Top Saddle Brands for Exceptional Comfort and Quality

When it comes to choosing the perfect saddle, the plethora of brands available on the market can be overwhelming for both experienced riders and novices alike. Each brand brings its unique blend of craftsmanship, comfort, and design, catering to various disciplines and rider preferences. From innovative technologies enhancing rider support to classic designs prioritizing durability, certain brands consistently rise to the forefront, gaining the trust and loyalty of equestrians worldwide. To discover which brands top the list in quality and performance, continue reading below.

Illustration of saddles

Best brands of saddles in 2025

CWD

CWD is a renowned brand in the equestrian world, particularly known for enhancing the performance of high-level riders. Since its creation in 2000, CWD has sold 12,000 saddles annually, with 64% of its revenue coming from outside France. The brand has a strong global presence, covering four continents and involving over 3,500 days of equestrian events each year. CWD's innovative approach includes the use of chrome-free, natural biodegradable plant-tanned leather and advanced saddle tree technologies like the 2GS saddle made from carbon/Kevlar composite. Notably, 15 of the world's top 30 riders use CWD saddles and equipment. For more detailed information, visit the official CWD website.

Stubben

Stubben is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality saddles, with a history dating back to 1894 when Johannes Stubben founded the company in Krefeld, Germany. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and enduring quality, Stubben saddles have been valued globally since the 1950s, particularly in the USA and Canada. The company expanded to North America in 1994 and is now a household name in the equestrian industry, producing innovative products that include bespoke custom-made saddles, leather accessories, and other equestrian essentials. Stubben saddles are appreciated for their comfort, durability, and ergonomic design, making them a favorite among Olympic riders and amateurs alike. With a commitment to sustainability and high-quality materials, Stubben continues to innovate and meet the needs of the equestrian community.

Custom Saddlery

Custom Saddlery is renowned for its high-quality saddles, particularly in the dressage community, with many users praising the durability and customization options of their products. Despite some mixed reviews on customer service, the brand is appreciated for its Buffalo leather saddles that hold up well over years of use, with some owners reporting no quality issues even after 6 to 8 years of regular use. The brand offers a wide range of options, making it a favorite among riders who value customization. However, the quality can vary depending on the fitter, highlighting the importance of a skilled fitter for optimal results. Overall, Custom Saddlery is a solid choice for those seeking reliable and customizable saddles. For more insights and reviews, visit their Yelp page.

Antares

Antares Sellier is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality saddles, particularly favored by equestrians for their comfort and performance. The brand is known for its soft and durable leather, with users often praising the balance and feel provided by Antares saddles. Despite having a small market share, Antares saddles are highly regarded, especially among jumping and dressage enthusiasts. The brand's saddles are often compared to other premium brands like Prestige, with many riders preferring Antares for their superior comfort and balance. Antares saddles have garnered a loyal following due to their exceptional craftsmanship and riding experience. For more information, visit their official website.

Voltaire Design

Voltaire Design, a flagship brand of the Voltaire Group, is renowned for crafting high-end, custom-made sport saddles that combine innovation, comfort, and performance. Founded in 2010, the brand has quickly become a leader in the United States and England, earning the nickname "the Louboutin of saddlery" due to its chic and innovative designs. Voltaire Design saddles, such as the Blue Infinite II, feature advanced technologies like the ActiveFlex tree and Equisense Inside Technology, providing real-time data to enhance horse and rider performance. The company is committed to sustainability, using non-toxic water-based glues since 2019 and recycling 100% of its leather waste. With a strong global presence, Voltaire Group achieves 85% of its turnover through exports and employs over 200 people worldwide.

Prestige Italia

Prestige Italia, founded in 1974 in the Upper Vicenza region, is renowned for its high-quality and innovative saddles, combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced technologies like X-Breath and X-Technology. The company has expanded globally, establishing a presence in the USA and inaugurating a new headquarters in Wellington, Florida. Prestige Italia has introduced several groundbreaking innovations, including the CPS (Coccyx Protection System) and the AS-X technology, marking significant milestones in saddle design. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary and recently received the ISO 14067:2018 certification for carbon footprint calculation, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. Prestige Italia's products are made in Italy, leveraging the region's esteemed tanning traditions.

Albion

Albion Saddlemakers, founded in 1985 by Paul and Sherry Belton, is a leading brand for dressage riders globally, renowned for its excellence in design, quality, and the unique sensations its saddles provide. With 52 employees and an annual turnover of PS4 million, Albion produces 3,500 saddles per year. The brand has been acquired by the LIM Group, ensuring the continuation of its production in Walsall, UK, under the leadership of Managing Director Cath Gordon. LIM Group, established in 1998, maintains the individual identity of each brand, including Albion, and has a global presence with 730 employees and a turnover of EUR97m. This merger ensures the preservation of Albion's unique artisanal expertise. For more information about Albion Saddlemakers, visit their dedicated page on the LIM Group website.

Wintec

Wintec Saddles, established in 1986, is a renowned brand in the equestrian industry, celebrated for its lightweight, easy-care, and highly adjustable synthetic saddles. Known for their durability and comfort, Wintec saddles feature advanced technologies such as the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System and the CAIR Cushion System, enhancing both horse and rider performance. With a long history of innovation, Wintec saddles are a favorite among riders, offering a range of models including endurance and western styles. The brand's commitment to quality and adjustability has made it a key player in the global horse saddles and accessories market. Wintec's products are widely recognized for their hard-wearing nature and ease of maintenance. For more information, you can explore their FAQs page.

Bates

Bates Saddles, founded by George Bates in 1934, is a renowned and fourth-generation family-owned saddlery company known for its innovative and high-quality saddles. The company has pioneered several advancements, including adjustable tree, adjustable knee rolls, and changeable gullet plates, ensuring optimal horse comfort and performance. Despite a 30% decline in sales from its peak of $30 million and 50,000 units per year before the GFC, Bates Saddles remains significantly profitable due to its strategic manufacturing in Vietnam. The brand has collaborated with elite riders like Isabell Werth and is now the Official FEI Saddle Partner, reflecting its commitment to horse welfare and excellence in saddlery. Bates Saddles continues to drive innovation, focusing on education and research to enhance the equestrian experience globally.

Passier

Passier is renowned as one of the best producers of saddles, known for their high-quality, handmade products that ensure longevity and optimal fit for horses. Each Passier saddle is uniquely numbered, allowing for traceability of its production details, and they offer adjustable gullet plates that can be adjusted in 0.5 cm stages to fit various horse sizes. Passier saddles are filled with synthetic flocking and feature foam inserts for a soft, smooth contact area, particularly beneficial for sensitive horses. With a guarantee period of up to 10 years on synthetic saddle trees, Passier maintains stringent quality control during production. Their saddles are popular in various equestrian disciplines, including dressage and jumping.