Description
17.5 Inch Arena Cob Dressage Black Adjustable Saddle
If you are looking for a comfortable dressage saddle for a wider, lower-withered cob, this 17.5 inch Arena Cob Dressage Saddle is well worth considering. Finished in classic black European leather, it combines a supportive dressage seat with an adjustable fitting system, making it a practical choice for everyday schooling, dressage training and competition.
The Arena Cob Dressage was designed with broader-backed horses in mind. Its shape provides a closer feel between horse and rider while giving you the support you need to maintain a balanced position in the saddle.
For riders in the UK, USA, Europe and Australia, this is also an appealing option if you are looking for a quality second-hand dressage saddle that can be adjusted as your horse’s shape changes.
Saddle Details
- Brand: Arena
- Model: Cob Dressage
- Seat Size: 17.5 inch
- Colour: Black
- Material: European leather
- Discipline: Dressage
- Tree: Elastiflex Wide
- Tree Type: Adjustable
- Current Gullet: 2XW
- Adjustment Range: XW–XXXXW
- Panel System: CAIR Cushion System
- Wither Profile: Low
- Flap Type: Dual flap
- Flap Length: 17 inch
- Condition: Used
- Condition Grade: Grade 4
- Serial Number: A21010489-44
- Saddle ID: S9903
A Good Choice for Wider Cob Types
The Arena Cob Dressage is made specifically with wider, rounder and cob-type horses in mind. It has a flatter profile and low-wither design, making it particularly suitable for horses that do not suit a narrow or highly curved dressage saddle.
The slim, low-profile panels help keep the saddle close to the horse, rather than creating the feeling that the rider is sitting high on top. The design also allows the rider to feel more connected to the horse, which can be especially useful when working on flatwork and dressage movements.
That said, every horse is different. A saddle that suits one cob may not suit another, so we always recommend having the fit checked by a qualified saddle fitter before regular use.
Adjustable Fit for Changing Horses
One of the biggest advantages of this Arena saddle is its adjustable fitting system.
The saddle is currently fitted with a 2XW gullet bar and can accommodate gullet widths from 1XW through 4XW. This gives you some flexibility if your horse gains or loses condition or changes shape throughout the year.
The saddle also uses the Easy Change fit system, allowing the fit to be fine-tuned with the appropriate risers where required.
This can be particularly useful for owners of horses whose body shape changes with seasonal weight, training or changes in workload.
Comfortable Dressage Position
The Arena Cob Dressage features a deep, supportive seat designed to help the rider maintain a secure and balanced position.
The soft, multi-layered foam seat provides plenty of comfort, while the padded knee inserts give additional support without making the rider feel restricted.
The Velcro knee blocks can also be positioned to suit the individual rider’s leg position. This means the saddle can be set up to feel more natural for different riders rather than forcing everyone into exactly the same position.
The ergonomic stirrup bar and dual-flap construction add to the close-contact feel of the saddle.
Features at a Glance
- 17.5 inch dressage seat
- Black European leather
- Designed for wider cob and horse types
- Elastiflex Wide tree
- Adjustable gullet system
- Currently fitted with a 2XW bar
- Takes gullet bars from 1XW to 4XW
- CAIR Cushion System
- Easy Change fitting system
- Deep and comfortable seat
- Padded knee inserts
- Adjustable Velcro knee blocks
- Ergonomic stirrup bar
- Dual flap
- Running Y-girthing system
- Soft panels designed for horse comfort
- Low-wither profile
Current Condition
This is a used Grade 4 saddle and is described as being in good overall condition.
It has been used and does show normal signs of previous riding. The left and right flaps have moderate wear, and there is a small scuff on the cantle.
These marks are cosmetic and are reflected in the condition grading and photographs. We recommend looking carefully through all available photographs before ordering so you have a clear idea of the saddle’s current appearance.
The saddle remains a practical option for riders who would rather invest in a quality second-hand dressage saddle than pay full retail price for a new model.
Our View of the Arena Cob Dressage
We like the Arena Cob Dressage because it offers something that can be difficult to find: a dressage saddle designed specifically around the shape of a broader horse.
It provides a supportive seat without feeling overly bulky and gives the rider a nice close connection with the horse.
The adjustable width is another real advantage. If your horse’s shape changes during the year, having an adjustable saddle can make it easier for your saddle fitter to keep the fit correctly maintained.
It is particularly worth considering for a cob or wider-backed horse with a lower wither and a slight curve through the back.
For an extremely flat-backed horse, however, we would recommend discussing alternative wide-fit dressage models with your saddle fitter.
