Freeform Dressage saddles
Freeform Elite HW
The Elite is a truly stunning saddle! Clean lines and very elegant with Stylish Italian flair.
The Freeform Elite HW below is our new Freeform Dressage model with wither cutback and a lovely classical kneeroll design
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The Elite HW is most suitable for dressage on all levels but has also proven popular for rather different activities like endurance, trail & pleasure. The saddles have adjustable girthing, adjustable stirrup points and are thinned at the bottom of the flap for a better leg contact. They deliver the excellent weight distribution that the Freeform saddles are famous for and provide lovely rider support while allowing free motion to the horse. We also find that these saddles give very good security to the rider during shies and other unexpected moves. In the showring and during Dressage comps nobody would notice that these saddles are treeless.
The Elite has a very nice' twist' (resulting in a 'less wide feel') and the stirrup position can be adjusted to suit the individual rider's anatomy and preference. The slightly softer base allows these saddles to mould perfectly also to horses that have a pronounced spinal curve like many of the pony breeds and the classical baroque shaped horse. Since the Elite is so flexible it sits just as well on flat backed horses. Like all other Freeform models the Elite HW is also popular for spunky Arabians and due to the increased rider security it is a great saddle for endurance and other riding styles that involve speed and fast turns.
Some VIP riders you may know who ride in and/or endorse the Freeform Elite HW saddle are: Carlos Tabernaberri, Manolo Mendez, Liz Tollarzo and Jane Myers. Liz recently won an FEI Dressage event in W.A. in her Freeform Elite. Carlos has been using the saddle for breaking in and training youngsters and schooling and doing all the wonderful things he does.
Technical info:
The saddlepad that works best under the Freeform Elite HW are the HAF or Christ pad for low to meduim withered horses. The Christ HW and Grandeur pads are recommended for horses with more refined withers. The Freeform saddles do not fit horses with high, or long withers and it is not suitable for horses with missing topline. This saddle suits low withered well muscled horses best due to its structure.
The Elite HW is also wonderful for extra wide shouldered horses and those with high knee action. The feedback from riders riding well muscled Warmbloods in the Elite HW has been excellent. We have also successfully fitted Lippizaner, Andalusians, Anglo's, Arabs, ASH"s, QH's, draught crosses and pony breeds with the Elite HW and the riders are delighted with their happy and more responsive horses since changing saddles.
On the Freeform Classic page the 'string test' is explained, if you have a horse with a refined wither the string test will allow you to determine if you have the requires spinal clearance. We recommend you do this test during the first week of owning your new saddle but also any time your horse does not feel quiet right under saddle.
The Elite HW is like all Freeform models available in two base sizes:
SB - a base of 52cm that fits a 16.5" and 17" seat - for smaller horses/riders and pony's
Standard - a larger base of 58cm that fits seatsizes 16.5 - 18.5" - for any horse 14.2hh and up
Available seatsizes: 16.5", 17", 17.5", 18", 18.5" (smaller sizes and 19" seats available as special orders)
Colors/ material: black calfskin leather with black stitching and a non slip suede bottom, two front D's and one center back D. These saddles are usually in stock ready to go. Tip: you can let the D's disappear under the seat while showing but many rider like them for firm attachment of the saddlepad and/or breastplate.
Price for the EliteHW: $1850 inc GST
