Performance, advantages and origin

Kieffer saddle trees are made of high-quality, glass fibre reinforced synthetic material and fitted with a soft, permanently elastic seat covering. In case of emergency, the recessed stirrup bars ensure a safe opening even after years of use.

All present Kieffer saddle trees are adjustable. Depending on the model, the width of a Kieffer saddle tree can be adjusted either thermally by heating in an infrared process or by cold adjustment of the gullet plate using the Kieffer alteration bench. This can be done by a qualified dealer, master saddler or in our own service department.

Quality characteristics:

• Individual adjustment & optimal fit
• Innovative gullet plate
• High elasticity & flexibility
• 5-year warranty against breakage of the saddle tree

Saddle tree 'Exclusive' with integrated gullet plate

This advancement in the field of saddle trees increases safety as well as riding comfort particularly in the seat region.

Gullet plate and stirrup bar form a unification made of high-quality steel which is inset in the upper area of the saddle tree. This system exclusively
patented by Kieffer, leads the stirrup bar closer to the saddle tree – the result is a narrower pommel and more seating comfort in the front part of the saddle.

With its integrated gullet plate, the saddle tree model "Exclusive" greatly facilitates adjustment of the saddle tree to the horseback – for example when purchasing a new saddle or as required due to muscular or nutritional changes of the animal. In order to fit the saddle tree, the saddle is simply mounted onto the Kieffer alteration bench and adjusted by cold processing to make it either narrower or wider.

Another advantage of this construction is that an escape of the stirrup bar is in actual fact impossible.

The gullet plate is located above and not below the saddle tree as is usual, consequently sharp corners can herewith be avoided. In the case of a saddle tree with a narrow set fitting for a horse with a slim body shape, the gullet plate does not deform in a V-shape but remains in a rounded shape to prevent jamming the withers.

Of particular importance is the fact, that because of the seamless connection of gullet plate and stirrup bar the pressure caused by mounting the horse is distributed evenly over the whole saddle tree – this prevents the saddle tree from deforming. A deforming of the saddle tree, occurs in many saddles over a long time period and may result in a tilting of the rider´s seat which of course would have negative consequences for the rider and the horse.

Adjustability

With its integrated gullet plate, the saddle tree model 'Exclusive' supports an easy fit for a new saddle purchase and aids adjustment of the saddle tree which may be necessary due to muscular development of the horse or a change of horse ownership. In order to fit the saddle tree, the saddle is simply mounted onto the Kieffer alteration bench and adjusted by cold processing to make it either narrower or wider.

Saddle tree '1000' – for normal and wide backs

This saddle tree consists of Polypropylen with a glass fibre reinforcement. The seat comes with a Polyurethan-Membrane and provides a pleasant sitting comfort. The stirrup bars are made of a special stainless steel alloy with a load capacity amounting to 1.700 kg. The forged gullet plate is simple and steplessly adjustable.

This saddle tree is especially suited for horses with normal or wider backs and enables the use of a bolted panel.

Adjustability

Because of its forged, high-quality gullet plate, the saddle is steplessly adjustable as often as necessary. In order to fit the saddle tree, the saddle is simply mounted onto the Kieffer alteration bench and adjusted by cold processing to make it either narrower or wider.

Standard saddle panel

This panel is suitable for horses with a normal round back – especially for horses with a significant difference in height between the withers and the 18th thoracic vertebrae.

The horse’s back should be evenly muscled in order to provide an even contact area for the panels avoiding bridging or pressure points.

As an option, this panel is available with an enlarged volume in the rear that is 1,5 cm higher than on the usual standard model and allows a greater adjustment potential when more height is necessary.

Drop Panel / DP

The innovative ‘Drop Panel’ provides a significant larger contact area and a more voluminious cushion behind the shoulder in comparison to our standard panel. In particular, horses with problems in the trapezium muscle area or with hollow shoulders will benefit from this extra new feature.
The contact area on the horse’s back is optimized to prevent bridging or pressure points being built. The possibility that the saddle can swing in harmony with the horse’s movements is not influenced in any negative way by the ‘Drop Panel‘.

This panel allows a greater adjustment potential when reflocking is needed and offers the saddler a better choice of adaption of the panel for a soft and perfect fit.

Due to its various adaptabilities, its softness and its supportive effects on muscle growth, the ‘Drop Panel’ has become one of Kieffer’s most popular panels and is optionally available for almost all dressage and general purpose saddles.

Passage saddle Panel

Saddle panel ‘Passage’ with its shortened panel at the front (half panel) complements Kieffer´s saddle panel options and provides an even better freedom of movement around the shoulder. Due to its specific cut it is eminently suitable for well-trained horses with a wide costal arch.

For horses as mentioned above but with atrophies in the shoulder area, the ‘Passage Panel‘ is also available in combination with ‘Drop Panel Cut‘.

The saddle panel ‘Passage’ is available for all dressage saddles with knee rolls positioned on the saddle flap.

Short Panel

Our shortest saddle panel is suitable for horses with special requirements. Standard saddles often rest over the lumbar region on horses with a shorter back. We at Kieffer have developed a special short panel to cope for horses having a comparatively short contact area or a significant rising lumbar vertebrae.

The dressage models ‘Inzell’ and ‘Salzburg’, which are also available as general purpose saddles, can be ordered as standard models with this short panel.

This panel variation is optionally available for almost all dressage saddles.