The 24 best english saddle brands in 2026

Collegiate, HILASON and Albion lead our ranking of 24 english saddle brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

English Saddle brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    Collegiate

    Collegiate sells English jumping, dressage and all-purpose saddles, along with saddle pads and other English tack.

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    HILASON

    Hilason sells a wide range of budget saddles, including English dressage, jumping and all-purpose models alongside Western styles.

    Popularity 9.8/10

  3. 3

    Albion

    Albion, named after Great Britain's first known island, is a skincare and makeup brand established in 1956. The brand strives to bring the heavenly beauty of the snowcapped peaks into skincare. Their entire range of products is divided into four classifications - skincare, base makeup, point makeup, and UV cut. They have an extensive collection of skincare products, and their Balancing Milk is a best seller. Albion also has a simple four-step daily skincare routine on their website that is a must-try for healthy glowing skin.

    Popularity 8.1/10

  4. 4

    Devoucoux

    Devoucoux is a French saddle maker known for handmade English dressage, jumping and eventing saddles.

    Popularity 6.2/10

  5. 5

    Thorowgood

    Thorowgood is a British maker of English saddles, including jumping, dressage and general purpose models.

    Popularity 5.9/10

  6. 6

    Kieffer

    Kieffer is a German saddle and tack maker producing English saddles for dressage, jumping and general riding.

    Popularity 5.6/10

  7. 7

    Wintec

    Wintec makes synthetic-tree English saddles for dressage, jumping and all-purpose riding, plus Western saddles.

    Popularity 5.6/10

  8. 8

    Passier

    Passier is a German saddle maker long known for handmade English dressage saddles and riding equipment.

    Popularity 4.9/10

  9. 9

    Bates

    Bates makes English and Western saddles, many with its CAIR cushioning system, alongside saddle pads and tack accessories.

    Popularity 4.5/10

  10. 10

    Black Country

    Black Country is a British saddle maker producing English dressage, jumping and general purpose saddles.

    Popularity 4.5/10

  11. 11

    Horze

    Horze sells equestrian clothing and tack, including English saddles sold under its own name for everyday and competition riding.

    Popularity 4.2/10

  12. 12

    Beval

    Beval Saddlery is your one-stop store for all of your equestrian equipment and supplies, so there's no need to seek further. Having over six and a half decades of manufacturing and serving experience, they have a deep understanding of what...

    Popularity 4.2/10

  13. 13

    Prestige

    Prestige is a wood flooring company that provides all kinds of hardwood services. Hardwood refinishing, Hardwood installation, and prefinished hardwood installation are all the services offered by Prestige. Their craftsman can handle any problems that you have and fix them...

    Popularity 3.7/10

  14. 14

    Toklat

    For several years, Toklat has been the leading and most trusted name as a manufacturer of products for horse riding. Riders and equestrian professionals have placed their trust in their high-quality and durable riding equipment and accessories that benefit the...

    Popularity 3.7/10

  15. 15

    Pessoa

    Pessoa is the go-to brand built by passionate horse-riders for horse-riders. Individuals can rely on the brand, from amateurs to professional Olympic players, to come through with high-quality and stylish products. The company offers a wide range of horse-riding essentials,...

    Popularity 3.7/10

  16. 16

    Cwd

    CWD is a French saddle maker producing English dressage, jumping and all-purpose saddles, many with synthetic trees.

    Popularity 3.2/10

  17. 17

    Frank Baines Saddlery

    Frank Baines Saddlery is a British saddle maker producing English saddles for dressage, jumping and general riding.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  18. 18

    Lovatt & Ricketts

    Lovatt and Ricketts is a British saddle maker known for handmade English dressage and jumping saddles.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  19. 19

    Schleese

    Schleese makes English dressage, jumping and all-purpose saddles, many built on custom-fit and adjustable tree designs.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  20. 20

    Smith Worthington

    Smith Worthington is an American saddle maker producing English dressage, jumping and all-purpose saddles.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  21. 21

    Status

    Status is a leading provider of the most fabulous caliber headphones with ground-breaking technological applications. Their headphones are built with the best available craftsmanship from premium materials. They promise that you will experience music like no before because of their...

    Popularity 1.9/10

  22. 22

    HUBERTUS

    Designing and producing knives for every occasion, Hubertus Solingen is a company that offers a range of semi-handcrafted cutting tools to impress others and increase your efficiency. The company has ensured that the production of the goods is only with...

    Popularity 1.9/10

  23. 23

    Lami-Cell

    Do you also love the adrenaline rush each time you go horse riding? Then you must check out Lami Cell. They are a premium brand that aims to enhance your horse riding experience every time. The brand provides you with...

    Popularity 1.9/10

  24. 24

    Zaldi

    Zaldi is a Spanish saddle maker producing English dressage, jumping and all-purpose saddles, often with leather and synthetic options.

    Popularity 1.9/10

English Saddle Buying Guide

Choosing the right saddle for your horse can make a big difference in your riding experience. The saddle is a critical piece of equipment for both horse and rider, and it is essential to choose one that fits correctly and provides the necessary comfort and support. In this guide, we will walk you through the different types of English saddles and what to consider when purchasing one.

Types of English Saddles

There are three main types of English saddles: close contact, all-purpose, and dressage. Each type is designed for a specific purpose and has unique features that make it suitable for that purpose.

