Horse owners looking for flexible leather-tree and adjustable saddles
Whether you specialize in classical dressage, enjoy trail riding, or practice Spanish riding techniques, choosing the right saddle is essential for the comfort and performance of both horse and rider. For years, Hidalgo has been recognized for its flexible saddle systems designed to conform seamlessly to the horse's natural anatomy.
In this overview, we introduce four popular models: the tree-less dressage saddle London, the bestseller Valencia Spezial (including its Shorty version), and the innovative Venice PFT featuring an adjustable synthetic tree.
1. Hidalgo London: Flexible Dressage Saddle Without a Gullet Plate
The Hidalgo London is a classically styled dressage saddle with a distinctive, elegantly curved flap. While offering the familiar feel and security of a traditional treed saddle, it provides maximum flexibility underneath.
- No Gullet Plate (Kopfeisen): Adapts dynamically to the movement of the horse’s shoulders.
- Anatomical Ladies Choice Seat: Optionally, the rear part of the seat can be widened to optimally support the female pelvis.
- Ultra-Short Design: Even at a seat size of 17.5 inches, the saddle remains exceptionally compact—making it an ideal fit for short-backed horses.
- Velcro Panels & Blocks: Thanks to the detachable Velcro panel system, panel thickness can be customized across the front, middle, and rear to accommodate challenging horse-and-rider combinations.
- Premium Materials & Rigging: Crafted from low-maintenance, high-grip waxed leather, equipped with a 3-point girthing system (including a front billet), and featuring open stirrup bars.
2. Hidalgo Valencia Spezial: The Bestseller for Spanish Riding & Trails
The Valencia Spezial is Hidalgo's signature model among Spanish-style saddles—equally suited for arena work and long trail rides.
- High Riding Comfort: Handcrafted in the EU from premium Italian leather. Riders can choose between smooth leather, Nappa leather, or high-traction suede/waxed leather for the seat.
- Adjustable Gallery Height: The traditional Spanish galleries can be reduced in height from 4 cm to 2 cm upon request, offering greater freedom of movement for the rider.
- Refined Details: Features pre-formed knee blocks, elegant Spanish rings for attaching saddlebags or gear, and a 3-point girthing layout designed for optimal pressure distribution.
3. Valencia Spezial Shorty: The Solution for Very Short Backs
The Valencia Spezial Shorty retains all the benefits of the classic Valencia model while specifically catering to small riders and compact, short-backed horses or ponies.
- Compact Flap: Features a shorter flap length and a standard seat length of 30 cm (approx. 11.8 inches).
- Riding Equipment Tip: Due to the shortened flap, this model is less suited for riders wearing tall leather boots, as the top edge of the boot may catch on the flap edge.
- Practical Everyday Use: Equipped with detachable Velcro knee blocks and convenient attachment points for stirrups and trail luggage.
4. Hidalgo Venice PFT: Flexibility Meets an Adjustable Synthetic Tree
With the PFT series, Hidalgo combines classic styling with an adjustable synthetic tree. The Venice PFT is the ideal choice for growing horses, horses building muscle, or those rehabilitating after time off.
- Exchangeable Gullet Plate: A discreet leather flap conceals a screw-system gullet plate that can be easily swapped out to adjust the saddle's gullet width over time.
- Compact Bearing Surface: At a seat size of 17.5 inches, the total bearing surface measures just 46 cm.
- Form-Stable Wool Filling: The panels are stuffed with high-grade synthetic wool, preventing lumpiness and ensuring a wide, spine-friendly spinal channel.
- Custom Fit Options: Offers two selectable seat depths, safety stirrup bars, and flexible billet routing options (above or under the flap).
Summary: A Tailored Solution for Every Horse & Rider
Whether completely tree-less with a flexible leather tree or adjustable with a synthetic tree, Hidalgo saddle models deliver custom solutions for discerning riders through flexible Velcro systems, interchangeable parts, and quality European craftsmanship.
Key Takeaways:
- Hidalgo London: Tree-less dressage saddle featuring a short panel length and optional Ladies Choice seat geometry.
- Valencia Spezial: Versatile Spanish saddle crafted from Italian leather with customizable gallery heights.
- Valencia Shorty: Compact variation designed specifically for short-backed horses and smaller riders.
- Venice PFT: Treed saddle featuring an easily interchangeable gullet plate and non-clumping synthetic wool flocking.