Posted: 15th July 2014 | Back to news feed
The recent launch of the new saddle range, PDS designed in association with Carl Hester, has opened up a wealth of options for the traditionally “difficult to fit” horse.
Riders who have encountered fitting problems as their horse isn’t the standard shape now have a variety of options to suit both them and the horse.
The Integro Mono Flap from PDS is quite possibly the most revolutionary dressage saddle to be introduced to the market. Many modern dressage horses have little or no wither and are more barrel shaped. They are popular due to their compact shape and powerful movement and the likes of Uthopia, Carl Hester’s medal winning stallion is a classic example of this type of horse. These horses need careful consideration when fitting a saddle as without the correct fit, the saddle can ride up over the wither onto the neck, they can sit to one side and can slip and move around quite easily to both horse and rider detriment. The short coupled, barrel shaped horses are generally comfortable to ride and use their backs well provided they have a correct saddle and the PDS solution for this type of horse is the Integro saddle.
It is built on a close contact tree and the mono flap design also gives the rider a much closer feel to the horse enabling a higher level of communication between horse and rider. The close contact tree is made from an unbreakable Carbon Fibre which allows strength and flexibility and also allows the tree widths to be adjusted. The unique GFS x-Change system allows the Integro saddle to be fitted or refitted at any point with narrow to extra wide options.
Integro Mono has speciality AMS foam and wool flock panels to give unrivalled comfort and weight distribution. There are different shaped panels to suit the shape of horse and flocking is used to add additional support as needed. A lot of the shorter more powerful horses also tend to be smaller and therefore ridden by woman or small riders. The beauty of the Integro saddle is that it also features anatomically designed knee blocks that support the rider’s leg - not block it, encouraging riders to lengthen through the thigh. It has the option of a short knee block for petite riders to make a much more comfortable and effective riding position.
As the tree is adjustable it enables the saddle to be fitted on site by a PDS approved saddle fitter so there is no need to have the saddle sent back to a factory in Europe for minor adjustments to be made.
In Carl’s words “It feels like you’re sitting on the horse’s back and that’s what I like. The Integro Mono saddle has solved lots of fit problems for our modern shaped horses, it frees up their movement and keeps the rider in the correct position.”
Integro Mono is traditionally made using only the best calfskin and has all the handmade features one would expect from a premium brand.
Integro Mono in sizes 17”, 17.5” and 18” in Black. RRP from £2,600
Stockist information:
Contact PDS for your nearest approved PDS saddle fitter on 01922 638094.
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