Stubben Roxane Eventing Saddle
The Stubben Roxane Eventing Saddle holds a best-in-class position for eventing thanks to its premium handcrafted leather, close-contact shaping and a reputation for long-term durability that appeals to serious competitors. Compared with the other saddles on this list it represents the higher-end, investment-grade choice—higher upfront cost but strong resale value and refined rider balance that many riders prefer over the lighter or synthetic alternatives.
Close-contact stability
Supple leather charm
Close-contact stability
Supple leather charm
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Stubben Roxane Eventing Saddle for its excellent leather, secure balanced seat and durability through heavy use, making it a top choice for serious eventing; the main negatives are the high price and slightly heavier feel compared with modern lightweight models."
Jump-cushion balance
Deep, forward-cut flap and supportive knee roll designed for secure position over fences
Jump-cushion balance
Deep, forward-cut flap and supportive knee roll designed for secure position over fences
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Stubben Roxane Eventing Saddle holds a best-in-class position for eventing thanks to its premium handcrafted leather, close-contact shaping and a reputation for long-term durability that appeals to serious competitors. Compared with the other saddles on this list it represents the higher-end, investment-grade choice—higher upfront cost but strong resale value and refined rider balance that many riders prefer over the lighter or synthetic alternatives.
Close-contact stability
Supple leather charm
Jump-cushion balance
Deep, forward-cut flap and supportive knee roll designed for secure position over fences
High-quality, hand-finished leather and craftsmanship for long-term durability
Close-contact stability
Supple leather charm
Jump-cushion balance
Deep, forward-cut flap and supportive knee roll designed for secure position over fences
High-quality, hand-finished leather and craftsmanship for long-term durability
$2,500-4,000 CAD
Pessoa Gen X Elite XCH Saddle
The Pessoa Gen X Elite XCH Saddle is a market leader for performance-focused eventers, offering a forward-cut, jump-friendly flap and a responsive fit that encourages a secure position on cross-country and show jumping phases. It sits slightly below the Stubben in price while delivering a more modern, competition-oriented geometry than all-purpose or synthetic options, making it a cost-effective choice for riders who want competition capability without the top-tier leather price tag.
Forward-flap design
Knee-lock security
Forward-flap design
Knee-lock security
Review Summary
"Users find the Pessoa Gen X Elite XCH offers a good close-contact feel and a forward flap at a competitive price, performing well for schooling and lower-level eventing; common complaints are that the leather and long-term durability don’t match premium brands."
Featherweight agility
Forward-running flap and low-profile seat tailored for cross-country and stadium work
Featherweight agility
Forward-running flap and low-profile seat tailored for cross-country and stadium work
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Pessoa Gen X Elite XCH Saddle is a market leader for performance-focused eventers, offering a forward-cut, jump-friendly flap and a responsive fit that encourages a secure position on cross-country and show jumping phases. It sits slightly below the Stubben in price while delivering a more modern, competition-oriented geometry than all-purpose or synthetic options, making it a cost-effective choice for riders who want competition capability without the top-tier leather price tag.
Forward-flap design
Knee-lock security
Featherweight agility
Forward-running flap and low-profile seat tailored for cross-country and stadium work
Interchangeable gullet and hybrid tree system for customizable fit
Forward-flap design
Knee-lock security
Featherweight agility
Forward-running flap and low-profile seat tailored for cross-country and stadium work
Interchangeable gullet and hybrid tree system for customizable fit
$1,800-2,800 CAD
Wintec 500 All Purpose Saddle
The Wintec 500 All Purpose Saddle is the standout budget and low-maintenance option for eventers who need an adaptable, weatherproof saddle that copes with humid or wet conditions and frequent use. Its synthetic construction, adjustable gullet and lightweight design give it a clear financial and practical advantage over leather competitors for everyday schooling and beginner-to-intermediate eventing, though it is less specialized than dedicated cross-country models.
Fuss-free maintenance
Quick-fit gullet
Fuss-free maintenance
Quick-fit gullet
Review Summary
"Owners like the Wintec 500 All Purpose for its lightweight, easy-care synthetic construction, adjustable fit (Easy-Change gullets/CAIR) and reliable everyday performance, though some riders note a synthetic feel and occasional fit or girthing issues on certain horses."
