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Fairfax Dressage Saddles - which model is right for you?

By Jade | November 23, 2020
  1. Dressage
  2. Fairfax

Fairfax Dressage Saddles

If you are looking for a Fairfax Dressage saddle for sale, this is the perfect place to start! Fairfax are a popular brand of saddle around the globe. In this article we we will look at the various Fairfax dressage saddle models which are available. This includes both fairfax monoflap dressage saddles and dual flap saddles. We will look at the features of the following saddles;

  • World Class Monoflap,
  • World Class Monoflap with Elias Panel,
  • Elias Monoflap,
  • Gareth Monoflap,
  • Rebecca Monoflap,
  • Spencer Monoflap,
  • Cupped Flap (dual flap),
  • Open Seat (dual flap),
  • Petite (dual flap)
  • Original Monoflap (discontinued)

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 Fairfax dressage saddle for sale is 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 Dressage Saddles

Fairfax World Class Monoflap Dressage Saddle

Chosen by Charlotte Dujardin, the Fairfax World Class Monoflap was developed to maximise synchronicity, allowing the rider to feel more balanced and at one with their horse.

  • The knee block is constructed of multiple layers, including a shock-absorbing element that allows it to accommodate the forward movement of the rider's knee.
  • This configurations offers the optimal level of rider support without restriction.
  • The symmetry and balance of the rider's seat is improved when the pelvis is neutral.
  • Girthing options to optimise saddle stability.
  • Changeable gullet bar.

World Class Dressage Saddle with Elias Panel

The World Class with Elias Panel was developed to maximise synchronicity between riders and horses with uphill confirmation. This saddle allows the rider to feel more balanced and at one with their horse.

  • Deep rear, and slim front, gussets to provide a perfectly balanced platform for the rider on a horse with 'uphill' conformation.
  • The knee block is constructed of multiple layers, including a shock-absorbing element that allows it to accommodate the forward movement of the rider's knee.
  • This configurations offers the optimal level of rider support without restriction.
  • The symmetry and balance of the rider's seat is improved when the pelvis is neutral.
  • Seven physique options to suit individual rider anatomy (see chart below).
  • Girthing options to optimise saddle stability.
  • Changeable gullet bar.

Fairfax Elias Monoflap Dressage Saddle

Designed to fit uphill confirmations and giving the rider enhanced support with the surface mounted thigh block. This monoflap is perfect for Fresians and similar breeds/types.

  • Deep rear, and slim front, gussets to provide a perfectly balanced platform for the rider on a horse with 'uphill' conformation.
  • Full grain leather for an instant pre-broken-in feel, plus croc-print trim on the flap, cantle and front facing.
  • The Unique design and placement of the billets gives the saddle fitter two adjustment options to fine-tune the fit to the horse’s shape and movement
  • Three thicknesses of adjustable shoulder blocks allow the rider to sit squarely on a horse with asymmetrical shoulders while allowing the horse to move freely underneath, building up muscle without restriction. Simply use the thicker block on the side with less muscle
  • Surface mounted thigh blocks designed to give the rider enhanced support without restricting their position.
Fairfax Dressage Saddles [Gareth, Rebecca, Spencer]

Fairfax Gareth Monoflap Dressage Saddle

This Fairfax monoflap dressage saddle was developed with Gareth Hughes. The saddle is designed to enable the rider a greater connection with their horse without restricting the ability to give subtle aids or minor adjustments.

  • The seat is more ‘forward’ in order to precisely align the rider more ‘in’ over the horse’s centre of balance.
  • The Unique design and placement of the billets gives the saddle fitter two adjustment options to fine-tune the fit to the horse’s shape and movement
  • Three thicknesses of adjustable shoulder blocks allow the rider to sit squarely on a horse with asymmetrical shoulders while allowing the horse to move freely underneath, building up muscle without restriction. Simply use the thicker block on the side with less muscle
  • A recess in the flap allows the riders’ upper leg to form a closer contact with the horse’s side without any uncomfortable rubbing.
  • Surface mounted thigh blocks designed to give the rider enhanced support without restricting their position.
  • Full grain leather for an instant pre-broken-in feel.

Fairfax Rebecca Monoflap Dressage Saddle

This Fairfax Monoflap dressage saddle is the 'feminine' version of the Gareth - based on the same saddle, but with added luxurious design touches, developed with Gareth's wife, Rebecca Hughes.

  • Discreet snakeskin print on the cantle and stirrup loop adds enough glamour to turn heads while still oozing style.
  • Grey stitching on the flaps and welting on the seat brings a touch of class and elegance.
  • The seat is more ‘forward’ in order to precisely align the rider more ‘in’ over the horse’s centre of balance, allowing the rider to feel a greater connection with their horse without restricting the ability to give the subtle aids or adjustments.
  • The unique design and placement of the billets gives the saddle fitter two adjustment options to fine-tune the fit to the horse’s shape and movement.
  • Three thicknesses of adjustable shoulder blocks allow the rider to sit squarely on a horse with asymmetrical shoulders while allowing the horse to move freely underneath, building up muscle without restriction. Simply use the thicker block on the side with less muscle
  • A recess in the flap allows the riders’ upper leg to form a closer contact with the horse’s side without any uncomfortable rubbing
  • Surface mounted thigh blocks give the rider enhanced support without restricting their position.

