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What is the Fairfax World Class Dressage saddle?

By Victoria | September 8, 2023
  1. Dressage
  2. Fairfax

About Fairfax 

Fairfax saddles are world renowned for its scientific research and development that goes into not only their saddles but bridles and girths as well. They are proven to relieve pressure and improve the horse’s performance, which is why they are chosen by some of the best riders in the world. Experienced saddlers make Fairfax saddles in Walsall, England using a mixture of traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology.

The aim of everything Fairfax design is to improve horse & rider performance by enhanced freedom of movement, position and communication.

Got a question about a Fairfax saddle for sale? 

If you have a question anything to do with Fairfax Saddles for sale on our website 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 World Class Dressage Saddle

In this article we are looking at the prestigious World Class Dressage Saddle.

With its eye catching design featuring the silver lion on the flap has been developed with and currently ridden in by Charlotte Dujardin. The knee block and seat on the World Class have been designed to aid the rider to feel more at one and balanced with their horse. 

The World Class is available in seat sizes from 16.5 inch up to 18 inch and with two different trim designs, either plain trim or croc print on the luxurious Italian calf leather. 

It also as standard has the features as pictured below allowing for adjustability throughout the year whilst maintaining it's luxurious feel for horse and rider.

1. Performance Panels:

The saddle incorporates the 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.

2. Adjustable Gullet Plate:

The Fairfax World Class Dressage Saddle comes with an adjustable gullet plate system that allows riders to modify the width of the saddle to suit different horses or changes in their horse's shape over time. This feature ensures a proper fit whilst being able to be adjusted throughout the year as the horse changes shape. The World Class Dressage take the R Bars which are available in widths from Narrow Medium upto XW-XXW.

 Click here to see our super helpful guide on how to change a Fairfax gullet bar.

3. Balance Point Technology:

The saddle incorporates Balance Point Technology, which aims to position the rider in an optimal balance point over the horse's center of gravity. This technology helps riders maintain a correct position, enabling effective communication with their horse while minimising strain on their own body.

4. Monoflap Design:

The monoflap design of the Fairfax World Class Dressage Saddle reduces bulk between the rider's leg and the horse, allowing for a closer contact and enhanced communication. This design feature enables riders to give subtle aids with precision, promoting harmony and responsiveness.

5. Luxurious Leather:

Crafted from premium quality luxurious Italian leather, the Fairfax World Class Dressage Saddle offers durability, comfort, and a luxurious feel. The leather is meticulously selected to ensure suppleness and grip, providing riders with a secure seat while maintaining a close connection with their horse.

Features of the World Class Dressage

The Fairfax World Class is the only dressage saddle in production that has been scientifically tested using pressure mapping under the saddle as well as the rider. 

The knee block contains a shock adsorbing element which has been designed to take into account the forward movement of the riders knee. This element allows the block to offer the optimal amount of support without restricting the rider.

The seat configuration found in the World Class has been proven to improve the balance and symmetry of the riders seat due to the pelvis being in the neutral position for longer through each stride.

The World Class has two different panel types, the standard Performance Panel and the Elias Performance Panel.

The Elias performance panel has been developed alongside Friesian dressage specialist Marc-Peter Spahn who for a long time had struggled to find a dressage saddle to fit the 'uphill' confirmation of the Friesian breed as well as the Iberian Baroque type breeds such as Lusitanos, Andalusians and Lipizzaners. It is designed to have a deeper rear gusset with a slim front gusset to provide a perfectly balanced saddle on these uphill breeds.

The World Class Dressage is on the same panel design as the Fairfax Petrus and Stella (previously the Gareth and Rebecca) but with the upgraded seat and knee block design the World Class is the premium dressage saddle from Fairfax.

The World Class Dressage with Elias panel is the same panel design as the Cara (formerly the Elias) again with the upgraded knee block and seat design for the utmost comfort for horse and rider.

Click here to get your next World Class Dressage Saddle and here for The World Class with Elias Panel.

How to decipher the World Class Saddle model codes

As with all Fairfax saddles the World Class is no exception when it comes to model codes.

These codes are made up of 3 letters and can show you 3 things!

  1. What flap type the staddle has, there are three option with this S (Standard), P (Petite) and L (Long)
  2. The panel type so there are two panel options as mentioned earlier the standard Performance Panel and the Elias Panel on the model code D is for the Standard and E is for the Elias Panel.
  3. The last letter indicates what trim the saddle features so P is Plain and C is for the Croc print trim.

So for example if a saddle had a code if PEP that would be Petite flap, Elias Panel and plain trim.

If it was SDC it would be the standard flap, standard performance panel and Croc Print trim.

The Fairfax World Class Dressage Saddle is a high class performance saddle designed to enhance both rider and horse performance and comfort. With its innovative features, superior craftsmanship, and focus on comfort, this saddle is a popular choice among dressage enthusiasts seeking optimal communication and harmony with their equine partners.

Where to buy a Fairfax World Class Dressage saddle from?

The Saddle Bank have a wide selection of Fairfax Dressage saddles. Did you know all our saddles come with a 5 day UK trial? This trial is perfect to see if we have the Amerigo saddle for you.  We offer next working day delivery if ordered by 1pm Monday-Friday! Click here to see what we currently have in stock.

This blog post is for informational purposes only. At The Saddle Bank we always recommend to consult with a professional saddle fitter to ensure the best fit for your horse and individual needs.
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