Top 10 Dressage Saddles Unveiled

Best for: Adjustability & Performance

A true performance saddle, The Bates Artiste Monoflap Dressage saddle is specially designed to support a position so natural and a connection so sensitive the saddle all but disappears and your performance is amplified.

The in-demand saddle is crafted from double-lined calf leather and the fit can be completely customised to fit both horse and rider. The adjustable knee blocks and stirrup bar helps you find the perfect balance that will grant you a stillness, independence of seat, and a lightness of hand and leg that will allow you both to perform with ease.

Best for: Traditional Monoflap Dressage Saddle

Thanks to the block and seat configuration, the symmetry and balance of the rider's seat is improved and remains in a neutral position for longer. The block incorporates a shock-absorbing element that accommodates the forward movement of the knee to provide the optimal level of support without restriction. The World Class is crafted from luxurious, super-grippy calf leather so you can really look and feel the part when competing.

Best for: Continental

Equipe are our preferred continental brand and the Equipe Emporio is our favourite Dressage saddle in the range. If you like large knee blocks and a semi-deep seat with forward balance point, this will be the saddle for you. 

The memory foam panels adapt to the horse's body heat, to allow the most comfortable fit. This saddle is a popular choice for riders with multiple horses all with similar back profiles. The Theoreme tree also means this is one of the lightest Dressage saddles on the market.

The Emporio is the flattest tree Equipe offers, and has short panels at the back so is a good fit for compact horses.

Made at the Selleria Equipe factory in Italy, all the Equipe Dressage saddles are made to the highest quality and craftsmanship with fine Italian leather.

Best for: Established Dressage Horses & Riders

Ideal developed the Suzannah on a specific tree designed to support established dressage horses with their unique back profile. For riders who love a super deep seat with a narrow twist for an optimal close contact seat position. 

The Suzannah can come with a large moulded external knee block or dual flap with a large padded knee roll for additional comfort.

Best for: Thoroughbreds

A popular classic, the Mariella monoflap dressage saddle incorporates stylish design and beautiful craftsmanship, manufactured with luxury calf leather for ultimate luxury. The deep seat and well-placed knee blocks provide maximum support and comfort while allowing the rider freedom to execute effective aids.

What we love about the Harry Dabbs range is their choice of trees. The Mariella is available on all the Harry Dabbs trees, but the Avant tree has been specifically designed to suit a Thoroughbred shape with more wither. The open head and unique performance panel design frees up the Trapezius muscle and keeps the lumbar region free from pressure, helping the horse to lift the back, bring the hindleg under and engage the quarters with more fluid shoulder movement for steps that have more quality, expression and elasticity. 

Best for: Cobs that can!

Most chosen by riders who want a technical dressage saddle, but don't want to compromise on fit.

All the benefits you'd expect from a technical dressage saddle, the Arena Cob Dressage has a deep seat and velcro blocks which can be positioned exactly where you need them for your leg length and position.

Specially designed for wide horses, the Cob Dressage saddle from Arena has a wide channel, and the elastiflex tree can be adjusted using changeable gullet bars between 1XW up to 4XW. 

Best for: No frills

The Kent & Masters S-Series Dressage has 3 models to be able to accommodate most horses & riders. All models feature adjustable girthing options and a traditional deep dressage seat.

Surface Block: Available in a standard & high wither version, this model features an external block that provides stability and support for the rider, without being restrictive.

Moveable Block: Available in a standard & high wither, this saddle will suit you if you like the flexibility of a moveable support block under the flap which can be positioned to suit your requirements

Low Wither & Pony: The low wither model starts from a 16” and has the moveable blocks to provide customised support where you need it.

Best for: High Performance

The Unity Series is two models of monoflap dressage saddles developed to enhance the rider’s pelvic motion, resulting in the rider becoming more in sync with the horse’s movement.

The Unity Series is available in X and Y seat profiles. The X Seat has a wider twist which opens up the rider’s leg and sits them back slightly. The Y Seat has a narrower twist which allows the rider to be more on top of their feet.

For horse suitability, the Unity series is available in V (Thoroughbred), U (Warmblood) and XU (Cob/Connemara) trees for the ultimate in saddle fitting precision.

Best for: Synthetic Option

Most chosen by riders who are budget-conscious and want an easy-care saddle

We love the Wintec 500 range. The durable leather-look material is the best on the market and provides a supple and grippy seat - no more suede! This saddle is a comfortable and practical saddle for you to commence your dressage journey

The Wintec range shares the same HART technology as Bates and Arena saddles, with the adjustable gullet bars and riser system your fitter can create the perfect fit for your horse.

Best for: Comfort 

A top-quality dual flap dressage saddle, the K2 Dressage Saddle incorporates the popular K2 adjusta-tree. The K2 has been designed a great introductory dressage without compromising on quality or comfort. Riders looking for a deep seat with a supportive leg position love the K2. The standard knee rolls are soft, supportive and fixed in one position under the flap. For those who prefer a mono-flap design, they do the K3 Dressage.

For horse suitability, the K2 Adjusta Tree is available in two different head types: U (Warmblood) and XU (Cob/Connemara).