Everyday versatility
Lightweight, low-maintenance synthetic construction ideal for all-weather use
Everyday versatility
Lightweight, low-maintenance synthetic construction ideal for all-weather use
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Wintec 500 All Purpose Saddle is the standout budget and low-maintenance option for eventers who need an adaptable, weatherproof saddle that copes with humid or wet conditions and frequent use. Its synthetic construction, adjustable gullet and lightweight design give it a clear financial and practical advantage over leather competitors for everyday schooling and beginner-to-intermediate eventing, though it is less specialized than dedicated cross-country models.
Fuss-free maintenance
Quick-fit gullet
Everyday versatility
Lightweight, low-maintenance synthetic construction ideal for all-weather use
Wintec CAIR panel technology for consistent fit and even pressure distribution
Fuss-free maintenance
Quick-fit gullet
Everyday versatility
Lightweight, low-maintenance synthetic construction ideal for all-weather use
Wintec CAIR panel technology for consistent fit and even pressure distribution
$450-700 CAD
Bates Caprilli Close Contact Plus Saddle
The Bates Caprilli Close Contact Plus Saddle is recognized for marrying eventing performance with an emphasis on fit and rider comfort through adjustable features and close-contact panels tailored to jumping work. Priced in the mid-to-upper range, it offers technical fit solutions that can reduce the need for expensive fitting changes compared with fixed-tree leather saddles, making it an efficient choice for riders who want both performance and adaptability.
Horse-hug fit
Gel-panel comfort
Horse-hug fit
Gel-panel comfort
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate the Bates Caprilli Close Contact Plus for its close-contact feel, comfortable seat and adjustable fit, making it a versatile choice for eventing and jumping; a few riders mention the knee roll/fit takes time to adapt to and it costs more than basic synthetics."
Secure riding pocket
Changeable gullet and adjustable panel system to fine-tune tree width and balance
Secure riding pocket
Changeable gullet and adjustable panel system to fine-tune tree width and balance
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Bates Caprilli Close Contact Plus Saddle is recognized for marrying eventing performance with an emphasis on fit and rider comfort through adjustable features and close-contact panels tailored to jumping work. Priced in the mid-to-upper range, it offers technical fit solutions that can reduce the need for expensive fitting changes compared with fixed-tree leather saddles, making it an efficient choice for riders who want both performance and adaptability.
Horse-hug fit
Gel-panel comfort
Secure riding pocket
Changeable gullet and adjustable panel system to fine-tune tree width and balance
Close-contact design with grippy seat and forward flap for jumping security
Horse-hug fit
Gel-panel comfort
Secure riding pocket
Changeable gullet and adjustable panel system to fine-tune tree width and balance
Close-contact design with grippy seat and forward flap for jumping security
$1,300-2,200 CAD
HDR Pro Concept Eventing Saddle
The HDR Pro Concept Eventing Saddle is positioned as a value-oriented performance saddle that delivers event-specific geometry—forward flaps, solid knee support and a close-contact feel—at a more accessible price than some traditional leather brands. Technically focused on balance and forward riding, it gives many riders near-competition features comparable to higher-priced models, so it often represents the best cost-to-performance ratio for developing eventers.
Eventing balance
Customizable fit
Eventing balance
Customizable fit
Review Summary
"Owners report the HDR Pro Concept Eventing Saddle offers excellent balance, a forward flap and close-contact feel suited to cross-country, with solid workmanship; however, being a smaller brand means fewer fitting options and some extra cost for custom adjustments."
Ultra-light performance
Specifically shaped for eventing with a forward seat, strong knee blocks, and freedom for the horse
Ultra-light performance
Specifically shaped for eventing with a forward seat, strong knee blocks, and freedom for the horse
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The HDR Pro Concept Eventing Saddle is positioned as a value-oriented performance saddle that delivers event-specific geometry—forward flaps, solid knee support and a close-contact feel—at a more accessible price than some traditional leather brands. Technically focused on balance and forward riding, it gives many riders near-competition features comparable to higher-priced models, so it often represents the best cost-to-performance ratio for developing eventers.
Eventing balance
Customizable fit
Ultra-light performance
Specifically shaped for eventing with a forward seat, strong knee blocks, and freedom for the horse
Durable, performance-grade leather and reinforced billets for reliability in competition
Eventing balance
Customizable fit
Ultra-light performance
Specifically shaped for eventing with a forward seat, strong knee blocks, and freedom for the horse
Durable, performance-grade leather and reinforced billets for reliability in competition