Finding the best dressage saddles that will suit both you and your horse isn’t something you can just choose off the shelf. Unlike most purchasing decisions you make, this one really has to strike the balance between getting the best one for you and the perfect fit for your horse – if it’s not quite right for either of you, it’ll be a tall order to reach your performance potential. H&H recommends consulting a qualified saddle fitter prior to purchase and following up with regular checks to tailor the fit to your horse’s changing shape. The links below should help direct you to local stockists of the best dressage saddles.
You can, however, spend as much time as you like before this stage freely lusting after the latest releases and the returning models. With a range of colours, leathers, shapes and personalisation options, as well as adjustable features, there’s plenty to consider.
Your new saddle won’t come with a dressage square, short girth, stirrups or stirrup leathers as standard so, while you’re at it, it’s a good idea to check them out, too.
Best dressage saddles
Collegiate Integrity Mono Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: £999 |
This monoflap saddle offers a close contact and has generous surface blocks and a deep seat for additional security. It also features attractive contrast stitching and a leather wear patch. The changeable gullet allows you to alter the width to custom fit your horse as he changes shape.
For more info, stockists or to buy, visit collegiatesaddlery.co.uk
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
In the US? View now at equestriancollections.com, horse.com or statelinetack.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.com
Stübben Centurion II Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black, ebony, redwood or tobacco | Seat sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: From £4,500 |
With this close contact monoflap, it’s possible to individually adjust the external block to the rider, which also allows multiple riders to easily use the same saddle. It has a narrow twist saddle tree and an extra-deep seat, plus additional soft padding that creates a flowing transition between the flap and block. The monoflap hugs the ribcage when girthed and creates even more closeness to the horse.
The gullet channel can be personalised with 3D effect letters.
For more info, stockists, or to buy visit stuebben.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Wow DMK Pinnacle Dressage Saddle
Colours: Wide range of combinations and customisation options | Seat sizes: 16–19in, N–XXW | RRP: From £4,288 |
This saddle has an exceptionally close contact seat as well as an adjustable seatbone support system that helps the rider sit level and and distribute their weight equally. An adjustable under flap leg support can be moved creating maximum lower leg stability, while the sculpted thigh blocks add security. Interchangeable panels and headplates ensure a perfect fit for every horse, even after shape changes.
More info and stockists at wowsaddles.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Albion Fabrento Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or brown, with other colours available on request | Sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: From £2,890 |
This monoflap saddle from Albion is described as combining ultimate comfort and balance with outstanding technical capabilities, all delivered with a sleek style and premium quality. It was designed in response to the demand for a streamlined and sleeker-looking saddle, and it provides a well-balanced close-contact seat that ensures maximum stability and comfort while encouraging a supported, unrestricted leg position with the exterior thigh blocks. It’s crafted from hand-selected supple calf leather and the narrow, slim cantle adds to the refined appearance. The saddle is built on an adjustable wooden tree that has a more open head and lower profile – it also features a short back panel that complements the conformation of the modern sports horse and contains a pure wool felt lining that offers cooling qualities. The strapping solutions, which can be tailored for your horse, help to improve stability and distribute pressure evenly. This saddle can be made to measure and is also possible to personalise.
More info and stockists at albionengland.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Arena Cob Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black | Sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: £999 |
Designed with cob conformation in mind, this saddle will help you and your horse move together in harmony, feeling close through your seat and leg for delivery of your aids.
More info and stockists at arenasaddles.co.uk
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
GFS Premier Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black | Sizes: 17–17.5in, N–XXXW | RRP: £1,595 |
Aimed at the more serious rider or those looking to improve, this monoflap saddle promotes better communication between horse and rider. It has dual density knee blocks and the rear girth strap is on a slide that aids stability.
