The Antares Cadence is a market-leading French-made dressage saddle known for refined artisanal build quality, precise balance and lightweight materials that enhance rider position and performance in the arena. Relative to the other options here, Antares blends high-end craftsmanship with custom options and typically strong resale value, making it an attractive technical investment for competitive riders prepared to pay for premium materials and hand-finishing.
Close-contact feel
French-made flair
Close-contact feel
French-made flair
Review Summary
"The Antares Cadence is frequently lauded for its close contact, premium leather and flattering rider position, with many reporting durable performance over time; buyers note the high price but say it molds nicely to horse and rider."
Responsive leg position
Soft, high-grade leather and meticulous stitching for rider comfort.
Responsive leg position
Soft, high-grade leather and meticulous stitching for rider comfort.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Antares Cadence is a market-leading French-made dressage saddle known for refined artisanal build quality, precise balance and lightweight materials that enhance rider position and performance in the arena. Relative to the other options here, Antares blends high-end craftsmanship with custom options and typically strong resale value, making it an attractive technical investment for competitive riders prepared to pay for premium materials and hand-finishing.
Close-contact feel
French-made flair
Responsive leg position
Soft, high-grade leather and meticulous stitching for rider comfort.
Close-contact paneling and cut-back pommel to clear the wither.
Close-contact feel
French-made flair
Responsive leg position
Soft, high-grade leather and meticulous stitching for rider comfort.
Close-contact paneling and cut-back pommel to clear the wither.
$5,500-8,500 USD
The CWD 2Gs Mademoiselle Jump Saddle is a market-leading model known for its lightweight construction, shock-absorbing panels and an ultra-close-contact feel favored by international English jumping riders. Its advanced suspension and ergonomic seat give it a technical edge over more traditional hand-built saddles, often commanding a higher initial cost but delivering strong resale value on the competition circuit. Relative to Antarès and Devoucoux, CWD emphasizes cutting-edge materials and consistent performance for top-level showjumping.
Slim twist comfort
Shock-absorbing system
Slim twist comfort
Shock-absorbing system
Review Summary
"Loved for its exceptional close contact, secure seat and refined leather, many users say it improves ride feel. Downsides are very high cost and required maintenance."
Chic Parisian flair
Lightweight mono-flap construction that increases rider-horse connection.
Chic Parisian flair
Lightweight mono-flap construction that increases rider-horse connection.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The CWD 2Gs Mademoiselle Jump Saddle is a market-leading model known for its lightweight construction, shock-absorbing panels and an ultra-close-contact feel favored by international English jumping riders. Its advanced suspension and ergonomic seat give it a technical edge over more traditional hand-built saddles, often commanding a higher initial cost but delivering strong resale value on the competition circuit. Relative to Antarès and Devoucoux, CWD emphasizes cutting-edge materials and consistent performance for top-level showjumping.
Slim twist comfort
Shock-absorbing system
Chic Parisian flair
Lightweight mono-flap construction that increases rider-horse connection.
Narrow twist and women-tailored tree for a close, refined seat.
Slim twist comfort
Shock-absorbing system
Chic Parisian flair
Lightweight mono-flap construction that increases rider-horse connection.
Narrow twist and women-tailored tree for a close, refined seat.
$7,500-11,000 USD
The Stubben Roxane Eventing Saddle holds a best-in-class position for eventing thanks to its premium handcrafted leather, close-contact shaping and a reputation for long-term durability that appeals to serious competitors. Compared with the other saddles on this list it represents the higher-end, investment-grade choice—higher upfront cost but strong resale value and refined rider balance that many riders prefer over the lighter or synthetic alternatives.
Close-contact stability
Supple leather charm
Close-contact stability
Supple leather charm
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Stubben Roxane Eventing Saddle for its excellent leather, secure balanced seat and durability through heavy use, making it a top choice for serious eventing; the main negatives are the high price and slightly heavier feel compared with modern lightweight models."
Jump-cushion balance
Deep, forward-cut flap and supportive knee roll designed for secure position over fences
Jump-cushion balance
Deep, forward-cut flap and supportive knee roll designed for secure position over fences
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Stubben Roxane Eventing Saddle holds a best-in-class position for eventing thanks to its premium handcrafted leather, close-contact shaping and a reputation for long-term durability that appeals to serious competitors. Compared with the other saddles on this list it represents the higher-end, investment-grade choice—higher upfront cost but strong resale value and refined rider balance that many riders prefer over the lighter or synthetic alternatives.
Close-contact stability
Supple leather charm
Jump-cushion balance
Deep, forward-cut flap and supportive knee roll designed for secure position over fences
High-quality, hand-finished leather and craftsmanship for long-term durability
Close-contact stability
Supple leather charm
Jump-cushion balance
Deep, forward-cut flap and supportive knee roll designed for secure position over fences
High-quality, hand-finished leather and craftsmanship for long-term durability
$2,500-4,000 USD
Amerigo’s Vega racing saddle earns a best-in-class position for English racing because of its Italian leather craftsmanship, close-contact paneling and performance-oriented cut that gives jockeys maximum communication with the horse. It is technically superior in leather quality and customizable flocking to match high-performance Thoroughbreds, though it commands a premium price compared with the more synthetic, budget-minded options on this list. For trainers focused on race-day refinement and long-term resale value, the Vega’s fit precision and durability justify the higher cost versus Wintec, Thorowgood or mid-range Bates models.
Close-contact grip (zoom!)
Luxury leather hug
Close-contact grip (zoom!)
Luxury leather hug
Review Summary
"A high-end racing saddle praised for exceptional balance, close contact and horse comfort; buyers consistently note superior build and fit but warn it is expensive and often requires professional fitting."
Precise balance feel
Handcrafted Italian leather for close contact and refined balance.