Close Contact Saddles

Close contact saddles are designed for jumping and other types of forward riding. They are designed to provide a close contact between the rider and the horse, which allows the rider to have better control and feel. Close contact saddles typically have a flatter seat and forward flaps, which help the rider maintain a better balance over fences. They also have less padding than other types of saddles, which allows for a better feel of the horse's movement.

All-Purpose Saddles

All-purpose saddles are designed for general-purpose riding, including jumping, flatwork, and trail riding. They are a compromise between a close contact saddle and a dressage saddle, providing a balance of comfort and support. All-purpose saddles typically have a deeper seat and flaps that are not as forward as close contact saddles. They have more padding than close contact saddles, which provides greater comfort for longer rides.

Dressage Saddles

Dressage saddles are designed specifically for dressage riding. They have a deep seat and long, straight flaps that allow the rider to maintain a correct position during dressage movements. Dressage saddles provide a lot of support and are designed to help the rider sit correctly and keep the horse's movement flowing. They have a lot of padding, which provides extra comfort during long rides.

What to Consider When Buying an English Saddle

When buying an English saddle, there are several factors to consider:

Size and Fit

The most important factor to consider when buying an English saddle is the size and fit. It is essential to choose a saddle that fits both you and your horse correctly. An ill-fitting saddle can cause discomfort and pain for both horse and rider, which can affect performance and cause long-term damage.

The saddle should be the correct size for the rider, which can vary based on the rider's weight, height, and body shape. The seat should be comfortable, and the flaps should be the correct length to match the rider's leg length.

The saddle should also fit the horse correctly. It should provide even pressure across the horse's back and not put pressure on any one particular spot. It should sit level and not tilt forwards or backward. The saddle should not be too tight around the horse's withers, and there should be enough clearance to allow for movement.

Material

English saddles can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, synthetic materials, and a combination of both. Leather saddles are the most traditional and are known for their durability and quality. Synthetic saddles are becoming more popular due to their lightweight and easy maintenance. Hybrid saddles combine the best features of both leather and synthetic materials.

Quality

The quality of the saddle is also essential to consider. A well-made saddle will last longer and provide better support than a cheaply made one. Look for a saddle that is made from high-quality materials and has sturdy stitching and fittings.

Budget

Budget is an important consideration when buying an English saddle. Saddles can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. It is important to find a saddle that fits your needs and budget. It is better to invest in a well-made saddle that will last longer than to buy a cheap saddle that will need to be replaced sooner.

Conclusion

Buying an English saddle is an investment in your horseback riding experience. It is important to choose a saddle that fits both you and your horse correctly and provides the necessary comfort and support. Consider the type of riding you will be doing, the type of material the saddle is made from, the quality of the saddle, and your budget when making your choice. With the right saddle, you can enhance your riding experience and enjoy many hours in the saddle.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a number of features you may want to consider when choosing an English saddle.

Panel Type

The panels are the part of the saddle that rests on the horse's back. They can be made of foam or wool. Foam panels provide a more precise fit, while wool panels are more adjustable and can conform to the horse's back over time. Many dressage saddles have wool-flocked panels as they provide more support for the horse's back during movements.

Saddle Tree

The saddle tree is the structure that gives the saddle its shape and support. It is usually made of wood or synthetic materials. The tree is essential for distributing the rider's weight across the horse's back. The width, length, and shape of the tree are important considerations when choosing a saddle, as they can affect how well the saddle fits the horse's back.

Gullet Width

The gullet is the channel that runs down the center of the saddle, providing clearance for the horse's spine. The width of the gullet is important to ensure that the saddle will not put pressure on the horse's spine. Many saddle makers offer saddles in different gullet widths to accommodate different horse breeds and conformations.

Flap Length and Style

The length and style of the saddle flaps can affect the rider's leg position and how well the rider can communicate with the horse. Flaps can be cut straight or forward, and some saddles have adjustable flaps. The length of the flap should match the rider's leg length, as shorter riders may need shorter flaps to ensure their legs can fit comfortably around the horse's barrel.

How to Ensure a Proper Fit

It is essential to ensure that your English saddle fits your horse correctly to avoid discomfort or potential injury. Here are some steps to take to ensure a proper fit:

Take Accurate Measurements

To ensure a proper fit, you'll need to take accurate measurements of both your horse and yourself. Measure your horse's back length, width, and shape. You should also measure your own leg length from your hip bone to your knee and your knee to your ankle. These measurements will help you choose a saddle with the proper flap length and size for both you and your horse.

Try the Saddle on Your Horse

Once you have found a saddle that you believe will fit your horse, try it on your horse's back without a saddle pad. Check that the saddle sits level and does not tip forwards or backwards. There should be even pressure across the horse's back without any pressure points in one particular spot. The saddle should also not be too tight around the horse's withers, and you should be able to fit two fingers between the gullet and the horse's spine.

Test Ride the Saddle

If possible, test ride the saddle before purchasing it. This will allow you to feel how the saddle performs and whether it is comfortable for both you and your horse. You can also check for any signs of discomfort or pain while your horse is wearing the saddle.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right English saddle is essential for both horse and rider. Take the time to research different saddle types, features, and materials and ensure that you take accurate measurements of both you and your horse. Try on the saddle and test ride it if possible to ensure that it fits comfortably and provides the necessary support. A well-fitting saddle can greatly enhance your riding experience and help you and your horse perform at your best.