Details about Strada Vienna Dressage Saddle
http://stradasaddles.co.uk/ The Strada Saddle Tree The tree is handmade on a jig and is therefore always symmetrical. It has no metal components. It consists of laminated plywood, leather, carbon fibre and kevlar. Its rails are flexible and move with the horse’s back. They are parallel to the horse’s spine along their entire length, ensuring optimal distribution of the rider’s weight. The points play no part in weight carrying, they simply provide lateral stability. The saddle therefore sits AROUND the horse, NOT ON IT. The 6 types of the Strada saddle tree are not categorised according to width at the points, as they vary in several dimensions. They are designed to fit flush on different types of back, i.e. they take variations of shape from wither to croupe (flat or curved) and from side to side (A-frame or flat) into account. This ensures a proper fit, i.e. even weight distribution without having to rely on the panels to achieve it. [N.B. If the tree does not follow all the back's contours, the saddle may seem to fit initially but will fit less well once flocking in the panels has settled and need constant correction.] The tree types are: W – Suitable for more delicately built horses, such as TB's and slightly built Arabs, as well as other backs with an "A-frame" shape side-to-side and a slight curve from wither to croupe. S – Suitable for more solidly built TB's and lighter-weight Warmbloods, also some Iberians. This tree fits "A-framed" backs that are straight, rather than curved. I – Very suitable for "Baroque" horses (PRE, Lusitano, Lippizzaner), some Arabs and many other wider backs with gentle curves. IC –A "bigger cousin" to the S, but much less angled side-to-side. Suits substantial Warmbloods or any other back which is fairly wide and flat, yet still has some wither. C – Brilliant for the "table top" back found in draft-types or native breeds (flat in all dimensions, very little wither), but also useful for very wide individuals of many other breeds, including Arabs. This tree has made many horse owners smile after almost giving up hope! L - Suitable for wide-withered "Baroque" shapes, such as Fresians, but also Haflingers, Welsh Cobs etc. Suits a gentle curve from wither to croupe, not as flat as the "C". [N.B. The above is only a guide, all horses are individuals and some simply go against type!] Panels The panels consist of a dense visco-elastic shock-absorbent foam, which reacts to heat and pressure. Firm when cold, they are quickly softened by the horse’s body heat plus the rider’s weight and reach a consistency best compared to raw steak. They mould completely to the horse’s back, follow every movement and are extremely comfortable for both horse and rider. The multi-stretch membrane used to encase the foam is particularly suitable for conducting body heat into the foam and allowing the shape changes of the panels. Having adapted to the horse while in use, the panels always return to their original shape. They require no maintenance of any kind. The panels can be made in 3 different thicknesses (24mm, 30mm, 36mm), giving a wide range of options for different types of back. Stirrup bar The stirrup bar is not recessed in any way, to avoid pressure on the horse’s back. Its location is designed to allow the rider a natural leg position. Leather Strada saddles are made exclusively from fine English leather. Manufacture Strada saddles are individually made to order here in the UK. Production takes from 6-8 weeks (sometimes we can deliver sooner, but we will not promise what we cannot guarantee!). All accessories (except numnahs) are also made in-house.