Saddles

Why saddle fit matters more than most riders realise

When a saddle is not quite right, your horse will usually tell you, just not always in an obvious way. Maybe it feels tight through the shoulder, lifts at the back, slips to one side, bridges through the middle or leaves you feeling unbalanced in the seat. Maybe your horse has started hollowing, shortening their stride, rushing, dipping away when tacked up or feeling reluctant to work forward. Often, these are not behaviour problems. There are signs that the saddle is not working with your horse’s shape.

That is where Cavaletti can help. Horses change shape all the time, especially through age, fitness, muscle development, weight changes and the seasons. A short-backed cob, a high-withered thoroughbred, a broad native, a growing pony and a developing warmblood all need different support. Cavaletti saddles are designed with adjustability in mind, giving you more room to work with your horse’s changing shape rather than feeling stuck with a saddle that only fits on day one.

If the saddle feels too tight, too loose, unstable, unbalanced, or your horse simply does not feel happy underneath you, you have options. Riders in the UK can use the 14-day free trial to ride, school, hack and properly test the saddle at home. You can also connect with our trusted network of saddle fitters for hands-on advice anywhere in the world, so you can find a saddle that supports your horse, helps you feel secure and makes every ride feel easier.

Which saddle is right for your discipline?

The right saddle depends on what you ride, how you ride and the level of support you need. If you enjoy a bit of everything, a GP saddle is the most versatile choice, giving you a balanced position for schooling, hacking, flatwork and small jumps. For dressage riders, a Dressage Saddle helps support a longer leg position and a deeper, more secure seat, while a monoflap Dressage Saddle reduces bulk between horse and rider for a closer feel and clearer contact.

Jump riders need freedom, balance and security over fences. A Jump Saddle gives you a more forward-cut flap and support for a shorter stirrup length, while a monoflap Jump Saddle offers a closer connection for riders who want less between their leg and the horse. For broader horses, larger frames and bigger-moving types, the Warmblood saddle range offers extra support without restricting movement, making it a great option for warmbloods, sports horses and wider-built horses that need room through the back and shoulder.

Pony saddles bring the same focus on comfort, fit and quality to smaller horses and younger riders, helping support a secure position without overwhelming the pony’s back. For the show ring, a show saddle is designed with a clean, straight-cut profile to allow the horse’s shoulder and topline to be seen clearly. If you mainly hack, school and enjoy lower-level all-around riding, a VSD saddle can also be a useful middle ground, offering a straighter cut than a GP saddle while still giving more versatility than a pure dressage saddle.

The interchangeable gullet system

Every Cavaletti saddle features our unique interchangeable gullet system with six width options. Horses change shape through the seasons, through fitness work, through age. A gullet system that adjusts means you are not buying a new saddle every time your horse's topline develops.

Replacement gullet bars are available separately via our accessories range. Changing the bar takes minutes and can be done at home, though we always recommend that a saddle fitter confirms the correct width first. We have a guide on how to change a gullet bar available right here on our website. We also offer a downloadable guide on gullet bar sizes. 

New, used, and graded saddles

“If you’re currently scrolling through saddles for sale in the UK, keep this in mind: the right saddle should feel like relief, not a compromise”.For those who want quality at a more accessible price point, our used and graded saddle range is worth exploring. Every graded saddle is checked before it leaves us. The standard of construction is the same; the price reflects condition rather than quality. You can find graded saddles by clicking on the saddle product and exploring the grading options on the product page. Availability is subject to stock. 

Saddles are also available to customise by seat size, colour, and gullet width, so you can configure the right fit from the start.

Find a saddle fitter near you

Not sure which saddle suits your horse? Our network of approved saddle fitters across the UK can help. Find a saddle fitter near you, or explore the full range of horse saddles for sale and take advantage of the 14-day trial when you are ready.