This Hastilow dressage saddle is a quality British-made saddle designed around traditional saddle-fitting principles while incorporating modern adjustability for the horse.
 
This particular saddle features an 18" seat, currently fitted with a Red/Wide interchangeable gullet bar, wool-flocked panels, and forward-cut flaps measuring approximately 16.75" long × 14" wide.
The forward-cut flap is an important rider-fit feature. At 14" wide, it provides additional room in front of the knee compared with a conventional straight dressage flap, making it particularly useful for a rider with a longer femur, more forward knee position, or a preference for somewhat shorter stirrups.
 
The saddle's changeable gullet system allows the front tree width to be altered using compatible gullet bars. The currently installed red bar corresponds to Wide (W). This means the saddle is presently configured as a Wide, but Wide is not a permanent tree-width limitation.
 
The saddle also features wool-flocked panels, allowing a qualified saddle fitter to adjust panel volume, balance, and contact along the horse's back. Together, the interchangeable gullet and wool flocking provide substantial fitting flexibility.
 
Specifications
• Brand: Hastilow / Hastilow & Sons
• Discipline: Dressage
• Seat Size: 18"
• Current Gullet Width: Wide (W)
• Installed Gullet Bar: Red – Wide
• Tree System: Adjustable / interchangeable gullet
• Panels: Wool flocked
• Flap Style: Forward cut
• Flap Length: 16.75"
• Flap Width: 14"
• Flap Measurement: 16.75"L × 14"W
• Construction: Premium leather
• Made In: England
• Serial / Identification Number: 2019-261
• Suitable For: Dressage, Flatwork & Competition
 
Horse Fit
With the Red/Wide gullet currently installed, this saddle is presently configured as a starting point for a horse with a broader shoulder and upper-back profile.
The interchangeable gullet system means the saddle is not permanently a Wide. A compatible gullet bar can alter the front tree width, while the wool flocking gives a qualified saddle fitter additional ability to fine-tune panel balance and contact.
 
Actual fit still depends on the horse's wither profile, shoulder angle, topline curvature, and saddle-support area.
 
Rider Fit
The combination of an 18" seat and 16.75"L × 14"W forward flaps is particularly useful for a rider who requires generous seat room and additional forward accommodation for the knee.
The relatively wide, forward flap can be advantageous for a rider with a longer femur or more forward leg position who tends to reach the front edge of a conventional straight dressage flap.
 
About Hastilow
Hastilow saddles are associated with British Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter Kay Hastilow and a fitting philosophy emphasizing the relationship between tree shape, panel design, girthing, horse conformation, and rider requirements.