We stock the Sovereign, Esquire and Elite Dressage models, with options to suit standard and short-backed horses, ponies and Arabians. Windsor saddles are built on English spring trees and can be reflocked and adjusted by a qualified saddler for a long working life. Browse our full saddles collection for options across other brands and disciplines.
About Windsor Saddles
Windsor is a traditionally built English saddle brand with a strong following in Australia's show and dressage communities. Every saddle is handmade using Sedgewick leather, one of England's most respected tanneries, and finished with wool-flocked panels that conform to the horse's back over time. The brand has earned its reputation by focusing on what matters most in a saddle: fit, balance and quality of materials. Windsor saddles are designed in consultation with experienced saddlers and riders and are particularly valued for their ability to fit short-backed horses, ponies and Arabians without bridging.
Windsor Saddle Models
Understand the range.
The Sovereign
The Windsor Sovereign is the brand's most searched and most recognised model. It features short, tailored panels specifically designed for compact horses, Arabians and ponies where a standard-length saddle would sit past the last rib. The Sovereign suits both show and dressage work, with a deep seat that positions the rider centrally and close to the horse. Wool flocking allows a saddler to customise the fit over time as the horse's condition changes.
- Best for: short-backed horses, ponies, Arabians, Warmbloods with compact backs
- Disciplines: show, dressage, show hack
- Key feature: short panels that prevent bridging on compact frames
The Esquire
The Windsor Esquire is a show and dressage saddle with a slightly different tree and panel profile to the Sovereign. It offers a refined seat and a clean, traditional look that presents well in the ring. The Esquire is a popular choice for riders who want a Windsor saddle with a little more knee support and a slightly forward cut for general flat work alongside showing.
- Best for: show riders and dressage riders wanting a traditional English seat
- Disciplines: show, show hack, dressage
- Key feature: balanced seat with moderate knee support
The Elite Dressage
The Windsor Elite Dressage is purpose-built for dressage riders who want a deeper seat, longer flap and a leg position that encourages correct alignment. It retains the same Sedgewick leather and wool flocking as the rest of the range but with a tree and panel shape optimised for dressage-specific riding. Suitable for horses in medium to advanced dressage work.
- Best for: dedicated dressage horses in regular training or competition
- Disciplines: dressage
- Key feature: deeper seat and longer flap for a secure dressage position
What Sets Windsor Apart
Windsor saddles are built around a few principles that set them apart from mass-produced alternatives:
- Sedgewick leather is a heavyweight English leather that develops a rich patina with age, grips well without being sticky, and holds up to years of use with proper care
- Wool flocking allows a qualified saddler to adjust the panel shape as your horse changes condition, extending the saddle's useful life far beyond a foam-panelled equivalent
- English spring trees provide controlled flex through the waist of the saddle, absorbing the horse's movement and keeping the rider's seat stable
- Short panel options across the range solve the fitting challenge that riders of compact horses, ponies and Arabians face with most off-the-shelf saddles
Common Questions About Windsor Saddles
Questions we get asked.
Are Windsor saddles good for short-backed horses?
Yes. The Sovereign model in particular is designed with short, tailored panels that sit within the weight-bearing area of compact horses without bridging past the last rib. This makes Windsor one of the most popular saddle brands in Australia for Arabians, ponies and short-backed Warmbloods.
Where are Windsor saddles made?
Windsor saddles are handmade in England using Sedgewick leather and traditional construction techniques including wool flocking and English spring trees.
Can a Windsor saddle be reflocked?
Yes. Because Windsor saddles use wool flocking rather than foam, a qualified saddler can add, remove or redistribute the wool to adjust the fit as your horse's back changes with work, age or condition. This is one of the main advantages of a traditionally flocked saddle.
What is the difference between the Sovereign and the Esquire?
The Sovereign has shorter panels designed specifically for compact backs, making it the go-to model for short-backed horses and ponies. The Esquire has a slightly more forward-cut flap and a different panel profile, suiting riders who want a traditional English show or dressage seat on a standard-length horse.
Does Trail Race sell Windsor saddles new?
Yes. We stock new Windsor saddles including the Sovereign, Esquire and Elite Dressage models. Contact us for current availability, pricing and guidance on which model suits your horse.
