Rider Testimonials

‘Callaho Lexus’ came to me as a tricky 4-year-old. His first saddle was a Schleese HK dressage saddle that needed careful fitting as he was quite uneven.  He was sharing a jumping saddle with another horse and the difference became clear.  As he is quite broad in the shoulder, he did not have freedom of movement as his jumping style was extremely extravagant and very strong. I was struggling to hold him together and collect him.  I felt that he was filling out so well with regular fittings of his dressage saddle, so he could no longer share his jumping saddle.  He had dips behind his shoulders which I suspected was due to saddle pressure. I loved the demo ‘LightFlight’ from ‘first sit’ – he was round, balanced, and listening to me; no more landing and running off – so I placed my order for a new saddle.  During the lockdown, while I continued using the demo, I saw a marked change in his attitude, his way of going, and his jumping style and technique from working only in his fitted Schleese saddles.  When the new LightFlight arrived, he had COMPLETELY evened out across his whole body!  His straightness, balance, and way of going has consolidated him into a horse that shows his natural talent and unrestricted movement.  We can conquer the world together now – his bravery and scope are supported by his LightFlight. I am balanced and with him when we tackle our course. I recommend this saddle highly – your horse will thank you for investing in the success of your partnership together!

My husband had to have a custom saddle made for him and his horses (XC Merci) and I bought the Jete. Our horses are loving the saddles!

Hi there, just thought I’d share a pic of my handsome man Flicka in his Devin saddle. I love this saddle so much. I don’t think Flick has ever had a correctly fitted saddle, and he is 16. In the year I’ve had him, I’ve discovered so much about him. An old knee injury seems to have affected his movement and caused issues in his sacroiliac area. He also has white hair that shows that his movement is not symmetrical. He has had the winter off here in Australia with lots of body work and ground exercises. This pic is of his first ride back into work. I couldn’t be happier. It (the saddle) put me in the right position and he felt so good under me. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge online. It has helped me so much in understanding both of my horses bodies. And thank you for a well thought through saddle for both horse and rider.

I am Honored and Proud to be Sponsored by Schleese Saddle Fit for Life! I have been waiting for years to get a brand new Schleese. I have had two used Schleese saddles and have ridden in several models, as my students have purchased them.

I have the Pro Light Plus and I LOVE IT, as well as my young horse LOVES IT. In Kantisha CBF’s first CDS recognized show, second show total, she won the High Score of the day with a 74.483%. Is it the saddle, training, or is she born to win? All I know is this saddle really helps the horse to use her natural movement without any impediment. The saddle helps me to have a position that does not impede my horse, plus is so very easy to ride in.

This saddle is one-of-a-kind, as it has Glamour options designed by me with a little bit of help from my Saddle Reps, Deb and Matt! I LOVE how it turned out and have had many lookers checking out the beauty of this saddle. Again, thanks to all who helped in getting this DREAM saddle made. My horse and I am so LUCKY to have such wonderful support.

I’m pleased to say my Obrigado is great! Milo is going better than ever and it has been even more amazing for my position. I no longer fight to keep my legs below me and my seat bones are always locked in position. No more adjusting my seat every few strides to feel my seat bones! I’m so pleased with the saddle and can’t thank you and Jochen enough! 

Although I had never owned a Schleese, I have always recommended them to my clients based on the quality, commitment to horse and rider fit and the professionalism and knowledge of their fitters.  As soon as I saw the Schleese Western Saddle I knew I had to own one and once I tried it, I was in love.  The availability of movement for the horse without interference is incredible and having the peace of mind that the saddle fits my horse perfectly and will continue to do so because of its adjustability, gives me the ability to focus on my riding and communication.  I can’t say enough about the features and benefits of this saddle not to mention the incredible ongoing support provided by our saddle fitter, Heather Doig, the fact that an equine body worker stands behind this brand speaks volumes to it’s quality!

You have made my dreams come true. This is never something I could have done for my horses otherwise!

A couple of years ago, a friend offered to let me ride her mare. She rides in a Schleese saddle. From the moment I sat in her beautiful saddle, I knew that I had to have one for myself. A Schleese saddle then became my dream saddle. I finally found THE ONE after a year and a half.
I dabble in dressage as a hobby but do not currently compete. I also participate in mounted archery with my horse Reagan. Yes, you read that right, I shoot bows and arrows off of the back of a horse. A lot like the Native Americans used to do on the American Plains – except that I ride in a Schleese Wave.
I love my saddle so much as does my horse. From the first ride wearing it, he moved out so freely. It was almost like riding a completely different horse. His trot became less choppy and restrictive. He is also more willing to pick up the canter for me without tossing his head. I feel that he is able to extend his shoulder without the saddle tree jamming into his shoulder blade. This is something I never realized was a common issue with other saddle trees on the market today.
Because of our Schleese saddle, when we head down the lane to shoot, I can feel nearly every muscle of his back and am able to connect with my horse. We are able to move together as a unit. It takes an enormous amount of trust for me to drop the reins entirely and trust my horse to run steady while I shoot. In turn, he trusts me to use equipment that is comfortable to him in order to allow him to do his job effectively. I feel that it helps him to enjoy his work and build a positive relationship between not only he and I but also between himself and his “work.”
I adore the quality craftsmanship of my Schleese. I know that it is well made and will last us for many years to come. I have five saddles in my tack room and my Wave is now the ONLY saddle that I use. I can ride for hours in my Schleese and don’t get sore. Thank you so much for making a top of the line product that is multi-faceted to fit my varied riding styles. Reagan appreciates your fabulous products too as we have the 8” anatomical girth and stirrup leathers also.
I am now a hopeless Schleese addict!

Before getting my custom fitted Schleese saddle, my mare, Rubi, was experiencing back problems. Being gray and close to the blood, she’s a very sensitive horse and the slightest saddle misfit translates into major skin irritation and hollowing/twisting of the back.

After riding her in a Schleese saddle for a year, including a demanding show season, her back is now perfect! With her back being stronger and freer, her canter is also more powerful. I’m so grateful for Jochen’s master skills as a saddle fitter and biomechanics expert: a lot of knowledge goes into these precise fittings. A special thank you to everyone involved in customer service, you really make us feel like you care and understand and are always trying to help.

A big thank you from both Rubi and I

Chianti has been my partner for 9 years now. We have done a lot of learning together, but I am glad the searching for a saddle that *might* fit journey is over. After years of trying to accommodate his long shoulder and wanting a forward cut saddle, I bit the bullet and bought and Schleese Merci. We don’t show much, but having a saddle that fits him is the best investment. I know that when I want to go to that show or go on a hunt pace or just hack as long as I can, the saddle is supportive and comfortable for both of us. I never would have thought that a “female” saddle could actually make a difference. And I am so glad I was wrong.