The Karl Niedersüss Symphonie is a classic Austrian dressage saddle with a longstanding reputation for quality leather, traditional craftsmanship, durability, and excellent fitting capability. The Symphonie became one of KN's best-known dressage models and remains sought after on the used market, particularly by riders who prefer a traditional dressage saddle rather than an extremely deep, heavily blocked modern design.
This particular Symphonie is stamped with a Wide (W) tree and K3 panel configuration. The factory stamp also includes 43, indicating a 43 cm factory seat designation which equates to a 16.9" seat.
The Symphonie provides a traditional balanced dressage position with a relatively open seat and straightforward flap design. Compared with many contemporary competition saddles, the rider is given more freedom to establish an independent seat and leg rather than being held in position by oversized external blocks.
The saddle features wool-flocked panels, an important advantage for horse fit. A qualified saddle fitter can alter the flocking to fine-tune panel contact, balance, and pressure distribution. The flocking can also be maintained or rebalanced as the horse's musculature changes.
Specifications
• Brand: Karl Niedersüss / KN
• Model: Symphonie
• Discipline: Dressage
• Measured/Listed Seat Size: Approximately 17"
• Factory Seat Marking: 43 cm
• Approximate 43 cm Conversion: 16.9"
• Tree Width: Wide (W)
• Panel Configuration: K3
• Panels: Wool flocked
• Flap: Traditional dressage configuration
• Seat: Traditional/open dressage profile
• Construction: Premium leather
• Made In: Austria
• Factory Markings: KP SP / 0106668W / K3 / 43
• Suitable For: Dressage, Flatwork & Classical Schooling
Understanding the KN Stamp
The W in the factory stamp identifies the saddle as a Wide tree.
The K3 identifies the panel/wedge configuration. KN used K-codes to describe the amount/configuration of the rear panel or wedge construction. K3 represents a more substantial panel/wedge configuration than K1 or K2 and should be retained in the listing because it affects the saddle's balance and relationship to the horse's topline.
The 43 represents the factory seat measurement in centimeters. A 43 cm seat converts mathematically to approximately 16.9", although European and American saddle-seat measurements do not always translate directly because manufacturers use different measuring conventions.
Horse Fit
With its Wide tree and K3 panel configuration, this Symphonie should initially be considered for a horse requiring more width through the tree than a standard Medium KN.
The Symphonie's tree and panel shape can work particularly well on certain sport-horse and Thoroughbred-type backs where there is adequate wither definition but greater width through the upper back. The Wide designation should not automatically be interpreted as a saddle for an extremely flat, mutton-withered horse; tree shape, wither profile, shoulder angle, back curvature, and panel contact all remain important.
Because the panels are wool flocked, a qualified saddle fitter has meaningful scope to adjust balance and panel contact for the individual horse.
About Karl Niedersüss
Karl Niedersüss is a respected Austrian saddlery with a long history of producing traditional European dressage saddles. KN saddles are known for high-quality leather, durable construction, wool-flocked fitting capability, and a more traditional rider position than many heavily blocked modern dressage saddles.
The Symphonie became one of the company's best-known dressage models and developed a particularly strong following for its durability and traditional feel. Well-maintained examples remain in regular use decades after manufacture.
