About Our Dressage Saddles
A dressage saddle is designed to support a deep, upright seat with a long leg position that allows the rider to give clear, subtle aids. Compared to a jumping or general purpose saddle, a dressage saddle has a straighter flap, a deeper seat and longer billets (or a monoflap design) that bring the rider's leg closer to the horse. The tree shape, panel design and flap angle all affect how the saddle fits both the horse and the rider, which is why professional fitting matters more with dressage saddles than almost any other piece of equipment. We stock new dressage saddles from six brands, each offering a different approach to fit, construction and price.
Italian Dressage Saddles: Equipe, Amerigo and Prestige
Italy has a long tradition of fine saddlery, and three of the brands we stock reflect that heritage. Equipe is our flagship dressage saddle brand and Trail Race is the exclusive Australian distributor. The Emporio Dressage is one of our best-selling models, combining Italian craftsmanship with a modern, close-contact feel. Amerigo saddles are handmade in the same Italian tradition, offering monoflap and dual-flap dressage models favoured by riders who want a refined connection with the horse. Prestige saddles bring decades of Italian manufacturing experience with a range that covers entry-level through to high-end custom options.
- Equipe – exclusive to Trail Race in Australia. Emporio Dressage is the standout model.
- Amerigo – handmade Italian saddles with monoflap and standard dressage configurations.
- Prestige – a broad range from mid-level to premium, with strong Italian construction throughout.
English-Made Dressage Saddles: Windsor and Frank Baines
For riders who prefer a traditionally built English saddle, Windsor and Frank Baines offer handcrafted quality with Sedgewick leather and wool flocking. Windsor saddles are particularly well suited to short-backed horses, ponies and Arabians thanks to their compact, tailored panels. The Windsor Esquire Dressage is a signature model in our range. Frank Baines saddles are handmade in Walsall, England, and offer adjustable tree widths and a range of seat sizes to accommodate different rider builds and horse shapes.
- Windsor – handmade in England, ideal for short-backed horses. Esquire Dressage is the key model.
- Frank Baines – Walsall-made with adjustable trees and traditional wool flocking.
PDS Dressage Saddles
PDS (Peter David Saddles) offers a range of dressage saddles that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern panel and tree design. Known for their close-contact feel and clean lines, PDS saddles are a solid mid-range option for riders who want a well-built saddle without stepping into full custom pricing.
Monoflap vs Standard Flap
One of the key decisions when choosing a dressage saddle is whether to go monoflap or standard (dual-flap). A monoflap saddle removes the second layer of leather between your leg and the horse, giving a closer contact feel and a thinner profile under the thigh. This suits riders who want maximum feel and communication. A standard dual-flap saddle has a traditional construction with the girth straps sitting between an inner and outer flap, which some riders find more secure and which can offer a wider range of fitting adjustments. Both options are available across our Italian and English brands.
Saddle Fitting and Aftercare
Every horse's back is different, and a poorly fitting dressage saddle will restrict movement, cause soreness and limit performance. We offer professional saddle fitting consultations to ensure the tree width, panel contact and balance are right for your horse before you commit. Wool-flocked saddles from Windsor, Frank Baines and selected Equipe models can be adjusted over time as your horse's condition changes, extending the working life of the saddle significantly. Contact us to arrange a fitting or to discuss which brand and model would suit your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dressage Saddles
Below you can read the questions and answers.
How do I choose the right dressage saddle?
Start with your horse's back shape and your budget, then narrow down by brand and model. A professional fitting is the most reliable way to find the right match. We offer fitting consultations and can guide you through tree width, seat size and panel type before you purchase.
What is the difference between a monoflap and a standard dressage saddle?
A monoflap saddle has a single layer of leather between your leg and the horse, giving a thinner, closer-contact feel. A standard saddle has two flaps with the girth straps between them. Monoflap suits riders who prioritise feel; standard suits riders who prefer a traditional construction with more adjustability.
Are dressage saddles suitable for short-backed horses?
Yes, but you need to choose a model with compact panels that won't extend past the horse's last rib. Windsor saddles are specifically designed for short-backed horses, ponies and Arabians. Some Equipe and Amerigo models also offer shorter panel options. A professional fitting will confirm whether a particular saddle sits within your horse's weight-bearing area.
Do you offer saddle fitting?
Yes. Trail Race has experienced saddle fitters who can help match you to the right brand, model and tree width. We recommend booking a fitting before purchasing, especially if your horse has a tricky back shape or if you're investing in a premium saddle.
Can a dressage saddle be reflocked?
Saddles with wool flocking, including Windsor, Frank Baines and selected Equipe and Amerigo models, can be reflocked and adjusted by a qualified saddler. This allows the panel shape to be fine-tuned as your horse's back changes with work, age or condition. Foam-panelled saddles cannot be reflocked but may offer other adjustment systems.