Who Could This Saddle Suit?
This saddle could be a good option for:
- Riders looking for a 17.5 inch dressage saddle
- Owners of wider cob-type horses
- Horses with lower withers
- Horses with broader backs
- Riders who prefer a deeper, supportive seat
- Dressage riders looking for an adjustable saddle
- Riders looking for a quality used Arena saddle
- Owners who want flexibility as their horse changes shape
Whether you are based in the UK, Europe, the USA or Australia, professional saddle fitting should always be part of the buying process when purchasing a second-hand saddle.
Saddle Trial
A 5-day trial is available for UK mainland customers.
The trial begins on the day the saddle is delivered. Payment is taken at checkout, and if the saddle proves to be a good fit, no further action is required.
If your saddle fitter is not available immediately, you can arrange your delivery around your fitting appointment. We recommend allowing a couple of working days between delivery and your fitting appointment where possible, giving you some extra time in case of courier delays.
Please note: international trials are not currently available. Customers outside the UK can still purchase the saddle for delivery to their country, subject to applicable shipping and import requirements.
For customers in the USA, Australia and Europe, please check local import rules, taxes, duties and saddle-fitting arrangements before placing an international order.
Need Help Deciding if It Will Fit?
Buying a second-hand saddle online can feel difficult when you cannot see the horse and saddle together.
If you are unsure whether this Arena Cob Dressage saddle is worth considering, we recommend speaking with a qualified saddle fitter and providing them with the saddle details.
The saddle ID for this listing is S9903.
Having your horse’s back measurements, current saddle information and photographs available can also make it easier to assess whether the saddle is likely to be suitable before ordering.
Second-Hand Warranty
This saddle comes with a 6-month soundness warranty as a second-hand saddle.
The saddle is sold as sound and is expected to provide many years of use when properly cared for.
The warranty does not cover accidental damage, fire, theft or damage caused by poor maintenance. Any alterations carried out by the owner or a saddle fitter may also affect the warranty, as the person carrying out the alteration becomes responsible for the safety and condition of the saddle.
We recommend keeping the saddle properly maintained and having any fitting alterations carried out by a suitably qualified professional.
What’s Included?
When purchasing this second-hand Arena Cob Dressage saddle, customers receive:
- Saddle inspection report
- 6-month second-hand soundness warranty
- Five-day UK mainland trial
- Worldwide delivery options
- Tracking for overseas orders
- Friendly customer support
- Option to accessorise the saddle
Any buy-back arrangements should be checked against the current terms and conditions, as eligibility and availability may differ for international customers.
Caring for Your Arena Leather Saddle
Good leather care can make a big difference to the appearance and lifespan of your saddle.
After riding, wipe away sweat, dirt and dust with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For a deeper clean, use a suitable glycerine saddle soap designed for equestrian leather.
Once the leather is clean and dry, apply an appropriate leather balsam or conditioner sparingly. Avoid soaking the leather or using household leather cleaners that are not intended for saddlery.
Pay particular attention to areas that experience regular friction, including the billet straps, girth areas and places where the stirrup leathers contact the saddle flaps.
When the saddle is not being used, store it somewhere dry and away from direct sunlight or excessive heat.
Regular, gentle maintenance will help keep the leather supple and looking its best.
Buying a Used Dressage Saddle Online
Buying second-hand can be a great way to access a better-quality saddle without paying the price of a brand-new model.
The most important thing is not simply finding a saddle that looks good. It needs to be appropriate for both horse and rider.
Before purchasing, consider your horse’s back shape, wither profile, shoulder movement, saddle width and panel contact. Your own leg length, seat size and preferred riding position are equally important.
For customers in the UK, USA, Europe and Australia, we recommend arranging a saddle-fitting appointment locally where possible. International buyers should also take shipping costs, import duties and local taxes into account when comparing saddles.
Why Consider the Arena Cob Dressage?
If your horse is wider through the back and you have struggled to find a dressage saddle that sits correctly, the Arena Cob Dressage is a model worth looking at.
The combination of a wide tree, adjustable gullet, CAIR panels, close-contact design and supportive dressage seat gives you plenty of useful features in one saddle.
This particular 17.5 inch black model has been previously used and does show some wear, but it offers an opportunity to own a versatile, adjustable cob-specific dressage saddle at a more accessible second-hand price.
Saddle ID: S9903 | 17.5 inch | Black | Arena Cob Dressage | Adjustable | 2XW fitted
Before riding regularly, always have the saddle checked by a qualified saddle fitter to confirm that it is suitable for your horse and rider combination.











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