Can Equipe Saddles be Adjusted?
In the growing world of adjustable saddles, more riders of all levels are exploring saddles that give greater flexibility in their fit. Horses grow and change shape for a plethora of reasons such as increased exercise or diet changes, and some horses change because they simply haven't stopped growing.
The popularity and convenience of an adjustable saddle has somewhat been overshadowed by the misconception that adjustable saddles aren't as good quality as "standard" saddles - this simply isn't true! Nowadays, high-end saddle manufacturers are able to offer adjustable on some of their saddle models, but what about Equipe?
Who are Equipe and What Kind of Saddles do they Make?
If you are unfamiliar with the brand, Selleria Equipe are a hugely popular Italian saddle brand, who manufacture a range of high-quality saddles for dressage, jumping, eventing, and endurance. Equipe boast a fantastic range of saddle lines, with models to suit a variety of styles, disciplines, and sizes. They have four main lines of saddle, with different features and models in each category: E-Carbon, Emporio, Platinum, and Theoreme.
What is the Difference in Equipe Saddle Lines?
The difference in each of these lines is the tree. The E-Carbon is the brainchild of cutting-edge technology carefully married to fine Italian craftsmanship. The tree is made from shock-absorbing carbon-fibre, making it incredibly lightweight compared to a wooden tree, with all of the durability and structure needed in a high-performance saddle.
The Platinum line of saddles are classic and traditional, crafted with a beechwood tree reinforced with steel to keep the structure of the tree strong and elastic.
Both Theoreme and Emporio line saddles feature a synthetic tree; the Theoreme line is customisable while the Emporio line is not. The customisable options can allow the customer to alter features such as seat size, wither opening, size/cut of the flap (Pony, Short, Standard, Long, Extra Long), knee rolls, panels and billet positions.
For the Emporio, which is not customisable, saddles are available in standard sizes, which can get a bit confusing if you are not familiar, as Equipe have their own unique tree width naming system. Depending on the model, Equipe saddles can accommodate seat lengths from 14.5 inches to 18 inches.
What Kind of Panels do Equipe Saddles Have?
The answer is: somewhat. Equipe themselves state that, should the need arise, they can modify the opening of the saddle tree and change the panels directly. With the view in mind to increase longevity of saddle use, even if the size or shape of the horse changes, or to a different horse altogether.
However, it is important to note that not all of the Equipe lines are able to have the tree adjusted. Only the Platinum, Theoreme, and Emporio lines can currently be altered. Previously, the adjustments were done by Equipe themselves, and so the saddle would need to be shipped to them in Italy - this is not the most cost effective way, or efficient method of adjustment. Many riders still send their saddles to Equipe to be adjusted, however there is a UK recommended saddler who can alter them here in the UK.
If you are interested in this option, please don't hesitate to contact us on +44 (0) 1733 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com with the subject line Equipe Saddle Adjustments.
Are Equipe an 'Adjustable Saddle'?
Equipe saddles are unfortunately unable to be altered in the way one may think of a typical adjustable saddle. The foam panels mean that a saddle fitter would not be able to make a great amount of adjustments to your saddle on-site with you and your horse. The adjustability of Equipe saddles is not designed for riders to be able to do themselves; like we may see with other brands such as Bates or Fairfax saddles, which are much more typical of adjustable saddles.
While there are ways that some Equipe saddles can be altered, they are not a manufacturer which jumps to the top of the list when looking for an adjustable saddle. With that being said, Equipe make incredible saddles. Nearly every Saddle Bank customer that tries a saddle from them never return it; and some only need one ride in an Equipe saddle to be totally hooked!
Ridden by top riders such as Ros Canter and Laura Collett!
So, are you ready to try an Equipe Saddle?
We have a great range of new and secondhand Equipe saddles available directly on our website. Take a look at our range of Equipe saddles available here!
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 service team via phone on +44 (0) 1733 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.
