How to choose the right saddle for you?

A pre-loved saddle can be a great option if you’re looking for good value for money. Whether it be to suit your horse’s specific needs or your budget, there are a few things to consider when you buy a pre-loved saddle.

Think about which saddle is right for your horse’s back and for your discipline to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
 This article gives you step-by-step advice to make the right choice with peace of mind.

• The Discipline
• The Size
• The Horse
• Want to Try a Saddle?
• The Material of Our Saddles
• The Budget
• Consult Our Expert

Decide on your discipline

The first question to ask yourself is: Which riding discipline do you do the most? Dressage, show jumping, cross country or maybe endurance? Every discipline requires a specific saddle designed to meet the needs of the horse and rider.

• Dressage saddles: For riders who want precision and style. Dressage saddles are deeper with long flaps, giving you more stability in the seat and close contact with the horse. They’re ideal for riders looking for greater precision in their movements.
• Show jumping saddles: For thrill-seekers and show jumping enthusiasts. With a variety of seat types and large knee blocks, they provide freedom to move and a good full seat and half seat position. They’re made for riders involved in several disciplines.
• Monoflap saddles: For riders who want a lightweight saddle with close contact for cross-country trials in eventing. Monoflap saddles provide a forward seat and the perfect balance, making them a versatile choice for riders in other disciplines.
• Endurance saddles: For long distances. These saddles are made to provide comfort to both horse and rider. The padded seat and hard-wearing materials can withstand any long ride.

NB: Are you a rider in several disciplines?
Our show jumping and monoflap saddles are our most versatile options. They’re suitable for both show jumping and flatwork training.

Riders: How to choose the right size for you.

The size of the saddle should suit both your body shape and your horse’s.

You need to consider your size and shape when you choose your saddle size.

Please note that while our advice is based on general knowledge and experience, we do recommend contacting our specialist for more personalised support.

How to choose your seat size

Just check what size you wear in trousers to choose the right seat size.

Remember that this is general advice. You have to consider your body shape, how you feel in the saddle, your discipline and your horse’s unique features too.

Here’s our size guide to help find your seat size:

NB: If you’re between sizes:

• Go a size down if you like to feel more supported
• Go a size up if you like to have more room in your seat! 

Let’s move onto the size of your flaps. 

Do you have a question about your saddle size?

Ask Marie for her expert advice.

Flap size:

We use leg length and femur length to choose the right flap size. View our general size guide to find the right flap size for you.

Our pre-loved saddles also have knee rolls. They vary depending on how long or short you ride. Each knee roll has it’s own reference: N, NB, A, AB, AA, AAA etc.

NB: There are several things to consider when you choose your knee rolls:

• Saddle
• Riding style (if you ride long or short)
• Leg length

Here are the usual measurements to choose your size:

N/ NB = If you ride normal or long

A/AB = If you ride short

AA/ AAA = If you ride very short

For horses

Some parts of the saddle can be adjusted to suit your horse’s body shape and find the perfect saddle for both you and your horse.

Gullet size

Selles-occasions.com has a variety of gullet sizes to free up your horse’s withers.

NB: some gullet sizes are not available depending on the model.

Panel range

Selles-occasions.com sells several types of panel. The panels help distribute weight and pressure evenly across the horse’s back.
Our panels are designed to provide comfort and natural balance on the horse’s back.

Choose the right panel 

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right saddle based on the panels available on our pre-loved saddles:

• Slim panels = suitable for horses with flatter withers or round shoulders
• Standard panels = suitable for 85% of horses
• Thick panels = suitable for slim horses, horses with higher withers or horses in the process of building muscle

Saddle balance

Some of our pre-loved saddles have pads to better fit the back of your horse. You can position them at the front, back or both.
Pads help distribute the weight of the saddle on your horse’s back.
Usually for high-withered horses.

Do you have any questions about the saddle’s technical features? Get in touch with Marie, our specialist !

Try before you buy!

Once you’ve found your dream saddle, it’s time to try it. That’s right! You get a 15-day trial period with Selles Occasions.

Ride exactly how you normally would during your trial period. We recommend:

• riding in all three gaits (walk, trot and canter)
• jumping a few obstacles
• changing your position when seated or standing

(NB: If you slip forward when you change position, you may not have the right saddle.)

Here are a few extra things to look out for during your trial period:

– Listen to your body: You should feel relaxed, tension-free and stable. If you feel like you’re sitting in an armchair then that’s great!

– Look at your horse: it should be able to walk with ease and look sharp with no signs of discomfort. If your horse’s back is rounded, its ears are back or seems uncomfortable, those are the signs that something isn’t right.

– Ask for outside opinions: You have to feel good in your future riding saddle. You can ask your trainer what they think during your trial. They know you and your horse better than anyone.

What are pre-loved Antarès saddles made from?

Your next saddle will be with you on each and every ride. So you have to choose a material that’s both comfortable and durable.

 Leather: Classic, stylish and hard-wearing. It requires regular care to keep it soft and prevent it from cracking.

All our saddles at Selles Occasions are made from premium Antarès leather. Our Saintes workshop in Charente-Maritime also inspects them before they’re available to buy.

Decide on your budget: Find a compromise that works for you

A riding saddle is a real investment. There are lots of ways to find a compromise that works for you.

Here are the benefits of owning a pre-loved saddle:

• Affordable: pre-loved saddles are usually less expensive than new ones.
• Value for money: Selles-occasions.com gives you the same quality you’d expect from Antarès in a pre-loved saddle.
• Broken in and ready to go: the leather on pre-loved saddles has already been softened. That means both horse and rider get instant comfort.
• Available now: pre-loved saddles are available straight after your trial period.
• Environmentally-friendly: buying a pre-loved saddle gives it a longer life. That means you lower the carbon footprint involved in making a new saddle.

What else? We have a wide range of affordable pre-loved (2024) and new saddles.

Consult a specialist: Pre-loved saddle advice

Get in touch with our specialist Marie (link) for help choosing the right model for you and your horse. She’s on hand throughout your trial period so you can double check any technical features with her.

 Let her know your thoughts and feedback about what could be your next riding saddle.

Go with your gut

In the end, choosing a saddle is about what feels right for you. Trust your instinct and how you feel in the saddle. If you can just focus on enjoying the ride, then you’ve found the right saddle.

You too can set the standards with second-hand tack!