Table of contents:

What is a Saddle Trial and Why It Matters
How Our 14-Day Saddle Trial Works
The Benefits of Trying Before You Buy
How to Book Your Saddle Trial Online
What Real Riders Say
Making the Most of Your Saddle Trial
Saddles Available for Trial
Got Questions? We’re Here to Help

 

 

Finding the right saddle shouldn’t be stressful. It should feel exciting, empowering, and most importantly — personal. Every horse is different, and so is every rider. That’s exactly why we offer a free 14-day saddle trial here at Cavaletti Collection.

 

You get to ride your own horse, in your own tack room, field, or arena, without pressure or showroom sales talk.

 

We’ve built this experience around what really works: giving you the space and time to feel what’s right. Our saddle trial service is free, simple to arrange, and gives you 14 full days to get to know the saddle.

 

What is a Saddle Trial and Why It Matters

A saddle trial is your chance to put a saddle to the test — not just sitting in it for five minutes, but riding in it. You’ll feel how it supports your position, how your horse moves under it, and whether it fits into your everyday routine.

There’s no substitute for real riding. What feels right during a static fit might not work once you're cantering down a long side or popping over a fence. That’s why this trial isn’t a gimmick — it’s a valuable part of the saddle-buying process.

 

We understand how many factors go into choosing a saddle: your horse’s shape, your goals, and the kind of work you do. This trial period gives you the clarity and confidence to make a decision based on your own experience.

 

How Our 14-Day Saddle Trial Works

Once you’ve picked the saddle you’d like to try, we get it ready and send it directly to your door. You’ll pay a refundable deposit — no hidden charges or tricky terms. From the day your saddle arrives, your 14-day trial begins.

Use it just like you would any other saddle. School in it. Hack out. Take it to a lesson or a quiet competition if you want to. We want you to get the most out of the trial, so don’t hold back.

 

At the end of your 14 days, you can keep the saddle, return it, or swap it for a different one. If you’re unsure, we’re here to chat about what felt good and what didn’t. We want to help you find the one that works best.

 

The Benefits of Trying Before You Buy

The right saddle can transform your riding. But it’s a decision you only want to make once — and get it right the first time.

 

By trialling a saddle in real-world conditions, you get:

  • A chance to see how your horse moves in different types of work

  • Time to test it without rushing your decision

  • A feel for comfort, balance, and how it supports your position

  • Confidence that it’s the right choice

If it’s not perfect, no problem. That’s why the trial exists.

 

How to Book Your Saddle Trial Online

The whole process can be completed online in just a few clicks.

Start by browsing our saddle collection here. We’ve got a wide range of models including jump, GP, dressage and youth saddles. Each product page includes a “Start Free Trial” button, which adds the saddle to your basket.

From there, select the correct seat size, width fitting, and colour. If you’re not sure what size you need, you can always contact us for support — we’re more than happy to help.

 

Once your trial order is placed, the saddle will be shipped directly to you. Your trial starts on the day it arrives, not the day you order. You then have two weeks to ride in it as much as you like.

 

What Real Riders Say

One of the things we hear most often is just how valuable this trial is for riders who want to feel sure.

Take Charlotte, who ordered our Adjustable GP Saddle for her Irish Sport Horse:
 "I wasn’t confident buying online, but the trial meant I didn’t have to guess. I rode in it every day and could feel my horse moving more freely by the end of the second week. It just clicked."

It’s not about selling saddles — it’s about making sure they work in practice.

 

Making the Most of Your Saddle Trial

To get the best out of your trial period, mix things up a bit. Try flatwork, hacking, and transitions in different paces. This will give you a broader feel for how the saddle supports your position and influences your horse’s movement.

Pay attention to how your horse reacts:

Do they stretch more?

Feel more relaxed in the back?

Is your position more stable?

These little details matter.

Many riders also find it helpful to take a short video during the trial. It’s a great way to spot changes in posture and movement, and it can be shared with your coach or saddle fitter for a second opinion.

 

Saddles Available for Trial

You can trial all of our core adjustable saddles, including:

The Cavaletti Adjustable GP Saddle — ideal for riders who enjoy hacking, flatwork, and the occasional jump
 The Cavaletti Adjustable Jump Saddle — a forward-cut design that supports balance over fences
 The Cavaletti Adjustable Dressage Saddle — perfect for deep seat security and encouraging long leg position
 The Cavaletti Youth GP Saddle — lightweight and suited to growing riders and ponies

 

All are built with fully adjustable trees and offer genuine flexibility in fit. You can find more about each model on our saddles page.

 

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help

We know that shopping for saddles online can feel daunting — especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we’re here to support you. Whether you’re not sure what size you need, or you want to compare two different styles, just get in touch via our contact page.

 

We’ve fitted thousands of saddles and are always happy to answer your questions. Our goal isn’t just to help you book a saddle trial — it’s to help you feel confident in your final decision.

 

Your next saddle should fit you and your horse, suit your riding, and make every ride feel better. A trial is just the first step.

 

If you’re ready to give it a go, browse our saddle range and start your trial today.