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What Makes a Good Eventing Saddle: The One Saddle for Everything
Leisure riders have big plans with their horse: dressage lessons are diligently practised in the arena, there's extensive roaming around on the trail, and often the urge to jump over obstacles crops up too. And because the world of equestrian sport is so varied and exciting, maybe a circus arts workshop or a Working Equitation course gets booked as well. Or an endurance ride gets attempted.
An eventing saddle is suitable for all riders who have the following requirements for their saddle:
An eventing saddle is suitable for all riders who have the following requirements for their saddle:
- Suitability for different riding styles
- Comfort for long rides
- Adjustable fit
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A Versatile Saddle for Your Horse
Different activities place different demands on the saddle. But not all leisure riders can or want to buy several saddles. And even if it's not a financial problem for you to buy, say, a specialised jumping saddle in addition to your dressage saddle – neither of the two is really ideal for a trail ride. So an additional trail saddle too, or what?
Many riders solve this dilemma with an eventing saddle. But what actually is that – and what makes a good eventing saddle?
Many riders solve this dilemma with an eventing saddle. But what actually is that – and what makes a good eventing saddle?
Requirements for an Eventing Saddle: One Saddle for Every Situation
The typical eventing saddle is a compromise between a dressage and a jumping saddle. It's meant to allow riding gymnasticising dressage exercises just as well as jumps and fast trail rides. In other words: the rider needs sufficient freedom of movement in an eventing saddle to adopt different seat types, from the dressage seat to the light seat, and to adjust their centre of gravity to the horse's movement.
On top of that: ideally, an eventing saddle should also be suitable for longer rides. That means it has to meet higher requirements in terms of fit and comfort. With specialised dressage saddles or jumping saddles, that's not a given.
On top of that: ideally, an eventing saddle should also be suitable for longer rides. That means it has to meet higher requirements in terms of fit and comfort. With specialised dressage saddles or jumping saddles, that's not a given.
Freedom of movement and comfort in the saddle — The Eventing Saddle
When a Large Bearing Surface Also Matters for an Eventing Saddle
Comfort Pad: a wide bearing surface for more comfort with an eventing saddle
If your activities with your horse are limited to dressage lessons and jumping training, and the saddle goes back into the tack room after an hour or an hour and a half, you're perfectly well served with a saddle that simply lets you choose your seat position a bit more freely than a pure dressage saddle. A good fit should of course still be a given – but this kind of sport doesn't place high demands on comfort for rider and horse.
It's a different story if the eventing saddle is also meant to be used for trail rides or even endurance rides. On such outings, the saddle is in continuous use for several hours. For horse and rider to still enjoy the shared sport even then, the saddle has to be truly comfortable for both.
That means:
For pressure distribution, an enlarged bearing surface on the saddle is decisive. This transfers the load of the rider's weight over a large area of the horse's back (without, of course, loading sensitive structures), thereby reducing saddle pressure and helping the horse carry its rider in a back-healthy way even over long distances.
It's a different story if the eventing saddle is also meant to be used for trail rides or even endurance rides. On such outings, the saddle is in continuous use for several hours. For horse and rider to still enjoy the shared sport even then, the saddle has to be truly comfortable for both.
That means:
- Shoulder, spinal and lumbar freedom
- Good pressure distribution through the saddle
- Soft, comfortable seat for the rider
For pressure distribution, an enlarged bearing surface on the saddle is decisive. This transfers the load of the rider's weight over a large area of the horse's back (without, of course, loading sensitive structures), thereby reducing saddle pressure and helping the horse carry its rider in a back-healthy way even over long distances.
Good pressure distribution through a large bearing surface — Important on Long Rides
How the Iberosattel® Comfort Pad Enlarges the Saddle's Bearing Surface
Most of our saddles are fitted with the Iberosattel® Comfort Pad. This is a flat, wide and especially soft saddle padding that makes full use of the entire bearing surface available in the saddle area. This means saddle pressure can be almost halved compared with saddles fitted with conventional wedge or banana panels. The flat, multi-layer padding also improves contact with the horse – and is additionally reduced over the leg area.
