Introducing our State of the Art
DIY CUSTOM FIT SYSTEM
Where WE can effectively and confidently
adjust your saddle with YOU
anywhere at anytime WORLDWIDE!
A TRULY INNOVATIVE FITTING SYSTEM
.... unlike any other system on the market today!
Schleese saddles are known as the best gender appropriate saddle on the market for many reasons, handcrafted, fully adjustable, and with the most highly recognized warranty and service in the industry.
Our global operations including saddle manufacturing and onsite saddle fitting, follow the internationally accredited SaddleFit4Life philosophy. We regularly refit our saddles to the ever-changing horses back or to subsequent horses over the years through our ongoing onsite saddle fit evaluations and adjustments. Our clients appreciate our regular on-site service, but there are times an adjustment just can’t wait for one of our Certified Saddle Ergonomists. Many bodyworkers and vets recommend 3-4 saddle adjustments per year to maintain optimal fit and equine health. It is not always feasible to accommodate these needs on a regular basis. We want all riders worldwide to have access to our gender appropriate, infinitely adjustable saddles which be fit according to the SaddleFit 4 Life® philosophy with ongoing saddle fit support from a Schleese team member.
Here’s the great news! Because we listen to the vets, trainers, bodyworkers and, most importantly, YOU, we have created a game-changing custom saddle fitting system to complement our 35+ years of saddle fitting services and ever-growing catalogue of saddles.
We call this new system the DIY Custom Fit System where we can fit the saddle on-site with you to the custom measurements you took with the Schleese 3D Printed Wither Tracer at your barn, anytime and anywhere. What makes this system so unique are the 5 new innovative features. The patent pending 3P Gullet Plate , the patent pending CB Stirrup Bar, the two panel options – Hybrid and IP and the exciting TruForm Fitting Pad that comes with the Hybrid option. With the world changing around us, this system gives you the peace of mind that you will always have a saddle that fits!
Your DIY saddle can be custom fit on-site by one of our Certified Saddle Ergonomists (CSE), Certified Schleese Saddle Representative (CSSR), virtually with one of our saddle fit expert support staff, or on your own using this fitting system. Your saddle can be fit 24/7 anytime, anywhere.
The term DIY Custom Fit System stands for “Do It Yourself with custom measurements with expert fitting advice”. Some might think this is one of those “fit your own saddles”… far from it. We have 12 points of adjustability with this saddle making it the only truly DIY adjustable saddle ever made, which is unheard of in the industry!
12 Truly Adjustable Points
- Adjust tree angle independent from tree width.
- Adjust tree width independent from tree angle.
- Ability to adjust the tree orthopedically.
- Adjust billets independently from left to the right side.
- Adjust channel width for spinal clearance.
- Adjust panel length.
- Adjust panels weight-bearing surface.
- Adjust saddle balance.
- Adjust wither clearance.
- Adjust for shifting and twisting.
- Adjust saddle rotation or falling to one side.
- Adjust the saddle to prevent slipping forward or back.
Over the years Schleese has proven to lead the industry in innovation and animal welfare. Our office boasts a showroom of awards and articles as a reminder of the standards we have set and strive to live up to every single day. The DIY system was one that we didn’t take lightly from conception to completion. Our years of rigorous testing included University testing to ensure the integrity of the metals and intense trials with grand prix jumpers and event riders across North America. Our production team worked closely with design experts and engineers. All before receiving the stamp of approval from our toughest critics… Our own team. The general consensus is that this is a game changer for you, for your horse, and for the saddle industry. The DIY system embodies everything we have ever wanted from a saddle while following our saddle fit philosophies, now enabling you to make the changes necessary to allow optimal fit every step of the way.
Schleese 3P Gullet Plate (Patent Pending)
This is the first gullet plate on the market that can achieve a customized fit without the use of a tree machine. Tree width (independent of tree angle), tree angle ( independent of tree width), and the ability to have an orthopedic adjustment to accommodate any natural crookedness can be affected. Regardless of the shape of your horse, this gullet plate can be fit optimally through its unique 3 adjustment points. Through the adjustable cogs by a customized Schleese key unique to this feature, this gullet plate can easily be adjusted after taking measurements of your horse.
