Adjustable Saddle Brands

In this article we will discuss all about adjustable saddle brands. The type of adjustability they offer and whether you can adjust them at home or your fitter or the manufacturer alters them for you!

Ah, modern technology. Today, we are onto the subject of adjustable saddles.

Did you know? The Equestrian Sector is worth 13 billion world-wide. With an ever-growing industry, (even in a world-wide pandemic!) there is more research than ever going into this sport. And horses saddles are no exception!

It is not a hidden fact that saddles are a very expensive piece of equipment. Owners understand this, however, how frustrating would it be to have to replace the saddle when your horse changes shape? Thankfully, we don’t have too anymore! An adjustable saddle can be modified to maintain an optimal width. A horses shape depends on their weight, fitness and musculature. If you are regularly competing, for example, in Eventing, when your horse is not at peak fitness, your saddle may become an issue to your horse. Having a narrow saddle on your horses back will make the horse uncomfortable. Keep your eye out for any change in behaviours as this could also be a good indicator!

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.

Is a saddle with a fixed tree or an adjustable saddle better for you? Check out this blog to find here!

Different types of adjustability

Dependent on the age of your saddle and what material your saddle is made from depends on what type of adjustability it has. We will start with the most recent.

Adjustable gullet bar:

Adjustable gullets saddles, in our opinion, are the most cost-effective saddles. Why? Because not only can you change these saddles to fit your horse, you can also save the expense on getting a professional to do them. Some adjustable saddles are made from synthetic materials, meaning they are affordable as well! These types of saddles are not complicated to change, they can be done by you in the comfort of your own home! The gullet bars are located at the front of the saddle (the pommel), these metal plates can be removed and replaced to alter the shape of the horses body and they can be adjusted by fractions of an inch.
Check out this blog to see how you can work out which gullet bar you need here!

The Adjusta Tree:

The Adjusta tree is a relatively new addition, coming out in 2013. It is believed to be the first British precision engineered adjustable wooden saddle tree. This tree requires an approved saddler or the manufacturer to adjust it. Our recommendation is to send the saddle back to the manufacturer to have these alterations done.

Changeable Headplates:

If your saddle doesn’t have an adjustable gullet, but it is adjustable, it means the headplate can be changed. Located in the same place of the gullet bar but on more of a traditional saddle it is called the head plate. These saddles also should go directly to the manufacturer to have alterations done.

What adjustable saddle brands have what type of adjustment?

Adjustable gullet and ones you can get here at The Saddle Bank!

• Thorowgood

  • They have two ranges. The T4 which is a complete synthetic range. The T8 is a leather look and feel saddle.

• Wintec

  • All Wintec saddles are adjustable. This brand offers weatherproof and durability with their synthetic saddles.

• Bates

  • They offer quality and adjustable saddles for various disciplines, including Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing and General-Purpose use. These saddles are available in three types of leather.

• Kent and Masters

  • Super popular quality leather saddles which are also adjustable. They offer saddles for a wide range of horses too. Click here to read our blog here on why we love Kent & Master Saddles

• Fairfax

  • Handmade in England by Master Saddlers, Fairfax are an extremely popular British brand. Their high-quality leather design is enhanced by their adjustable gullets.

• Arena

  • Part of the Saddlery Brands International family. They are the same company which owns the Bates and Wintec family. Check out this blog to see which saddle is right for you.

• Cavaletti 

  • They have leather and synthetic options. These adjustable saddles are available without breaking the bank and they also come in double or mono flap. Click here to read all about Cavaletti Collection saddles.

• GFS 

  • Popular, adjustable and quality saddles in the Transition and Premier ranges. To find out more about these saddles check out this blog.

• Monarch

  • Full leather, and affordably priced. Their range include’s GP’s, Jump, Dressage, Cob and Pony Saddles.

• John Whitaker

  • Even though John is a show jumper, don’t be put off! They do saddles for every discipline. They offer a range of full and part leather, not all of their range has an adjustable gullet though, so be careful!

• Loxley

  • These vast range of wooden tree saddles have a fully adjustable tree. They can be adjusted from a Narrow Medium up to XXW, the bars are designed to compliment the broadness of the horses spinal area,

• Pessoa

  • These saddles have a flexible carbon tree making them lightweight, they can be altered from narrow to extra wide. Their most popular model is the Pessoa Gen-X Elite which is great for riders at all levels,

• PDS

  • Stands for ‘Professional Dressage Solutions’ is a popular brand of high-end dressage saddle. To find out more about PDS check out this blog

• Ideal T & T ideal

  • Technical and Traditional, this is a new ‘next generation’ brand from the Ideal saddle company. This fully leather saddle has different styles dependent on what discipline you do.

Brands that can be adjusted by an approved saddle fitter, or the manufacturer

• Albion (Adjusta Tree is in newer models, Platinum saddles have the changeable headplate), - the Albion saddles have been continually developed over 25 years and are now recognised as one of the leading saddle brands,
• The Saddle Company – this English company, they combine modern technology with traditional methods. Their newest style is the ‘Opulence’ which can come in either a jump or dressage style.
• Amerigo - The Amerigo tree can be altered by Amerigo themselves by 1.5cm each way.
• Prestige - Can be altered by being sent back to Prestige to be altered by their master craftsmen.

Here at The Saddle Bank, we stock over 1200 saddles. Every saddle we sell has undergone vigorous checks to ensure it meets the highest standard. We offer brand new, second hand, and ex demo saddles. But please be aware, they don’t hang around long! Check out this link today so you don’t miss out.