Fairfax Gareth Saddle

The Fairfax Gareth is one of the most popular dressage saddles available on the market. Here we discuss why, and will try and help you decide if the Fairfax Gareth is the right saddle for you.

About Fairfax

Fairfax saddles are all handmade in England using the best English leather, created by leading craftsmen and master saddlers. Their aim is to enhance the horse's performance, strengthen the rider's communication and prevent muscular restriction by using a range of the latest science, technology, tradition and vigorous testing. Each saddle created is scrutinized using the latest pressure mapping and gait analysis systems.

All Fairfax saddles feature an adjustable gullet plate, which is interchangeable with Kent and Masters and Thorowgood, allowing the width of the saddle to be altered from narrow to extra wide. This design feature enables the saddle to be altered to fit different horses and horse that change shape making it a very versatile and economic saddle.

Fairfax Gareth Saddle

The Fairfax Gareth saddle is part of the performance range and was developed with the help of Gareth Hughes, team silver medalist in the 2014 WEG. He wanted to help create a saddle that allowed for a better connection between horse and rider without restricting the horse's movement and allowing the rider to give the most subtle aids possible.

The Gareth is a monoflap design and has several performance-enhancing features which include;

• A more forward cut seat which allows the rider to correctly align over the horses's centre of balance.
• The saddle can be fitted more precisely to each horse's individual conformation and movement as a result of the unique design and placement of the billets, allowing two adjustment options.
• From new the saddle comes with three different shoulder blocks, all of different thicknesses, which allows the rider to sit straight and centered even if the horse has asymmetrically shoulders. This will allow the horse to move freely and encourage the development of correct muscle building.
• The innovative close contact design of the Gareth allows the upper leg of the rider to sit closer to the horse's side, whilst providing optimum comfort
• The Gareth features large external thigh blocks offering enhanced support for the rider.
• The leather used to create the Gareth is full grain which gives that pre-broken-in feel riders love.
• The length of the flaps can also be customized depending on the riders length of leg.

Top 5 things we love about the Fairfax Gareth Dressage Saddle

• Performance Panels to allow for free movement through the shoulders
• Easy to adjust the gullet width with bars available in Narrow Medium up to Extra Wide-XX Wide
• Deep seat and external blocks for rider security
• Monoflap design for closeness with the horse
• Flocked panel for minor alterations to be made

Types of horses it works well on

The Gareth is a fairly versatile saddle and can work well on a range of breeds and types from athletic TB types, to Warmbloods and Connemara ponies. 

With the option of adjusting the width, and using the correct size shoulder blocks, the Gareth is a popular choice among many riders. 

Riders comments

The Fairfax Gareth is really nice to ride in, particularly if you like a fixed thigh block to offer you support. It has a deep seat, and the feel of the leather is luxurious. The performance panel design works great on my horses shoulders to allow freer movement. A top class dressage saddle with the ability to alter the width in a matter of minutes. Overall a great saddle, and worth the money. 

Want to try a Fairfax Gareth Dressage Saddle?

If you are interested in trying a Fairfax Gareth Dressage saddle you can trial one via The Saddle Bank.
The Saddle Bank offer 5 Day Trials on all Quality Used saddles to UK Mainland customers.

Full details on our trial policy can be found here.

If you are not from the UK but want to purchase a dressage saddle from The Saddle Bank please find out international shipping rates here.

TRY A FAIRFAX GARETH HERE

Sell your Fairfax Gareth Dressage Saddle

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Start by filling in our Sell Your Saddle Form here.