Spencer Monoflap Dressage Saddle

Developed over more than 2 years by Spencer Wilton, this saddle offers a roomier seat and a unique concealed adjustable knee block.

  • The seat is more ‘forward’ in order to precisely align the rider more ‘in’ over the horse’s centre of balance.
  • A unique knee block is hidden in the monoflap design. The position can be adjusted to give the rider incredible flexibility of support.
  • The 17½" and 18" saddles come with a choice of two block sizes. This choice, combined with the adjustable position, gives the rider even more flexible support options.
  • The seat is wider and more ‘open’ than the Gareth model. This will suit riders who prefer more room in the seat, or those who like a more relaxed dressage position.
  • The design and placement of the billets gives the saddle fitter two adjustment options to fine-tune the fit to the horse’s shape and movement.
  • Contrast stitching on the flaps and skirt.
Fairfax Dressage Saddles [Cupped Flap, Open Seat, Petite]

Classic Cupped Flap Dressage Saddle

The Fairfax Classic Cupped Flap Dressage is a traditional, two-flap saddle created especially for the competitive rider who appreciates enhanced comfort and luxury from a competition saddle

The Fairfax Classic Cupped Flap Dressage has all the features common to every Classic saddle plus the following comfort-enhancing details:

  • Precisely balanced seat to align and support the rider in the optimum dressage position
  • The design and placement of the billets provides girthing options to fine-tune the fit to the horse’s shape and movement
  • Luxurious double-oiled butt leather
  • Super-soft full grain hide on the seat
  • Stitched-on knee block to provide superior support for the rider’s leg with the stirrups at dressage length
  • The addition of deep cushioning over the knee rolls means the support is softer and more accommodating for the leg than a monoflap block.

Classic Open Seat Dressage Saddle

The Fairfax Classic Dressage is a traditional, two-flap saddle especially designed for riders who appreciate a little more room in their saddle.

The Fairfax Classic Dressage has all the features common to every Classic saddle, plus the following comfort-enhancing details:

  • Open and flatter seat for those who prefer a more ‘relaxed’ dressage position. The seat is not as ‘forward’ as the Classic Dressage.
  • The design and placement of the billets provides girthing options to fine-tune the fit to the horse’s shape and movement (see girthing options below)
  • Luxurious double-oiled butt leather.
  • Super-soft full grain hide on the seat.
  • A stitched-on knee block which is smaller than the Classic Dressage and can accommodate a larger thigh while still providing comfortable support.
  • The addition of deep cushioning and ghost stitching on the knee pad means the support is softer and more accommodating for a variety of leg lengths and sizes.

Fairfax Classic Petite Dressage Saddle

A traditional, two-flap dressage saddle, designed for the petite or young rider, who appreciate enhanced comfort and luxury from their competition saddle.

The Fairfax Classic Dressage has all the features common to every Classic saddle, plus the following comfort-enhancing details:

  • Neat and compact seat to align and support the rider in the optimum dressage position.
  • The design and placement of the billets provides girthing options to fine-tune the fit to the horse’s shape and movement(see girthing options below).
  • Luxurious double-oiled butt leather.
  • Super-soft full grain hide on the seat.
  • A small moveable Velcro knee block which can be re-positioned to provide superior support for the rider’s leg (see block below).
  • The addition of deep cushioning and ghost stitching on the knee pad means the support is softer and more accommodating for a variety of leg lengths and sizes.

Fairfax Original Monoflap Dressage Saddle

The Fairfax Original was designed to increase the horses freedom of movement, with the Performance Panels, along with ensuring an even weight distribution across the horses back. Similar to the Fairfax Gareth.

This saddle is no longer available from Fairfax. Therefore is only available second hand.

 

Trial a Fairfax Saddle

If you would like to try a Fairfax Dressage saddle, feel free to browse our current range of Fairfax dressage saddles for sale here.

The Saddle Bank offer 5 Day UK trials on Quality Used Saddles.
Full details of our trial policy can be found here. We offer FAST postage, fully insured so you can rest assured the saddle is safe.
Shipping worldwide is available and enjoyed by many of our clients worldwide.

 

Which one is right for you?

Deciding which Fairfax saddle is right for you will depend on the type of feel you prefer, your horses shoulder size and movement, whether your horse may need additional flock adding, and which saddle you and your horse find most comfortable.

 

Try a Fairfax Saddle

If you are looking for Fairfax dressage saddles for sale and would like to try a Fairfax adjustable saddle browse The Saddle Banks current selection here.

 

Sell a Fairfax Saddle

If you are looking to sell a Fairfax adjustable saddle, get in touch with us by completing this short form or email us info@thesaddlebank.com

 

Learn more about how saddles should fit….

If you would like to learn more about saddle fitting and how the saddle can impact your horses performance click on the image below.

Banner to learn more about recognising saddle fit issues

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