THE STRADA SADDLE

TREE

The tree is handmade on a jig and is therefore always symmetrical. It has no metal components. It consists of laminated plywood, leather, carbon fibre and kevlar. Its rails are flexible and move with the horse's back. They are parallel to the horse's spine along their entire length, ensuring optimal distribution of the rider's weight. The points play no part in weight carrying, they simply provide lateral stability. The saddle therefore sits AROUND the horse, NOT ON IT.

 

The 5 types of the Strada saddle tree are not categorised according to width at the points, as they vary in several dimensions. They are designed to fit flush on different types of back, i.e. they take variations of shape from wither to croupe (flat or curved) and from side to side (A-frame or flat) into account. This ensures a proper fit, i.e. even weight distribution without having to rely on the panels to achieve it. [N.B. If the tree does not follow all the back's contours, the saddle may seem to fit initially but will fit less well once flocking in the panels has settled and need constant correction.]

 

The tree types are:

 

W – Suitable for more delicately built horses, such as TB's and slightly built Arabs (often found amongst endurance horses), as well as other backs with an "A-frame" shape, e.g. some tall TB-type event horses.

 

S – Suitable for a wide variety of horses, often middle-weight, ranging from more solidly built TB's to medium-weight Warmbloods, but also some Iberians. This tree fits the straighter back, rather than curves.

 

I – Very suitable for "Baroque" horses (PRE, Lusitano, Lippizzaner, Friesian), some Arabs and many other wider backs with gentle curves, including Warmbloods with muscular shoulders.

 

IC –A "bigger cousin" to the S. It suits, e.g., substantial Warmbloods or any back which is fairly wide and flat, yet still has some wither.

 

C – Brilliant for the "table top" back found in draft-types or native breeds (flat in all dimensions, very little wither), also useful for very wide individuals of other breeds (this tree has made many horse owners smile after almost giving up hope!).

 

[N.B. The above is only a guide, all horses are individuals and some simply go against type!]

 

PANELS

The panels consist of a dense visco-elastic shock-absorbent foam, which reacts to heat and pressure. Firm when cold, they are quickly softened by the horse's body heat plus the rider's weight and reach a consistency best compared to raw steak. They mould completely to the horse's back, follow every movement and are extremely comfortable for both horse and rider. The multi-stretch membrane used to encase the foam is particularly suitable for conducting body heat into the foam and allowing the shape changes of the panels. Having adapted to the horse while in use, the panels always return to their original shape. They require no maintenance of any kind.

 

The panels can be made in 3 different thicknesses (24mm, 30mm, 36mm), giving a wide range of options for different types of back.

 

STIRRUP BAR

 

The stirrup bar is not recessed in any way, to avoid pressure on the horse's back. Its location is designed to allow the rider a natural leg position.

 

LEATHER

 

Strada saddles are made exclusively from fine English leather.

 

 

 

MANUFACTURE

 

Strada saddles are individually made to order here in the UK. Production takes from 6-8 weeks (sometimes we can deliver sooner, but we will not promise what we cannot guarantee!). All accessories (except numnahs) are also made in-house.

 

Our 2 saddlers, Ray Hinton (above, with Ilga) and "Bill" Butler (right)

OPTIONS

 

The main pages show both the "Vienna" and the "St.Christopher" with the standard knee pad. For riders who prefer a bigger knee block, both models can be equipped as shown in the picture below.

 

                     "Big Knee"                                       Standard Knee

 

The "Duo" all-purpose saddle is normally equipped with the 45° cantle: it slopes back just a little more than the standard 35° version (see picture on main "all-purpose" page), but the more upright cantle can be used, if required. The knee pad of the "Duo" can also be used for the "Vario", if preferred.

POSSIBLE ALTERATIONS

 

If there are dramatic changes in a horse's back, as might be the case after enforced rest or when recovering from a badly fitting saddle, or if the saddle is permanently needed for a different horse, the panels can be changed to a different thickness. If this is not sufficient to achieve a good fit, the saddle can be dismantled and reassembled on a different tree type. [N.B. This can normally only be done for saddles originally purchased from Strada Saddles.]

 

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Strada saddles are designed to be very close to the horse. With the saddle warm and the rider sitting in it, no more than 2 fingers should fit between the withers and the underside of the pommel. [If there is a bigger gap, the saddle is likely to be the wrong fit for the horse.]  The points of the tree will sit around the horse, not on it and will consequently never pinch. They leave the shoulder completely free to move. The panels are threfore positioned a little higher into the front arch than is seen in other saddles, which gives a secure fit while retaining the shoulders' freedom.

 

The above features give Strada saddles excellent stability, particularly on wide and/or round backs, without any need for an overly-tight girth. The closeness of the design also gives the rider superb "feel" of the horse's every movement. 

 

Since the tree is designed to be anatomically correct for the horse, the seat is flatter than in many other saddles. While this may initially feel slightly strange to some riders, most find it comfortable as it will allow them to position their pelvis in a way that is right for the individual, rather than having it forced into a specific place and angle. The stirrup bar is correctly positioned for the rider's leg to hang naturally and no muscle effort is required to hold it in place.

 

TRYING A STRADA SADDLE

 

If you would like to try a Strada Saddle, please contact us by e-mail or telephone (outside office hours is fine!) to discuss your requirements and to arrange a fitting visit. You will be able to ride in our demonstrator saddles and assess thoroughly how your horse's performance is influenced by a Strada. At Strada we attach particular importance on the feedback you receive from YOUR HORSE: If there is any doubt as to which one of two fits is more suitable, it is always the one in which the horse moves more freely and is more relaxed!

 

Strada saddles are not sold in shops. They are only distributed by Strada representatives, who joined Strada because they bought a Strada saddle for themselves and were impressed by it. They are all experienced riders. [N.B. Even our saddlers are riders!]

 

PRICES

 

Saddles

 

All models: £1650.00

Accessories

 

Dressage girth: £99.00

Stirrup leathers: £49.00

Strada Endurance Numnah: £85

Plain saddle cloth with Strada grip patches: 32.00

Plain numnah with Strada grip patches: 32.00

Waterbottle holder: £30.00

 

 AFTER-SALES SERVICE

 

We like to maintain contact with our customers and to offer a personal sevice. If you have any questions about your saddle, your horse or your riding in general and think we could help, please, get in touch.

All Strada products are guaranteed for 1 year against faulty materials and/or workmanship.

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