![Schleese 3P Gullet Plate - U.S. Patent [11377343]](https://schleese.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/3P-Gullet-Plate-Final-20210217-p30idpwae53lc555l37z42ncxpwen6fgxm87wlurt4.png "3P Gullet Plate – Final 20210217")
CB Stirrup Bar (Patent Pending)
All other stirrup bars are usually attached to the gullet plate on the front section of the saddle which creates a major pressure point over the withers and onto the shoulder. Each time the rider puts weight in the stirrups it puts pressure on the stirrup bar and in turn, excessive pressure on the withers and shoulders. This excess pressure at the front of the saddle can make the saddle rock or bounce and settle over the withers faster. During the rising trot or two-point in trot and canter and especially in jumping, the pressure to the horse’s wither is tremendous. To relieve the pressure on the gullet plate (horse’s shoulder and withers) we have created a hinged CB Stirrup Bar that is attached in the center of the saddle tree. This CB stirrup bar can be attached on the center of the saddle tree in a forward, regular or extended position. The hinge makes it easy to adjust the stirrup leathers from the ground or on the horse while alleviating the pressure on the horse’s body or rider’s thigh. The unique design of this stirrup bar allows your leg to fall in the correct position, all while it is attached in the center of the saddle and not on the gullet plate. Each time the rider puts weight in the stirrup, the rider’s weight is displaced over the center of the horse’s back – away from the shoulder and withers, with no rocking or bouncing.
IP Option
IP stands for “Interchangeable Panel” and offers a more traditional look and includes flexible shock absorbing foam and PSI technology. This panel can be removed when adjusting the gullet plate and then flocked with wool to meet fitting requirements. If a fitter is not available to you, in lieu of the wool flocking, the TruForm Fitting Pad can be used. As the Interchangeable Panel detaches from the saddle, it can be replaced with a different size panel down the road which makes it a perfect choice if there is a possibility of using this saddle on a different horse in the future. This process is so simple it can be done on-site in minutes. (Dressage saddle model shown as example)
Hybrid Option
The DIY Hybrid option uses the TruForm fitting Pad as the panel giving it a very innovative look. With this saddle, you can quickly and easily fit any horse by simply changing your TruForm Fitting Pad. Similar to the IP panel the TruForm Fitting Pad utilizes the flexible shock absorbing foam and PSI technology. This option offers a truly outstanding weight distribution with its unique combination of design elements. (Jumper saddle model shown as example)
TruForm Fitting Pad
Our TruForm Fitting Pad is unique to Schleese and has been developed for our DIY Hybrid saddles. The pad is custom fit in order to offer maximum comfort and correct fit to the horse. Most “shim pads” on the market offer only minimal flexibility when adjustments are needed to correct balance front to back and can often slip around under the saddle putting unnecessary pressure on one of the 14 reflex points causing negative behaviour making the fit of the saddle to horse even worse. Our TruForm Fitting Pad stays in place and has 16 shimming options including the saddle support area.
Our TruForm Fitting Pad is included free of charge with all DIY Hybrid saddles and is also available for sale to be used under the DIY IP saddles.
Saddle Support Area (SSA)
Combination felt full length lining
Fitting & Lifting Inserts
Soft felt fitting inserts 3/8″ thickness
Firm felt fitting inserts 1/4″ thickness
Shock Absorbing Foam
Shock absorbing materials prove to be the best materials when flexible cushioning is needed. This foam has an unique open cell structure that provides excellent resistance to compression set (collapse) and delivers superior shock absorption, impact protection, high resiliency and vibration damping. The foam on the right hand side of your screen is the foam that we use in our panels.
Saddlefit 4 Life® 3D Printed Wither Tracer included with every DIY Custom Fit System Saddle Purchase.
With the purchase of your DIY Custom Fit saddle, you will receive our innovative measuring tool which will allow you to perfectly measure your horse and subsequently fit your saddle with the support of our saddle fit experts.
