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S3 DP Saddlery Quantum Short and Light Western Saddle 1216-8961

S3 DP Saddlery Quantum Short and Light Western Saddle 1216-8961

Product Details

S3 DP Saddlery Quantum Short and Light Western Saddle 1216-8961
S3 DP Saddlery Quantum Short and Light Western Saddle 1216-8961

DP Saddlery Quantum Short & Light Western Saddle 1216-8961

Quantum Short & Light Western • Seat Size S3 • UF / VSK Adjustable Tree
UF / VSK Adjustable Tree Medium Flocking 8 cm Channel Rawhide Western Stirrups

The DP Saddlery Quantum Short & Light Western Saddle 1216-8961 is a lightweight western-style saddle designed for close contact, balanced riding feel, and refined craftsmanship.

Finished in Havanna Antique Smoothout leather with Havanna Roughout seat jockeys, it features a black nappa 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, while BT6240 tooling provides understated western styling.

Ride Comfort

The black nappa seat, medium flocking, and 8 cm channel work together to provide a balanced riding position with excellent support for long hours in the saddle.

Premium Materials

Crafted with Havanna Antique Smoothout leather, Havanna Roughout seat jockeys and fenders, black nappa panels, and durable stainless steel hardware.

Trail & Utility Features

Stainless steel D-rings, footman loops, a leather horn, and rawhide western stirrups provide dependable functionality while maintaining a streamlined profile.

Classic Western Styling

Rich antique leather, contrasting smoothout and roughout textures, subtle BT6240 tooling, and the DP Saddlery silver maker plate create an elegant western appearance.

Specifications

ManufacturerDP Saddlery
ModelQuantum Short & Light Western Saddle
Saddle ID1216-8961
Seat SizeS3
TreeUF / VSK
Saddle LeatherHavanna Antique Smoothout
Seat JockeyHavanna Roughout
Seat LeatherBlack Nappa
PanelsBlack Nappa
Channel Width8 cm
FlockingMedium
HardwareStainless Steel
IncludesD-Rings, Footman Loops
ToolingBT6240
FendersMedium, Havanna Roughout
StirrupsRawhide Western
HornLeather
Maker PlateDP Saddlery Silver
Approximate Weight20 lbs
Approximate Length21"
Additional Details

The Quantum Short & Light Western Saddle combines a compact, lightweight profile with premium western craftsmanship. Its blend of smoothout and roughout leather, comfortable close-contact seat, and UF / VSK adjustable tree make it an excellent choice for riders seeking versatility, comfort, and refined western styling.

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

DP Saddlery Flex tree 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.

Tooled western fender 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.

Equitation seat western saddle 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.
Leatherworking tools and hides 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 leather types used by DP Saddlery
Examples of DP leather and tooling materials.
In-skirt rigging example 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.

Tooled leather detail 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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Worked with Josh on multiple occasions. Fast response, thorough on answers, hassle free. This place was great! Came back to buy a second saddle from them as well. This will be my first place to look when I need something and even for my next saddle.

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Extremely good to deal with very helpful. I just can’t recommend these guys enough. Considering I am in Australia they were extremely good to deal with very helpful I recommend them 150% saddle was packed well and it’s beautiful very happy customer 5 start rating hands down.

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After so much searching and being nervous about ordering a saddle online. I picked up the phone and called the Horse Saddle Shop to ask a few questions about a used saddle that was on their website. They were so nice and helpful. I ordered my very lightly used Circle Y saddle and a new saddle pad. It arrived very quickly. Only a few days. I LOVE my new saddle. In great condition and rides great! I would highly recommend using them for your tack needs. I know I will be in the future!