3 Leather or synthetic?
The material your saddle is made from is another important consideration.
Leather saddles are still the preferred choice for a lot of riders and there are many different types of leather used to make saddles, from some that give you a grippy feel to softer, smooth leathers. You can expect to pay more for a leather saddle, and you will need to look after it well. Regular cleaning and conditioning is required to keep your saddle in good condition. Take good care of your leather saddle and it will last for years.
Leather saddles are usually heavier than synthetic, but this does depend a little on the tree that’s used.
Thanks to the use of modern materials, synthetic saddles now look like leather but are lightweight, durable and easy to look after — a quick wipe with a damp cloth does the job. The other big advantage of a synthetic saddle is the price tag — they are considerably cheaper than leather. If you’re on a limited budget, don’t be put off by a synthetic saddle; there are some great options on offer from Thorowgood, Tekna, Wintec, Collegiate and Premier Equine.
The best of both worlds
If you’re not convinced a synthetic saddle is for you, there are a few manufacturers that produce saddles that use both leather and synthetic materials.
Tekna’s Letek range combines the softness of leather with the durability and low maintenance of synthetic material. The seat, seat flap, flap and upper panels are made from leather. The underflap and bottom panels are synthetic.
Thorowgood T8 Saddles have quality leather on the seat, kneepads and trim to give the feel of an all-leather saddle.
John Whitaker International produces a range of saddles that include the Harrogate dressage, Bedale GP Jump and Overton Jumping that are a leather and synthetic mix — the outer is covered in soft, comfortable, durable leather while the underpanel of the saddle is made from a synthetic, wipe-clean material.