Kent & Masters saddles are well-loved in the equestrian world, known for their comfort, quality, and versatility. But are they truly the right saddle for you and your horse? At Saddles Direct, we frequently get this question, so we’re here to provide you with a comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide. Whether you’re looking for adjustability, specific fitting options, or just want to know more about the different Kent & Masters models, we’ve got you covered!
Who Makes Kent and Masters Saddles?
Kent & Masters saddles are handmade in Walsall, England, a historic area renowned for saddle craftsmanship. Each saddle is crafted by skilled Master Saddlers with over 25 years of experience, using traditional methods to ensure durability, comfort, and attention to detail. Kent & Masters is produced by the same team behind Thorowgood (a more budget-friendly option) and Fairfax (a premium brand), meaning you’re getting top-quality craftsmanship and expertise in a mid-range saddle option.
With a dedicated design team that includes international riders, qualified saddle fitters, and experienced horse professionals, Kent & Masters brings together practical know-how and high standards of comfort for horses and riders of all levels.
Are Kent and Masters Saddles Adjustable?
Yes! One of the standout features of Kent & Masters saddles is their adjustability, especially in terms of gullet width. Each saddle comes with a changeable gullet bar, allowing you (or your saddle fitter) to modify the gullet width to match your horse’s wither profile as they change shape due to exercise, muscle development, or even seasonal rest.
Kent & Masters offers two types of gullet bars:
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S-Bar: Shorter and designed for lower-headed trees with shorter points and a square cantle*.
*The Low Wither GP takes an S-Bar but has a round cantle. -
R-Bar: Longer and suited to higher-headed trees with long points and a round cantle*. R-Bars are not available in Extra Extra Wide fitting.
*The S-Series Jump saddle takes an R-Bar but has a square cantle.
These bars come in various sizes, from Narrow/Medium up to Extra Extra Wide, making it quick and simple to adjust the saddle without needing professional tools. This flexibility means the saddle can adapt with your horse, providing long-term comfort and fit.
Getting to know the Kent & Masters Ranges
Kent & Masters offers two main ranges: the Competition and the S-Series. Each range has unique features to suit different rider and horse needs.
- Competition Series: Designed for the competitive rider seeking a high-spec, discipline-specific saddle, the Competition Series combines practicality with elegance. These saddles are fully hide-covered, featuring refined styling and discreet, luxurious trim detail for a polished, professional appearance. Crafted by skilled English saddlers, these saddles provide comfort, durability, and an added touch of class for competition settings.
- S-Series: The S-Series saddles offer versatility without compromise. Made from high-quality English butt leather with hide-covered seats and knee rolls, these saddles are ideal for riders who may be just starting in dressage or jumping or seasoned competitors who are budget-conscious but value quality. The S-Series includes a variety of discipline-specific saddles, as well as comfortable GP options for hacking and leisure riding, providing dependable performance across various riding styles.
Each range maintains Kent & Masters’ signature adjustability and British wool flocking, which moulds to your horse’s back for optimal comfort and performance.
Various Models - Which One Suits You?
Kent & Masters offers models for different riding disciplines and horse body types:
- High Wither Models: For horses with prominent withers and a slender build, high wither models feature deep front and rear gussets for wither clearance and saddle balance.
- Standard Wither Models: These suit horses with a medium wither and an average build, offering a balanced fit with standard gussets.
- Low Profile Models: Ideal for low-withered, flat-backed horses, these saddles have slim-line gussets to reduce bulk, offering stability and close contact.
Here are a few popular Kent & Masters models:
- Universal GP: Great for general-purpose riding, offering versatility and comfort with a flatter seat.
- S-Series Jump Saddle: A tree with longer, swept-back points to support the front of the saddle and allow freer shoulder movement.
- Low-wither GP: Designed specifically for cob-type horses, ensuring stability and comfort.
- Compact GP: A neater-seat GP saddle that suits petite riders with narrower hips.
- Pony Long Leg: Great for leggy teenagers, petite adults on ponies or shorter-backed horses thanks to the more forward-cut flap.
Not sure which model best suits you? Speak to our saddle experts for free, personalised advice and saddle recommendations.
How to Decode Your Kent & Masters Saddle Stamp: A Quick Guide
If you've ever wondered what the numbers and letters stamped on the flap of your Kent & Masters saddle mean, you're not alone! These stamps give essential details about the saddle’s size and model. This guide will help you decode the stamp, understand your saddle’s model, and even estimate its age.
1. Understanding the Basics: Seat Size Codes
Every Kent & Masters saddle stamp includes the seat size, which reflects the seat size in inches. A 15 = 15”, 155 = 15.5” and so on.
The numbers may appear before or after the letters in the code. For saddles made before 2016, you may also see a ½ symbol.
2. Decoding the Model Codes
Each Kent & Masters saddle has a unique set of letters in its stamp, signifying its model. However, it’s important to note that unless specified below, the codes don’t distinguish between the S-Series and Original ranges.
Here’s a breakdown based on saddle type:
Kent & Masters Dressage Saddle Codes
DR / LDR - Dressage low profile (pre-2015)
DX / MDX - Cob Dressage (discontinued 2017/18)
HDM - High wither with moveable block (2015 onwards)
HDR / HWDR - High wither Dressage (pre-2015)
HDS - High wither with surface block (2015 onwards)
MMD - Monoflap Dressage, Competition Series (introduced 2023)
LWD - Low Wither Dressage, S-Series (introduced 2024)
Kent & Masters GP Saddle Codes
DGC - S-Series Compact GP with deeper gusset (renamed in 2013)
GA / MGA - Anatomic GP (2014-2018)
GX / MGX - Cob GP (discontinued end of 2023)
LWG - S-Series Low Wither GP (introduced 2023)
Kent & Masters Jump Saddle Codes
JJ / MJJ - S-Series Jump Saddle (introduced 2013) or Competition Series Jump (introduced 2023)
JU / MJU - Original Jump Saddle
PJ / MPJ - S-Series Pony Jump Saddle (introduced 2013)
LWJ - S-Series Low Wither Jump (introduced 2024)
These codes give an idea of the saddle’s intended fit and profile, whether for a high wither, low profile, standard wither, or specific disciplines like GP or Dressage.
Kent & Masters full list of codes will help you identify your saddle.
3. Identifying Saddle Age Based on Stamp Style
The Kent & Masters saddle stamp design changed in 2016:
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Pre-2016: The saddle code was stamped with large digits and letters either above or to the left.
- Post-2016: Smaller digits and letters appear below or to the right of the stamp.
If you find a larger-style stamp on your saddle, it’s likely from before mid-2016, giving you an approximate indication of age.
The stamp does not directly provide the year of manufacture, but newer models or discontinued ranges can help you estimate your saddle’s production year.
Looking to sell your Kent & Masters saddle?
Submit it online for a free valuation—we may be able to purchase it outright, or you can part-exchange it for a new model!
Final Thoughts on Kent & Masters Saddles
Kent & Masters saddles are a popular, versatile choice for riders at all levels, known for their adjustability, quality materials, and thoughtful design. Whether you’re choosing a high wither, standard, or low-profile model, you’ll find a comfortable and reliable option. And with easy gullet adjustments and a variety of models to suit specific riding disciplines, it’s clear why Kent & Masters are trusted by riders across the UK and beyond.
Ready to try one out? Explore our selection of pre-owned Kent & Masters saddles, available to trial for 5 days! If you have any questions, our experts are always on hand to help you find the perfect fit.
