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S2 DP Saddlery Quantum Short and Light Saddle 1214-8981

S2 DP Saddlery Quantum Short and Light Saddle 1214-8981

Product Details

S2 DP Saddlery Quantum Short and Light Saddle 1214-8981
S2 DP Saddlery Quantum Short and Light Saddle 1214-8981

DP Saddlery Quantum Short & Light Western Saddle 1214-8981

Lightweight Western Dressage saddle with premium black leather and close-contact design.
Western Dressage Seat Short Fenders Medium Flocking Rawhide Stirrups

The DP Saddlery Quantum Short & Light Western Saddle (1214-8981) is a lightweight western-style saddle designed for close contact, balanced riding feel, and refined craftsmanship.

Finished in black skirting leather with a Resolene finish, it features a black Nappa Western Dressage seat for grip and rider comfort. Black Nappa panels with medium flocking and an 8 cm channel help support even weight distribution and spinal clearance. The all-black presentation creates a sleek, understated look complemented by stainless steel hardware and traditional rawhide stirrups.

Ride Comfort

Western Dressage seat design paired with medium flocking for a balanced and supportive riding experience.

Materials

Black skirting leather, black Nappa seat and panels, and a leather-covered horn create a refined appearance.

Design Details

Short fenders, rawhide stirrups, and a streamlined profile contribute to a close-contact western feel.

Fit & Setup

Built on the UF / MS tree and equipped with breast collar D-rings and footman's loops for versatile tack options.

Specifications

Model1214-8981
TreeUF / MS
SizeS2-WD
Saddle LeatherBlack Skirting
FinishResolene
Seat LeatherBlack Nappa
SeatWestern Dressage
HornLeather
PanelsBlack Nappa
FlockingMedium
Channel Width8 cm
BilletsBlack
FendersShort
StirrupsRawhide
HardwareStainless Steel Silver
IncludesBreast Collar D-Rings, Footman's Loops
Maker PlateDP Saddlery Silver
WeightApprox. 19 lbs
LengthApprox. 21 inches
Additional Details

The Quantum Short & Light series is known for combining western styling with a lightweight build and streamlined profile. This configuration offers a clean, elegant appearance with black leather throughout, making it an attractive choice for riders seeking a refined Western Dressage presentation.

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.

Examples of DP leather and tooling materials.
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?

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