Description

Fairfax Gareth Hughes Monoflap Dressage Saddle – 17.5″ (Black)

Grade 4 | Pre-Owned | Serial No. 70077 | Saddle ID: C10038

Bench Inspection & Fitter’s Rating

At Best Horse Saddle Shop, every pre-owned saddle goes through a comprehensive 24-point bench inspection by our SMS Qualified Saddlers before hitting the site. We meticulously examine tree alignment, leather soundness, stitching, and panel flocking.

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

• Bench Summary: Fully sound tree, gullet mechanism, and billets. Shows standard, expected signs of gentle use.

• Wear Details: Light surface wear on both the left and right flaps from stirrup leather friction (as documented in photos). The full-grain leather is supple, well-conditioned, and broken-in.

Product Overview

Developed in collaboration with World and European medallist Gareth Hughes, the Fairfax Gareth Monoflap Dressage Saddle is engineered for riders seeking an ultra-close connection and refined aid transmission.

Featuring Fairfax’s scientifically pressure-mapped Performance Panel, this saddle physically separates the rider’s weight under the seat from the area over the horse’s shoulder blades. The result is unmatched freedom through the shoulder, allowing for greater limb extension, freer joint movement, and improved stride symmetry.

Key Features & Specifications

• Discipline: Dressage

• Brand:	Fairfax

• Seat Size: 17.5″

• Design: Monoflap Close-Contact

• Colour: Black

• Material: Premium Full-Grain Leather with a pre-broken-in feel

• Tree Type: SIMA Tree (Takes R-Bar Gullet System)

• Adjustability Range: Narrow/Medium to Extra-Extra Wide (NM to XW/XXW)

• Currently Fitted With: Wide (W) R-Bar

• Panel Type: 100% British Wool Flocking with Prolite lining

• Performance Tech: Scientific Fairfax Performance Panels

• Thigh Support: Surface-mounted thigh blocks for leg positioning without restriction

• Girthing Options: 2 billets utilizing 5 available slot positions for tailored stability

• Wither Profile: Standard Wither / Average Back Profile

Fitter’s Bench Insights: Why The Fairfax Gareth Stands Out

• Forward-Balanced Seat: Positions the rider slightly more forward over the horse’s natural center of balance for easier, deeper alignment.

• Recessed Leg Channel: A dedicated recess in the flap allows your thigh to lie closer to the horse’s side without pinching or rubbing.

• Customizable Shoulder Clearance: Includes surface-mounted blocks designed to allow asymmetrical shoulders room to move and build muscle without restriction. (Pre-owned saddles include attached blocks as shown).

• Prolite & Wool Combination: Natural wool flocking over shock-absorbing Prolite gives your fitter the freedom to micro-adjust balance at your barn.

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 UK saddles directly from us. All overseas shipments include our complete bench report and 6-month soundness warranty.

What’s Included with Your Purchase

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

• 6-Month Pre-Owned Soundness Warranty

• 5-Day UK Mainland Trial

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

• Free eBook: “Secrets to Selling Your Saddle”

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Fairfax Performance Panel help my horse?

Unlike traditional panels that press directly down across the shoulder, the Performance Panel creates a clear relief zone over the scapula. This allows your horse to lift and extend through the forelimb without pinching.

Which gullet bar does this saddle take?

It uses official SimaTree R-Bars (long bar legs) and is adjustable from Narrow/Medium up to XX-Wide. It is currently fitted with a Wide (W) bar.

Can my fitter re-balance this saddle?

Yes. The natural wool flocking allows an SMS Qualified Fitter to make minor adjustments or re-balance the saddle on-site.