Precise balance feel
Handcrafted Italian leather for close contact and refined balance.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Amerigo’s Vega racing saddle earns a best-in-class position for English racing because of its Italian leather craftsmanship, close-contact paneling and performance-oriented cut that gives jockeys maximum communication with the horse. It is technically superior in leather quality and customizable flocking to match high-performance Thoroughbreds, though it commands a premium price compared with the more synthetic, budget-minded options on this list. For trainers focused on race-day refinement and long-term resale value, the Vega’s fit precision and durability justify the higher cost versus Wintec, Thorowgood or mid-range Bates models.
Close-contact grip (zoom!)
Luxury leather hug
Precise balance feel
Handcrafted Italian leather for close contact and refined balance.
Forward-cut racing flap and low-profile seat to support a jockey position.
Close-contact grip (zoom!)
Luxury leather hug
Precise balance feel
Handcrafted Italian leather for close contact and refined balance.
Forward-cut racing flap and low-profile seat to support a jockey position.
$2,000-3,500 USD
Antares Polo Saddle occupies a market-leader position thanks to its French artisanal construction and highly adjustable fit options that target demanding polo professionals seeking precision and long-term comfort. Against the rest of the list it trades at a premium but justifies the price with refined leatherwork, customizable tree and flocking services that reduce re-fit costs over time for serial competitors and well-funded teams.
Plush comfort seat — cloud vibes
Precision tree — hair-trigger response
Plush comfort seat — cloud vibes
Precision tree — hair-trigger response
Review Summary
"Riders consistently highlight the Antares Polo for exceptional French craftsmanship, close contact and excellent tree fit, though many mention the premium price point."
Sleek finish — runway ready
High-end French leather and premium craftsmanship built for intense competition.
Sleek finish — runway ready
High-end French leather and premium craftsmanship built for intense competition.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Antares Polo Saddle occupies a market-leader position thanks to its French artisanal construction and highly adjustable fit options that target demanding polo professionals seeking precision and long-term comfort. Against the rest of the list it trades at a premium but justifies the price with refined leatherwork, customizable tree and flocking services that reduce re-fit costs over time for serial competitors and well-funded teams.
Plush comfort seat — cloud vibes
Precision tree — hair-trigger response
Sleek finish — runway ready
High-end French leather and premium craftsmanship built for intense competition.
Anatomical tree and refined paneling for enhanced horse comfort and stability at speed.
Plush comfort seat — cloud vibes
Precision tree — hair-trigger response
Sleek finish — runway ready
High-end French leather and premium craftsmanship built for intense competition.
Anatomical tree and refined paneling for enhanced horse comfort and stability at speed.
$4,000-6,500 USD
Stackhouse Hunter Pro Saddle
Stackhouse Hunter Pro is the market leader for riders seeking American-made value, delivering a dependable hunter seat fit and durable leather at a noticeably lower entry price than most European luxury saddles on this list. Although it may not offer the bespoke refinements of CWD, Antares or Butet, its affordability, solid workmanship and straightforward reflocking/serviceability make it ideal for owners and trainers building a show hunter string on a budget.
Rigid stability
Versatile fit
Rigid stability
Versatile fit
Review Summary
"Well-liked for solid build, traditional hunter balance and good value compared with other handmade options; fewer reviewers and a smaller dealer network are common limitations."
Durable for miles
American-made with a focus on custom tree fits and affordable bespoke options
Durable for miles
American-made with a focus on custom tree fits and affordable bespoke options
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Stackhouse Hunter Pro is the market leader for riders seeking American-made value, delivering a dependable hunter seat fit and durable leather at a noticeably lower entry price than most European luxury saddles on this list. Although it may not offer the bespoke refinements of CWD, Antares or Butet, its affordability, solid workmanship and straightforward reflocking/serviceability make it ideal for owners and trainers building a show hunter string on a budget.
Rigid stability
Versatile fit
Durable for miles
American-made with a focus on custom tree fits and affordable bespoke options
Wool-flocked panels and flap choices tailored to hunter riders
Rigid stability
Versatile fit
Durable for miles
American-made with a focus on custom tree fits and affordable bespoke options
Wool-flocked panels and flap choices tailored to hunter riders
$4,500-7,500 USD
The Martin & Martin Champion Side Saddle is favored in competitive English sidesaddle circles for its refined balance, reinforced points for jumping and show-oriented features that give riders a performance edge in the ring. Its higher upfront cost is offset by professional-grade materials and consistent fit that tend to preserve resale value better than many general-purpose saddles on this list, making it a solid investment for serious competitors.
Competition-ready build
Precision-balanced seat
Competition-ready build
Precision-balanced seat
Review Summary
"The Martin & Martin Champion Side Saddle is widely regarded as a top professional saddle for fit, durability and refined balance; buyers consistently praise its craftsmanship and long-term comfort despite a premium price."
Winner's silhouette
Competition-oriented build with reinforced tree and performance leather
Winner's silhouette
Competition-oriented build with reinforced tree and performance leather
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Martin & Martin Champion Side Saddle is favored in competitive English sidesaddle circles for its refined balance, reinforced points for jumping and show-oriented features that give riders a performance edge in the ring. Its higher upfront cost is offset by professional-grade materials and consistent fit that tend to preserve resale value better than many general-purpose saddles on this list, making it a solid investment for serious competitors.
Competition-ready build
Precision-balanced seat
Winner's silhouette
Competition-oriented build with reinforced tree and performance leather
Forward-cut seat and strong cantle for secure position in show work
Competition-ready build
Precision-balanced seat
Winner's silhouette
Competition-oriented build with reinforced tree and performance leather
Forward-cut seat and strong cantle for secure position in show work
$3,000-6,000 USD