Made-to-measure saddle: the advantages

The goal of most riders is to make progress in their horse-riding discipline. To this end, it’s important to have the right material. The saddle is a non-negotiable element, both for the horse and for the rider. It is a permanent link that allows them to communicate. A made-to-measure saddle provides comfort and frees the horse’s movements. On the other hand, the wrong saddle can cause the horse discomfort as well as pain.

Therefore, it is crucial, both for the rider and the horse, to invest in a good-quality saddle, combining performance and comfort. At CWD, we have several made-to-measure saddle models. Discover the advantages of made-to-measure saddles for both the horse and the rider!

The benefits of a made-to-measure saddle for the horse

By definition, a made-to-measure saddle adapts perfectly to the horse’s anatomy. The main difference between a made-to-measure saddle and a standard one has to do with the customizable panels (or padding), adapted to the different types of horse anatomies. A made-to-measure saddle exerts no pressure on the horse’s withers and supraspinous ligament and allows for maximum shoulder freedom. It also offers uniform contact between the panels and the horse’s back for optimal pressure distribution. Overall, this kind of saddle is balanced and provides the horse with maximum comfort, so that it can move with ease at all times. Consequently, this reduces pain and injuries in the back and withers area. As a result, the horse will be more open to work and feel more relaxed. In fact, this also influences the rider’s mounting technique.

The option to have a Dynamick® tree is a real added benefit with these saddles. In fact, this kind of tree follows the movements of both the horse (bending and extension of the back) and the rider. What’s more, it recovers its initial shape. Made of carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass, it achieves more suppleness in the seat area and more rigidity around the arch. Its structure and seat are very fine, for closer contact. Its very open shape allows the rider to sit better on the horse’s back. The flexible arch tip follows the horse’s shoulder movements. 

How a made-to-measure saddle impacts the rider

A more relaxed horse makes you feel more at ease, allowing you to concentrate on your training. What’s more, the saddle is adapted to your anatomy, just like in the case of your horse.

Several parameters must be taken into account when creating the perfect saddle. Considering both the size of your thighbone as well as your mounting technique, a made-to-measure saddle makes sure you’ll have enough space on the seat. Not only this, depending on how you feel on horseback, you can choose a seat type that is more or less deep. A flat seat offers more freedom of movement, while a deeper one engages the pelvis more. The flaps on a made-to-measure saddle are defined depending on the length of your legs, as well as on the usual length of your stirrups. Overall, these saddles provide greater comfort and a better position when mounting the horse.

We’ve also improved the tree design for our 2Gs Mademoiselle saddles. These saddles were originally developed for women who have particular anatomical needs. To keep their spine upright, women have to move their pelvis further forward than men, shifting their center of gravity. Consequently, women sit further forward on their pubic bone which touches the saddle. Therefore, this may result in pain while riding. This is why our 2Gs Mademoiselle saddles are designed with a flat U-shaped seat. Foam is also added at the front of the saddle and around the ischium. In this way, the pelvis is free, leading to easier work and unmatched comfort. What’s more, thanks to their narrow twist, these saddles perfectly adapt to all riders, no matter their gender.

Saddles that combine quality, comfort and aesthetics

Aside from offering maximum comfort to both the rider and the horse, our made-to-measure saddles have a wide selection of customization options to suit all tastes.

First of all, you can choose a specific discipline for your saddle: dressage, cross, CSO, endurance. It’s important to know that our jumping saddles are perfectly suited to work with your horse on flat surfaces, too. You can also choose the stirrup leathers and the type of rigging that best suits your horse. After purchasing your saddle, you also have the option to readapt it for a new horse (for example, we can modify the panels).

Not only this, but you can also choose a chestnut or black saddle, being able to specifically customize the color. This can range from white to black, including pink, blue and green (in total, 15 shades are available for our saddles). You can also choose your saddle’s finish, deciding between lined and/or grain calfskin or buffalo leather.

To maximize your performance, our Dynamick® saddles can include a high-tech system: the “iJump” option. This system allows you to assess your horse’s performance while training. Essentially, it allows you to gain an objective perspective of your horse, easily analyzing the exercises to make fast progress. Thanks to this system, you can measure your progress throughout the year.