Making full use of the bearing surface available in width is especially important for short horses. In these cases, our Comfort Compact Pad is used: it can be shortened down to 44 centimetres.
Making full use of the bearing surface available in width is especially important for short horses. In these cases, our Comfort Compact Pad is used: it can be shortened down to 44 centimetres.
The Iberosattel® Comfort Pad achieves a maximum, softly padded bearing surface — Ideal Pressure Distribution
Perfect Fit – Really a Must for an Eventing Saddle
Better fit with the EWF system from Iberosattel®
The more often and extensively you use your eventing saddle, the more important a truly uncompromising fit becomes. Only then can theoretically good features such as a large bearing surface fully unfold their benefits in practice. Because: a large bearing surface can, of course, only distribute the load of the rider's weight broadly across the horse's back if the saddle actually sits everywhere it should. If it doesn't – if it rocks, bridges, or doesn't match the angle of the horse's back – the effective bearing surface stays small, and the saddle will press.
Good fit means: the underside of the saddle must be shaped as precisely as possible to the three-dimensional contour of the horse's back in the saddle area.
Good fit means: the underside of the saddle must be shaped as precisely as possible to the three-dimensional contour of the horse's back in the saddle area.
- The saddle's gullet must offer sufficient room for the withers.
- The angle of the head plate must be adapted to the angle of the horse's shoulder.
- The lengthwise curve of the saddle must be adapted to the curve of the horse's back.
- The channel between the saddle panels must allow sufficient spinal freedom.
- The length of the saddle must be adapted to the length of the saddle area.
A frequently used eventing saddle should fit perfectly — No Fit Compromises
How Iberosattel® Enables an Uncompromising Fit
With an off-the-shelf saddle, an uncompromising fit is a rare stroke of luck. Our customers shouldn't have to rely on that. That's why our saddles are always individually fitted. Thanks to an adjustable head plate, the gullet width on every Iberosattel® can be precisely set and re-adjusted at any later time too, if your horse's build has changed. Our Comfort Pad is also always precisely matched to your horse in terms of curve, length and spinal channel width.
We go even further with the saddles in our Premium Line: these one-off pieces are made to measure – for you and for your horse. This means, for example, that the curve of the saddle tree can also be precisely adapted to your horse's back contour.
We go even further with the saddles in our Premium Line: these one-off pieces are made to measure – for you and for your horse. This means, for example, that the curve of the saddle tree can also be precisely adapted to your horse's back contour.
Classic or Premium Line: no saddle leaves our workshop without individual fitting — Iberosattel® Stands for a Perfect Fit
More Freedom in the Saddle – Important for an Eventing Saddle
Made-to-measure from Iberosattel®: a saddle that fits horse and rider
Dressage saddles often put the rider in one very specific position – and that's where they stay. In the perfect dressage seat with a long leg, but unfortunately almost completely immobile.
That's the last thing you need in a saddle you want to use versatilely. When you're out on the trail or jumping, you need room to move: the freedom to change your seat position, tilt your pelvis, lean forward, move into the light seat, bend your legs ...
This is made possible by the following features:
That's the last thing you need in a saddle you want to use versatilely. When you're out on the trail or jumping, you need room to move: the freedom to change your seat position, tilt your pelvis, lean forward, move into the light seat, bend your legs ...
This is made possible by the following features:
- Flat to semi-flat seat in the saddle
- Wide, slightly forward-cut, somewhat shorter saddle flaps
- Medium-strength, possibly interchangeable knee rolls
Flat or semi-flat seat and leg freedom — Flexible Seat in the Eventing Saddle
How Iberosattel® Supports a Variable Seat Posture and Position
We can fit all the saddles in our Premium Line with a flat, semi-flat or deep seat as you wish – so it's best to choose the flat or semi-flat option if you want to use your Ibero versatilely.
The saddle flaps on an Ibero can be shortened or lengthened as needed. You choose your knee rolls from a wide range – and many of our models are also available with Velcro knee rolls. Reposition the knee rolls to ride with a long or bent leg, or use several differently shaped pairs of knee rolls to adapt your saddle completely flexibly to the demands of the arena and the trail!
