Who are Fairfax Saddles?
Fairfax Saddles are based in Walsall, England, they specialise in designing and manufacturing high-quality saddles for a range of equestrian disciplines from Racing to Dressage. The company's objective is to create saddles that enhance horse and rider performance through scientific research and innovative design. Fairfax Saddles collaborate with UK leading experts in equine biomechanics, saddle fitting, and design to ensure their products meet the very highest standards.
When it comes to dressage saddles, Fairfax is a renowned brand that offers exceptional quality and performance. In this blog we are going to be looking at the ever popular now discontinued Fairfax Rebecca and its replacement the upgraded Fairfax Stella.
If you are still a bit confused about which saddle or any saddle related product is best for you why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team. Via phone on 01733 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.
Fairfax Rebecca vs Stella -Similarities
1. Monoflap Design:
Both the Fairfax Stella and Fairfax Rebecca saddles are monoflap. Being a single flap allows for closer contact between the rider's leg and the horse's side. This close contact feel also enhances communication between horse and rider, enabling the rider to give precise and effective aids.
2. Adjustable Gullet System:
Fairfax Saddles are known for their innovative adjustable gullet system, which allows riders to change the width of the saddle throughout the year as their horses change shape. Both the Fairfax Stella and Fairfax Rebecca saddles incorporate this feature, ensuring a customisable fit for various horse shapes and sizes.
3. Performance Panel:
The Stella and Rebecca saddles both feauture Performance Panel which focuses on optimizing the weight distribution across the horse's back and shoulder. The Performance Panel helps to minimize pressure points and allows for greater freedom of movement. The wool flocked panels feature the option to be able to change the velcro shoulder blocks on the saddle to allow for different confirmations.
The weight-bearing part of the panel under the rider’s seat is separated from the part under the rider’s knee. This allows the horse’s shoulder independence of movement, free from the restrictions that a traditional panel could potentially cause. It has shown to be particularly beneficial on a horse with big shoulder movement or big shoulders. As well as on horses who are slightly asymmetrical in the shoulder as the shoulder blocks can be swapped, changed or removed completely to ensure the rider is sitting square in the seat.
4. Seat Depth:
Both the Fairfax Rebecca and Stella feature a deeper seat. The deeper seat provides a more secure feeling for riders who prefer additional support and stability during intense movements or extended periods of riding.
5. Twist Width:
The twist refers to the narrowest part of the saddle seat, where the rider's thighs meet. A wider twist allows for a more open hip angle, providing riders with a greater range of motion and flexibility.
6. Knee Blocks
The Fairfax Rebecca and Stella both have the same size and shape surface knee block offering the rider support and security without restricting their aids or the horse's movement.
Differences
The biggest differences between is the flap design.
The Fairfax Rebecca was redesigned and renamed in 2023 to become the Fairfax Stella, so the majority of the saddles main features as mentioned above are the same.
The Fairfax Rebecca is known for it's attractive and eye catching design with its white stitching and snakeskin print on the back of the cantle and stirrup leather keeper.
The Fairfax Stella is a an extension of the Rebecca's 'Feminine' features grey stitching design on the large flaps as well as snakeskin print on the front trim, welting and on the back of the cantle.
If you are looking for your next Fairfax Dressage saddle click here to see the saddles we have in stock.
Why not take advantage of our 5 day UK Trial, if it is the Fairfax Rebecca you are looking for click here!
Not from the UK? Don't worry we offer delivery worldwide!
