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DP Western Saddles – Information & Options
Use this guide to understand the main choices on a DP western saddle so you can match the tree, seat, leather, and rigging to your horse and how you ride.
Key Technical Options
Saddle Trees
Wooden Trees (rawhide or fiberglass covered)
- Traditional, rigid tree.
- Suitable for reining, cutting, barrel racing, ranch work, and more.
Pro-Flex Trees (fixed width)
- Rigid fork in several sizes (e.g. S, M, L, XL).
- Designed for many western disciplines, but not recommended for roping.
Flex-Fit Trees (adjustable width)
- Fork width adjusted with an Allen wrench system.
- Semi-flexible bars designed to move with the horse.
- Excellent for fine-tuning fit; not recommended for roping.
Ask which tree styles are available on the specific model you’re looking at and which is best for your horse’s back shape and discipline.
Fender Lengths
Fenders are measured from the middle of the seat to the stirrup tread.
- Short: approx. 70 cm / 27.5"
- Medium: approx. 77 cm / 30.3"
- Long: approx. 84 cm / 33"
- Other extended lengths may also be available (e.g. 88 cm, 93 cm, 101 cm).
The right length keeps your leg underneath you, improves balance, and prevents ankle and knee strain.
Seat & Equitation Options
Standard Western Seat
- Classic western profile and feel.
- Great for trail riding and everyday use.
Equitation Seat & Fenders (on selected Flex-Fit models)
- Deeper, straighter seat inspired by dressage saddles.
- Equitation fenders position the leg more directly under the rider.
- Ideal if you want more support and a show-ready leg position.
Leather & Materials
Main Saddle Leather
- High-quality vegetable-tanned leather.
- Multiple color choices available.
- Natural markings (subtle scars, small tone differences) are normal and part of real leather.
Seat Leathers
- Nappa Leather – soft, lightly textured, comfortable right away.
- Nubuck / Aspen Leather – velvet-like, “rough-out” feel for extra grip.
- Some models offer special colors or patterns as an upgrade.
Trim & Decorative Options
- Rawhide accents, silver or braided lacing.
- Decorative stitching, spots, crystals, and colored piping on certain models.
Not all trims are available on every model—check the individual saddle description to see which options apply.
Rigging Options
Rigging describes how the cinch straps attach the saddle to the horse and where the cinch sits.
- In-skirt C-Ring rigging – rings are built into the skirt for closer contact.
- Double or three-way rigging – allows positions such as 7/8, 3/4, or 1/2.
The right rigging depends on your horse’s build and your discipline. Ask which rigging choices come on your preferred model.
Tooling & Seat Shapes
Tooling Styles
- Border tooling – clean decorative edging along the saddle.
- Basket tooling – classic woven pattern for a traditional western look.
- Some models offer partial or full tooling coverage.
Seat Shape Options (vary by model)
- Split seat
- 3/4 seat
- Bicycle seat
- Full seat
- Inlay seat
Seat shape affects how the saddle feels and looks—consider whether you prefer a more open seat for freedom of movement or a more secure, “locked-in” feel.
Quick Reference
Use this side as a quick checklist when you’re picking out or custom-ordering a DP western saddle.
Tree: Wooden · Pro-Flex · Flex-Fit
Seat: Standard or Equitation style
Fenders: Short · Medium · Long · Extra long
Leather: Nappa · Nubuck/Aspen · Special colors
Rigging: In-skirt · 7/8 · 3/4 · 1/2 (varies by model)
Look: Border or basket tooling · Seat shape · Trim options
If you’re unsure, start with how you ride (trail, performance, ranch, show) and your horse’s back type, then narrow down tree and rigging first. Seats, fenders, and tooling come next.
Good Questions to Ask
- Which tree style is best for my horse’s back and my discipline?
- Can I adjust the tree width later (Flex-Fit) if my horse changes condition?
- What fender length do you recommend for my leg length?
- Is this rigging position a good match for my horse’s girth area?
- Which seat leather and shape will give me the security or freedom I want?
- Which tooling and trim options are available on this exact model?