The saddle flaps on an Ibero can be shortened or lengthened as needed. You choose your knee rolls from a wide range – and many of our models are also available with Velcro knee rolls. Reposition the knee rolls to ride with a long or bent leg, or use several differently shaped pairs of knee rolls to adapt your saddle completely flexibly to the demands of the arena and the trail!
Seat depth, saddle flaps and knee rolls can be adjusted — Iberosattel® Made-to-Measure
The Advantages of an Eventing Saddle at a Glance
- Multifunctionality for different riding styles: The eventing saddle differs from specialised dressage and jumping saddles and is suitable for a wide range of riding disciplines. It's ideal for riders who want to be active in different areas, such as dressage and jumping.
- Adaptability and comfort for rider and horse: Thanks to its adaptability, this type of saddle gives the rider the opportunity to adopt different seat positions in order to adjust to the horse's movements.
- Comfort for long rides: The eventing saddle is specifically designed for long rides. It offers high comfort for both rider and horse, achieved through good pressure distribution and the avoidance of pressure points.
- Optimised fit and freedom of movement: A good fit for the saddle is essential to distribute the rider's load evenly across the horse's back. The saddle's design (flatter seat and wider, shorter flaps) gives the rider more freedom and flexibility in different riding situations.
Which Iberosattel® Saddle Is Especially Well Suited as an Eventing Saddle?
A whole range of Iberosattel® models offer versatile uses – in principle, you can use any Ibero with a flat or semi-flat seat as an eventing saddle too. Which saddle becomes your dream saddle can ultimately only be answered by a practical test ride. After all, your horse has a say in that too, not to mention your backside. Many of our customers have one particular saddle in mind before their saddle appointment – and then discover during the test ride that a different model actually fits much better.
With that said, here we introduce a few Iberosattel® models that are especially well suited as eventing saddles.
With that said, here we introduce a few Iberosattel® models that are especially well suited as eventing saddles.
The Sevilla Classic – Eventing Saddle Focused on Dressage
For those who don't want to give up the support of a deep seat despite wanting an eventing saddle, we can recommend the Sevilla Classic. An eventing saddle with a clear focus on dressage, but with extended usability. Our tip: choose seat size 18 for a bit more freedom of movement.
The comfortable Comfort Pad in its compact version makes the saddle suitable for short horses and long rides, and thanks to the Velcro knee rolls, it can also be "re-equipped" for smaller jumps.
The comfortable Comfort Pad in its compact version makes the saddle suitable for short horses and long rides, and thanks to the Velcro knee rolls, it can also be "re-equipped" for smaller jumps.
Rebekka I. in a Sevilla Classic: "The saddle fits great, my sweetheart just gets along really well with it."
"The saddle fits great, my sweetheart just gets along really well with it. My riding instructor was totally thrilled too, because it offers such amazing shoulder freedom and you really notice it in his gait. … Whether in the arena or on the trail."
The Dressage Andaluz – Dressage Saddle and All-Round Talent
Our Dressage Andaluz with Comfort Pad can be fitted with various knee rolls – or you can go straight for Velcro knee rolls and stay completely flexible. This saddle, too, is initially a dressage saddle with a deep seat and long billet straps – but our customers are full of praise, especially for its versatile usability.
Daniela V. on Her Horse Hidalgo: "The saddle is definitely an all-round talent, which we use for jumping and for trail riding."
"In our Iberosattel® Dressage Andaluz, I was able to sit to the trot on Hidalgo for the first time. He doesn't tense up and he never grunted again either. The saddle is definitely an all-round talent, which we use for jumping and for trail riding."
Katrin S. on P.R.E. Gelding Piro: "My Dressage Andaluz 'luxury armchair' is really worth every penny..."
"The back muscles are loose and supple, the withers are no longer blocked. The defensive reactions when saddling up have also disappeared, and the change while riding is really enormous. My Dressage Andaluz 'luxury armchair' is really worth every penny."
Laura S. on Spanish Sport Horse Aria: "Was able to develop into a great riding horse."
"The saddle has been with us for 2.5 years now and is used very versatilely by us. From dressage work and gymnastic jumping to brisk rides and extended trail rides. My horse and I really appreciate the comfort and the fit."