Are YOU Ready to Learn More about our DIY Saddles?
‘Continuum’ & ‘Sequence’
are our dressage models while
‘Boundless’ & ‘Cosmic’
are our jumping models.
We are here and eager to get you started!
Check out our
DIY Dressage Saddles
and
DIY Jumping Saddles
DIY Frequently Asked Questions
No other adjustable saddles on the market have gullet plates that can adjust in all the necessary ways to truly be fit to any horse. Most can only be tweaked slightly. Below are the 12 Truly adjustable points that only Schleese DIY custom-fit saddles offer:
- Adjust tree angle independent from tree width.
- Adjust tree width independent from tree angle.
- Ability to adjust the tree orthopedically.
- Adjust billets independent from left to the right side.
- Adjust channel width for spinal clearance.
- Adjust panel length.
- Adjust panels weight-bearing surface.
- Adjust saddle balance.
- Adjust wither clearance
- Adjust for shifting and twisting.
- Adjust saddle rotation or falling to one side.
- Adjust the saddle to prevent slipping forward or back.
- W= Wellep trees, which haven’t been used by Schleese since the mid 1990’s. After 2000 W is designated for use on our Western Trail saddles
- E = regular laminated wood English spring trees (used mainly in the JES Pros, also in the 1990’s – not very adjustable)
- H = Hennig adjustable tree, used until the mid 2000’s at which point Hennig began using a different material in his trees with shorter tree points. Schleese reps will generally not make any adjustments to these trees other than reflocking due to the damage these shorter tree points can cause.
- S = Schleese patented AdapTree® – generally considered to be the most adjustable and equine conformation-friendly tree available today.
- I = Innovative tree in our entry level Essential saddle.
All our DIY saddles are priced at $7995.00 + any chargeable customization options you may choose.
All of our Glamour options are available to be seen on our website. There are far too many to list them all here but a few of our most popular customization options include:
- Colour stitching
- Colour welting
- Patent accents
- Tooled accents
- Crystals to add bling
The current production time is at 12 weeks. All DIY saddles are completely handmade in our workshop in Canada.
There are many ways we are available to help you to book a chargeable fitting support call. The cost is $179 and can be paid online prior to the call:
- Your Certified Saddle Ergonomist (CSE)
- Our info@schleese email
- Instructional videos online
- Our customer care specialist
- You can also contact your local Certified Schleese Saddle Representative (CSSR) for support.
Yes, you will receive the following with your saddle:
- A 3D printed wither tracer
- A unique Schleese Key to adjust your gullet plate
- Access to instructional videos
- A template to trace your measurements and cutouts
You can order a replacement 3D tracer for $175.00 and specialize Schleese Key for $50.00.
We commit to working with you and your horse to find a viable solution for saddle fit. Please notify us of any issues within 10 days of receipt of your saddle. We will address your concerns by:
- Making any necessary adjustments either on-site at a fitting clinic or long distance using our Fit Kit or
- Working together with you to find an alternative saddle solution.
If we cannot satisfy your expectations once #1 and #2 have been addressed, we will take back your saddle and all accessories that came with it and refund you your purchase price minus a $250.00 restocking fee.
If the saddle shows signs of excessive wear and tear, you may be charged a nominal amount for depreciation. After 10 days of receipt of the saddle, the sale is deemed final.
Yes, As with all our saddles the IP saddle can be changed to accommodate the saddle-support area of any horse.
Yes. You can order the panels for the IP saddle directly from Schleese and we can walk you through the installation or you can choose to have one of our CSE’s change the panels for you if you register for an upcoming clinic in your area. You can also book an appointment with a local CSSR if you have one in your area.
$1675.00
Yes, we have visual points on the cogs on the gullet plate that give you the peace of mind knowing that the gullet plate is set to even or as an orthopedic adjustment if needed. Your instruction manual will also include a measurement chart for easy reference.
On our IP option, the shock absorbing foam is directly in the panel.
The shock absorbing foam will be used as a base on the Hybrid option.
Yes.
- Dressage or Jump in Black with or without fleece
- Dressage or Jump in White with or without fleece.