If you have ever been advised to look for a saddle with “full front gussets” or a “drop panel” or a “high head” and wondered what they are then we are here to help.
First off, check out our handy YouTube tutorial which runs through everything.
Full front gussets are the additional inserts at the front of the saddle panel. If you look at the front of your saddle below the gullet where the panel starts and see an additional stitch line with leather insert, then chances are the saddle has front gussets. If they are the full length of the panel at the front we would say there were “full front gussets.” FFG (full front gussets) are added at the time of manufacture and are designed to allow a substantial amount more flocking in the panel, which ultimately gives more support on the front of the saddle. The support gives additional lift off a horse’s withers and scapula area.
See the image below for a typical full front gusset (this is an Albion K2 Jump saddle)
Now for comparison see the image below for a full front gusset that tapers down at the end (this is an Ideal Tonisha Dressage saddle)
Similar to FFG, SFG do the same job just on a smaller scale. They tend to only be ½ or ¾ the length of the panel front. Short front gussets can also be useful if your horse has a little temporary muscle atrophy, the SFG can just help give a little extra support while the horse re-builds.
A drop panel (DP) is another way of adding more depth into a panel but instead of the front like a front gusset it sits underneath the saddle directly onto the horse. Drop panels are great when your horse is naturally higher withered with atrophy or just quite angular built. They allow a deeper panel depth to allow more flocking directly around the scapula and wither area for immediate lift.
The images below shows a drop panel and what it looks like:
Then for comparison see the images below for how a standard panel looks:
This is an older term now with the innovation in panelling (FFG, SFG, DP) however high head saddles still hold their place in the market. A lot of dressage saddles tend to be higher in the head due to the tree needing to be deeper to accommodate the deeper seat that dressage riders tend to prefer and look for. High headed saddles are also a great option when your horse has extreme high withers and full front gussets/drop panels aren’t cutting it. Most saddles don’t tend to be stamped with HH so the easiest way to determine if your saddle or the saddle you are looking to buy has a high head is to look and measure.
See Images below for a High Head:
With those snippets of the trade “lingo” you will be now on your way to finding your perfect used saddle, or if you have one to sell you now know a few key selling points! 😊
Purchasing a new or used saddle can prove to be an invaluable investment, particularly with the correct advice and support on hand to help you. At Saddles Direct, we have a team of SMS qualified experts on board who can help fit, repair, alter and advice which make model and size would be the most suitable for you, and your horse, to suit all disciplines and enhance rider performance, in and out of the competition ring.
We also have a wide selection of saddle accessories for you to choose from too, from bridle and girths, saddle cloths and pads, stirrups and premium leather care, providing you with access to all the different types of equipment you may require, at affordable prices.
Whatever your saddle requirements may be, our market leading experts are on hand and here to help. Visit our showroom at Crow Wood Equestrian, here in the heart of Lancashire where you will have access to hundreds of different saddles from some of the world’s leading brands, access to expert SMS qualified saddle consultants, horse treadmill and an award winning 5-star restaurant too.
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Give us a call on 01282 471911
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With the benefit of our huge audience
If you can’t buy a saddle before selling your current one
We buy direct, no need to wait for us to sell your saddle.
You receive payment once your saddle has been sold.
