Dressage Saddles

Standard or Monoflap: Which Dressage Saddle suits your horse?

The full leather and covered leather Dressage Saddles are the traditional option. Well-balanced and available in a range of seat sizes and colours, they suit riders from those starting out in dressage through to those competing at affiliated level.

The monoflap Dressage Saddle removes the double-flap construction entirely, putting your leg in more direct contact with the horse's side. Riders who find traditional flap bulk interferes with their feel tend to notice the difference quickly. A warmblood-specific version is available for broader horses who need a wider tree angle and more generous panel contact.

The synthetic Dressage Saddle is a practical choice for those who want quality without the maintenance demands of full leather. It carries the same design principles as the leather range.

How the interchangeable gullet system works for dressage horses

In dressage, particularly, horses change shape significantly as their topline develops through correct training. A saddle that fitted well at the start of the season may need adjustment six months in.

Every Cavaletti Dressage Saddle features our interchangeable gullet system with six width options. Rather than buying a new saddle, you change the gullet bar to suit where your horse is right now. Replacement bars are available separately via our accessories range.

What to look for when choosing a dressage saddle

Panel shape, flap length, seat depth, tree angle and gullet width all influence how a Dressage saddle sits, how balanced the rider feels and how freely the horse can move underneath it. The right choice depends on your horse’s back shape, shoulder freedom, wither profile and stage of training, as well as your own position and preferred feel in the saddle. A saddle that suits one horse and rider combination may not suit another, which is why fit, balance, and comfort should always come before style alone.

If you are unsure, our free 14-day saddle trial, available to riders in the UK, gives you the chance to ride in your normal schooling sessions and see how the saddle feels before making your decision.

Try before you buy

All Cavaletti Dressage Saddles come with a 14-day free trial. School in it, hack in it, do what you normally do. Then decide. Explore the full Dressage Saddlerange, or find a local fitter via our saddle fitter locator.