Description

Selleria Equipe Emporio Monoflap Dressage Saddle – 16″ (Black)

Grade 4 | Pre-Owned | Serial No. 16N17960413 | Saddle ID: S9575

Bench Inspection & Fitter’s Rating

At Best Horse Saddle Shop, every pre-owned saddle goes through a thorough 24-point bench evaluation by our SMS Qualified Saddlers before going up for sale. We meticulously verify tree alignment, foam panel consistency, leather health, and stitching integrity.

• Condition Grade: Grade 4 (Good Pre-Owned Condition)

• Bench Summary: Fully sound synthetic Emporio tree and billets. Shows standard, expected signs of normal riding wear.

• Wear & Cosmetic Details: Moderate, normal surface wear on both the left and right flaps from stirrup leather contact, alongside general light wear on the seat (as shown in photographs). The Italian cowhide leather remains supple, well-cared for, and ready for work.

Product Overview

Famous for being the model choice of Charlotte Dujardin at the London 2012 Olympics, the Selleria Equipe Emporio Monoflap Dressage Saddle represents iconic Italian craft and close-contact performance. Designed around a lightweight synthetic tree with a tempered steel head iron, the Emporio provides a close, responsive connection between horse and rider without adding unnecessary weight.

Featuring a monoflap build, a narrow twist, and a semi-deep seat, this saddle supports an effortlessly aligned leg position while allowing you to convey subtle seat and leg aids.

Key Features & Specifications

• Discipline: Dressage

• Seat Size: 16″

• Colour: Black

• Flap Design: Monoflap Close-Contact (Flap Length: 16.5″ / Flap Spec: N)

• Material: Premium Italian Cowhide Leather

• Tree Type: Lightweight Synthetic Emporio Tree with Tempered Steel Head Iron

• Tree Width: Medium (4.5″ inside gullet / 8″ D-to-D measurement)

• Panel Type: Low-Profile Foam Panels

• Thigh Support: Moulded knee/thigh blocks under a cushioned knee roll

• Twist: Narrow Twist for an effortless thigh drop

• Wither Profile: Standard / Suits flatter, straighter back profiles with good topline

Fitter’s Bench Insights: Why The Equipe Emporio Fits So Well

• Designed for Straighter Back Profiles: The Emporio tree features a slightly straighter rail and a longer seat profile, making it a stellar option for horses with flatter, lower-withered backs who don’t require deep rear panels.

• Narrow Twist & Immediate Feel: The narrow twist narrows the feel under the crotch, helping riders with narrower hips drop their legs naturally without feeling forced apart.

• Low-Profile Foam Panels: Maintenance-free foam panels keep the saddle extremely close to the horse’s back, eliminating bulk and giving a true close-contact feel.

• Olympic-Proven Alignment: The balance point is engineered to keep you central without pushing you onto the pommel or letting you slip back onto the cantle.

Trial & Shipping Details (UK & USA)

UK Mainland 5-Day Trial

1. Add the saddle to your basket and complete checkout.

2. Select your preferred delivery date at checkout (we recommend receiving it 2 working days before your fitter’s visit).

3. Your 5-day trial begins the day the courier delivers the saddle.

4. Keep it if it fits! If not, return it within the 5-day trial window under our standard return policy.

USA & International Buyers

We ship worldwide via fast, fully tracked express couriers. While international trials are restricted due to customs regulations, US clients routinely save hundreds by importing quality pre-owned Italian and English saddles directly from our shop. Every overseas shipment comes backed by our full bench report and 6-month soundness warranty.

What’s Included with Your Purchase

• Certified Saddle Inspection Report (Tree, panel, and safety verification)

• 6-Month Pre-Owned Soundness Warranty

• 5-Day UK Mainland Trial (UK clients)

• Guaranteed 9-Month Buy-Back Option (UK Mainland clients)

• Free eBook: “Secrets to Selling Your Saddle”

Care & Maintenance Guidelines

To preserve the fine Italian hide on your Equipe saddle, we recommend using dedicated Italian leather care products:

• Daily Clean: Wipe away sweat and grit after every ride using a mild care spray to keep the leather soft and hydrated.

• Deep Conditioning: Periodically apply a quality leather oil or conditioning cream to restore deep moisture and prevent drying or cracking.

• Protection: Finish with a light coat of leather grease to seal against dirt, moisture, and friction from stirrup leathers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What horse profile does this saddle fit best?

The Emporio tree typically fits horses with a straighter back profile, average-to-low withers, and a good topline where low-profile foam panels suit best.

Can the tree width be adjusted?

Because the Emporio uses a molded synthetic tree with a tempered steel head iron, it does not feature an interchangeable gullet bar system. Width adjustments require specialized saddlery press machinery.

What is the difference between foam and wool panels?

Foam panels offer a consistent, low-profile, close-contact fit that does not require re-flocking. They are best suited for horses with a stable, well-developed topline.