of material missing from the point of cantle, which doesn’t affect its use. I’d say it’s been a very good investment!”
RRP £629. Easy to find second hand or to buy new from a local stockist
Thorowgood T4 Cob GP Saddle
Length of test: 3 years
About the saddle: This all-round saddle has been designed to suit the rounder build of a cob-type horse. It offers close contact to avoid that ‘perched-on-top’ feeling and the medium depth seat is ideal for a range of activities. Four girthing options maximise the saddle’s stability, and the suede-effect seat covering and knee pads are non-slip and comfortable.
Tester Lisa Johnson says: “Many Arabs lack wither, a bit like cobs, and so this style of saddle really suits my Anglo Arab. It’s useful that if your horse changes shape the saddle can be easily adjusted thanks to its changeable gullet system. The soft suede-effect seat and knee rolls makes this saddle hugely comfortable to ride in, as well as offering good security. I did, however, find that the cut of this saddle can push your lower leg position forward. The leather-look synthetic material is really easy to care for — just wipe it over with a damp sponge and you’re done.”
RRP £595
Albion K2 GP Saddle
Length of test: 12 months
About the saddle: Designed for riders looking for a comfortable, high quality, all-round saddle that’s suitable for all major disciplines. Offers comfort for both horse and rider and numerous fitting options, including Adjusta-Tree technology. Supports a secure, supportive seat and leg position.
Your Horse’s tester Nicola Tym says: “From new this saddle has fitted my horse well and been hugely comfortable for me too. My horse doesn’t have any particular conformational quirks, and the fit’s been good from day one. The GP style means I can use this saddle for all disciplines. It’s great for both hacking and jumping, and I find it easy to maintain a correct and secure position when riding.
“The saddle has always been very comfortable to ride in and the leather is easy to care for. With regular conditioning, it’s still in excellent condition.”
RRP £2,215
Bates Dressage Saddle with Cair
Length of test: 5 years
About the saddle: Features a deep seat with a narrow waist and broad sitting area for greater support for the rider, plus an adjustable ergonomic stirrup bar and Flexibloc system to ensure an optimal dressage position. Includes the Easy Change Fit Solution and Cair Cushion System for a customisable fit and comfortable cushioning.
Your Horse’s tester Fiona Scott says: “It’s great that the fit of this saddle can be altered if your horse changes shape, thanks to its Easy-Change Fit Solution, which ensures it’s comfortable year-round. The position of the stirrup bars on this saddle is set back a little, which I’ve found puts my leg into the correct position. It’s very comfortable to ride in and a big plus for me is that it makes me feel secure, but not restricted. After five years of use there are no signs of wear on this saddle, but I’ve always made sure it’s cleaned and conditioned regularly to keep the leather looking good.”
RRP £1,799
Ideal Impala Pro Jump Saddle
Length of test: 2 years
About the saddle: A single flap close-contact saddle. The tree has a flat rake cantle for a more open seat making it ideal for cross-country riding. It also has a free-swinging girthing system allowing greater flexibility when fitting.
Your Horse’s tester Rebecca Bullock says: “This saddle is hugely comfortable for me, and my horse works very well under it too. This could, in part, be due to the single flap design, which definitely gives a closer feel with your horse. I have long legs and the forward cut of this saddle means I can ride with shorter stirrups comfortably (the flaps were made more forward cut for me). I always feel secure in it. In addition, I find the flatter seat gives me room to move, especially when riding cross-country.
“This saddle is easy to care for and the leather always cleans up nicely.”
RRP £2,495
GFS Monarch Dressage
Length of test: 3 years
About the saddle: Suitable for all levels of dressage to help the rider improve their seat and leg position. It has a comfortable and balanced seat with a supportive block and extra padding on the knee. Built on a lightweight, flexible tree with an easy fit gullet system so the saddle can be easily adjusted.
Your Horse’s tester Louise Haydon says: “Being able to change the gullet in this saddle means that if my horse changes shape the saddle can be altered to fit him. I’ve found it also allows my horse good freedom of movement. The shape of the knee roll and seat helps me sit comfortably and in the correct position. This also gives me a feeling of security when I’m riding. The leather cleans easily and after applying conditioner it comes up looking like new with very little effort. You’d never think it was three years old.”
RRP around £800-£1000. Buy second-hand from somewhere like The Saddle Bank
Kent & Masters S-Series Dressage Saddle
Length of test: 1 year
About the saddle: The low profile panel design of this saddle offers the rider a closer contact with their horse and good stability. It has moveable under-flap thigh blocks, which can be repositioned as required. A changeable gullet bar enables the saddle to be adjusted if your horse changes shape.
Your Horse’s tester Kate Ingram says: “The changeable gullet of this saddle is great, especially if you have a young horse who’s changing shape, as it makes adjusting the fit far easier. I also think that my horse finds it comfortable, giving him freedom to move, as he goes well in it. I find this saddle really comfortable to ride in too, and I like the fact you can move the knee roll to suit you and support your leg where you need it. After a year of use there are no signs of wear on this saddle and, when it’s cleaned, the leather cleans well and comes up looking like new.”
RRP £872
Heather Moffett Flexee Finesse Dressage Saddle
Length of test: one year
About the saddle: This saddle is built on a leather tree, a very old method of making a flexible saddle. It’s ergonomically designed to allow the rider to sit in the correct ear/shoulder/hip/heel alignment. The Finesse synthetic material is almost indistinguishable from real soft hide.
Your Horse’s tester Lucy Harvey says: “This saddle offers a versatile fit due to its flexible tree, and my horse has always found it comfortable. The design really does help to put you in the correct riding position and it’s very comfortable. It is worth noting that the holes on this saddle’s girth straps are quite small, so it can be difficult to adjust your girth. As the manufacturer says, the material looks like leather but is actually synthetic, which is easier to care for. A quick wipe over with a damp cloth and it comes up looking like new.”