More info and stockists at gfs-saddlesuk.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Wintec Pro Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black | Sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: £909 |
Feel confident to train or compete at any level in the Wintec Pro Dressage saddle. You will feel supported in the super-soft and grippy deep seat, and experience total luxury in this top-of-the-range dressage saddle. Your horse will enjoy the super-soft panels which mould in and around their muscles hugging their unique conformation.
More info and stockists at wintec-saddles.co.uk
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Amerigo Pasubio Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 16.5–18in | RRP: £4,350 |
This monoflap saddle has been designed for horses with short backs and not much space for the rider, and it’s made with an extra-wide gullet to accommodate wider withers. You can upgrade to a Pinerolo luxury calfskin soft leather covering on the saddle flaps and skirts. Made on a hand-crafted wooden spring tree, this wool and felt panel system. The design promotes freedom of shoulder movement and allows the horse to stretch over his topline, lift his back and move the shoulders away from the saddle tree area. The shape of the tree and the padded seat allow both male and female riders to find a comfortable and ergonomically correct position. The new soft knee roll provides support while allowing for a relaxed, free and efficient leg position.
More info and stockists at amerigo-saddles.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Bates Isabell Icon Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 16½-18in | RRP: £3,699 |
This saddle is designed to provide your horse with a full scope of movement, strengthen your natural position and offer you the ability to convey your aids clearly.
More info and stockists at batessaddles.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Cavaletti Collection Adjustable Monoflap Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 16–18in | RRP: £1,000 |
This saddle is made from fine full-grain leathers, with a wool-flocked panel and external knee blocks. It features an interchangeable gullet system with six width fitting options (narrow/medium to extra-extra-wide) allowing you to adjust the fit of your saddle without the need to send it away. It has a classic deep seat, Y-system three-point girthing, and is also available with cantle and stirrup keeper badges to customise your look.
For more info, stockists or to buy, visit cavaletticollection.co.uk
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Jeffries Liberty Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or Havana | Seat sizes: 16–18in | RRP: From £2,628 |
This saddle is designed with a soft dual density seat, substantial knee and thigh blocks and stitched knee pads – all of which provide a great look, comfort and seat security. The Liberty tree has flatter rails and an open head that is ideal for wider horse types. The saddle has a generous gullet for good spine clearance, good panel depth and bearing surface. It is also available in a monoflap design.
For more info, stockists or to buy, visit ejeffries.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Equipe Emporio Special Monoflap Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black, brown, Newmarket or red brown | Sizes: 15–18in | RRP: £3,050 |
This saddle has a synthetic tree, which offers great flexibility. It’s lightweight and offers support with reinforced blocks that encourage your legs and seat into the correct position.
More info and stockists at selleriaequipe.it
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Harry Dabbs Platinum Mariella Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or Havana | Seat sizes: 16.5–18.5in | RRP: £2,800 |
This monoflap saddle has a deep seat and well-placed medium-sized knee rolls that provide support and comfort while allowing you to execute correct and effective aids. It is finished in warm Italian calf leather for a luxury feel and features the effective performance panel. It is available in 10 tree options.
More info and stockists at harrydabbs.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Whitaker Jack Pony Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 15–16½in | RRP: £750 |
This adjustable saddle is designed for young dressage riders. It has a deep seat, elongated flaps and large leather knee rolls to help maintain a good leg position.
For more info, stockists, or to buy visit johnwhitaker.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Voltaire Design Adelaide Dressage Saddle
This saddle has a cut-back pommel, an extra-deep seat and a narrow twist, which ensures comfort for the rider. The panels are fully customisable, while the cut-back tree means the saddle is particularly suited to high-withered and big-shouldered horses.
More info and stockists at voltairedesign.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.com
Premier Equine Marseille Leather Monoflap Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black | Sizes: 16½–18in, N–XW | RRP: £1,340 |
This monoflap saddle is engineered for a greater connection without restricting movement. It has a deep seat, purpose-built cantle and large padded knee rolls. The copolymer tree is extremely lightweight and the panels are flocked with synthetic fibre wool. It has stainless steel safety flick stirrup bars that make attaching and removing stirrups easy.