The Alpha Vaquero – Classic Working Saddle, Also Suitable for Dressage
Our Alpha Vaquero is a classic working saddle – but built on a dressage tree. The flat (and, by the way, extremely comfortable) seat allows plenty of freedom in choosing your seat position. The soft vaquero roll provides secure support through every change of position – including on the trail and, for example, during Working Equitation.
The Alpha Vaquero is also fitted with the Comfort Pad – the compact version of the extra-wide padding is especially well suited to short horses. The saddle is also optionally available with the EWF system. Behind this abbreviation is our saddle tree solution for especially generous wither freedom.
The Alpha Vaquero is also fitted with the Comfort Pad – the compact version of the extra-wide padding is especially well suited to short horses. The saddle is also optionally available with the EWF system. Behind this abbreviation is our saddle tree solution for especially generous wither freedom.
Felicitas P. on Arabian Damis: "I'm glad I decided on Iberosattel®!..."
"I'd finally like to say a proper thank you once again for my beautiful, super comfortable and well-fitting Iberosattel®!"
The Cordoba Comfort – Premium Line, Premium Comfort
The Cordoba Comfort is a dressage saddle from our Premium Line, individually made for you and your horse. We can also design the seat depth to your wishes. The fully lined flap with underlying knee rolls allows the use of Velcro knee rolls – perfect when you sometimes need more, sometimes less support for your thighs while riding.
With this lightweight saddle, fitted with the soft, wide Comfort Pad, you can take your horse on longer rides too without a guilty conscience. The optional EWF system provides extra shoulder and wither freedom when needed.
With this lightweight saddle, fitted with the soft, wide Comfort Pad, you can take your horse on longer rides too without a guilty conscience. The optional EWF system provides extra shoulder and wither freedom when needed.
Nicole Audrit for "Mein Pferd" Magazine – Test Result: 15/15 Points
"The dressage saddle 'Còrdoba Comfort' is convincing both for its guaranteed spinal freedom and for its wide bearing surface and the resulting optimal pressure distribution. This gives the horse the highest possible level of carrying comfort.
The Cordoba Comfort is perfectly suited to dressage riding and to long rides. But I also had no problems whatsoever with jumps up to about 1 metre in height."
The Cordoba Comfort is perfectly suited to dressage riding and to long rides. But I also had no problems whatsoever with jumps up to about 1 metre in height."
The Right Saddle Pad for the Eventing Saddle
Whether dressage, jumping or trail riding – most riders don't want to do without a saddle pad. If you're out on horseback for longer periods, it's increasingly not just about attractive looks any more.
The saddle pad then also has to fulfil important functions.
It should:
Sheep's wool felt is a textile that meets these requirements ideally. The natural material can absorb several times its own weight in moisture – and also has a climate-regulating effect on the side: the air in the many tiny cavities between the wool fibres stores body heat or evaporative cooling, depending on the outside temperature. These air pockets are also what's responsible for felt's shock-absorbing effect – a felt saddle pad cushions well without adding too much bulk. Still important: if the pad regularly sits under the saddle, the saddle fitting should of course be done with the pad in place!
In the Iberosattel® Shop you'll find high-quality, locally made felt saddle pads in square and contoured shapes. And in many attractive colours – so your functional saddle pad can look good too.
The saddle pad then also has to fulfil important functions.
It should:
- be as absorbent as possible, to keep the saddle area dry.
- have a shock-absorbing effect, since otherwise pressure points can develop sooner or later on a trail ride, even with a well-fitting saddle.
Sheep's wool felt is a textile that meets these requirements ideally. The natural material can absorb several times its own weight in moisture – and also has a climate-regulating effect on the side: the air in the many tiny cavities between the wool fibres stores body heat or evaporative cooling, depending on the outside temperature. These air pockets are also what's responsible for felt's shock-absorbing effect – a felt saddle pad cushions well without adding too much bulk. Still important: if the pad regularly sits under the saddle, the saddle fitting should of course be done with the pad in place!
In the Iberosattel® Shop you'll find high-quality, locally made felt saddle pads in square and contoured shapes. And in many attractive colours – so your functional saddle pad can look good too.