More info and stockists at premierequine.co.uk
Cuomo Balletto Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: £2,975 |
This calfskin dressage saddle is built for comfort. The tree used is particularly suitable for warmbloods, Iberian horses and horses with big shoulders that need the room to perform. The saddle is designed and handmade in the UK with wool panels, patent designs to the cantle and a seat that can be built bespoke to each rider.
More info and stockists at louisamariacuomosaddles.com
Childéric DAC Dressage Saddle
Colours: Irish, master, Chataigne or black | Sizes: 15–19in | RRP: From £4,900 |
Described as “the armchair of dressage saddles”, this is an ideal first dressage saddle. It has a relatively flat seat with a wide twist, which is a popular choice for young horses and eventers, and the low cantle makes it easier to get on and off.
More info and stockists at childericsaddles.co.uk
Bliss Paramour Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black, cocoa, claret or cognac | Sizes: 14–19in | RRP: From £3,790 |
This monoflap saddle has a selection of large, supportive rolls and a three-point girthing system. Ir’s available with a choice of wooden tree and panel options, and you can choose between French calf leather or nubuck hide for extra grip.
More info and stockists at bliss-of-london.com
PDS Integro Monoflap
Colours: Black | Seat sizes: 17–18in | RRP: From £3,700 |
This saddle is built on a close-contact tree and the monoflap design gives the rider a closer feel to the horse enabling a higher level of communication. The adjustable carbon fibre tree provides strength and flexibility, with narrow to extra-wide options. The Integro has speciality AMS foam and wool flock panels to provide comfort and weight distribution – different shaped panels are available to suit the shape of horse and flocking is used to add additional support as needed. It features anatomically designed knee blocks that support your leg and encourage you to lengthen through the thigh.
More info and stockists at pdssaddlesuk.com
Erreplus Connect WR Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black, dark brown or cocoa | Sizes: 16–18in | RRP: £4,700 |
This saddle is made on a heat-adjustable flat tree with a wide variety of panel and flap options to ensure the optimum fit and comfort for both horse and rider. It has a new seat that is shaped to provide shock absorption to the rider and maximise the feeling of close contact. You can choose from a range of panel shapes, while the flaps are also available in four projections – forward (for more knee freedom and thigh support), standard, drawback (for greater support and knee contact) or double drawback for a more vertical position.
The saddle is available in monoflap and double flap, and customisation of colour and trim is also available.
More info and stockists at erreplus.com
AMZ Saddles Avicii
Colours: Black, brown, tan or chestnut | Sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: From £2,095 |
This classically designed deep-seated dressage saddle is designed to promote a close contact feel, with seats at the centre point of gravity. It has a triple-padded seat and a large built-in knee roll that offers stability and promotes the correct position. It is available on a range of wooden spring trees to cater for different builds of horses and maximise their shoulder movement. The Avicii is available as a monoflap or dual flap saddle and is adjustable to ensure the optimal fit. It is also available in choice of five different leathers with optional coloured welting, stitching and an array of personalisation.
More info and stockists at amzsaddles.co.uk
Smart Elite Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black or Havana | Seat sizes: Available in 4 sizes | RRP: From £3,495 |
Developed to fit the modern sport horse with the FlexTech technology, this saddle features a Y-girth attachment that allows a more forward set attachment. The elegant design can be customised to your taste with patent leather, crystals and colour details, plus multiple knee flap options for a tailor-made feel.
More info and stockists at smartsaddles.com
Tech 1 Dressage Saddle
Colours: Black | Sizes: 17–18in | RRP: £2,739 |
Developed by the founder of Erreplus to meet the needs of customers looking for a less expensive but good quality saddle. It has adjustable blocks, uses the Erreplus heat-adjustable fibre tree, and the panels are hand-flocked with British wool.
More info and stockists at tech-1.be/en
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