Description

Fairfax Gareth Hughes Monoflap Dressage Saddle – 17.5″ (Black)

Stock ID: C10038

Serial Number: 70077

Condition Grade: Grade 4 (Very Good Used Condition)

Workshop Inspection & Quality Certification

At Premium Saddle Shop, every second-hand saddle undergoes a complete workbench safety and structural evaluation before being listed online. Our saddle specialists verify tree symmetry, gullet stability, stitching integrity, and panel flocking distribution.

• Overall Condition: Grade 4 — Very Good Pre-Owned Condition

• Structural Rating: 100% sound across the tree, gullet mechanism, and billet points.

• Cosmetic Notes: Shows light, normal surface rubbing on both flaps from stirrup leather friction (as highlighted in the photo gallery). The premium full-grain leather is soft, supple, well-conditioned, and nicely broken-in.

Model Overview

Designed alongside international dressage rider Gareth Hughes, the Fairfax Gareth Monoflap is engineered for riders who want an ultra-close connection and precise leg aids.

The key feature of this model is Fairfax’s pressure-mapped Performance Panel technology. By separating the rider’s seat weight from the top of the horse’s shoulder blades, the panel creates a dedicated relief zone over the scapula. This allows your horse to lift through the shoulder, extend their front legs, and move with greater symmetry and freedom.

Technical Specifications

• Discipline: Dressage

• Brand: Fairfax

• Seat Size: 17.5″

• Color: Black

• Design: Monoflap / Close-Contact

• Material: High-Grade Full-Grain Leather (Pre-Broken-In Feel)

• Tree System: SIMA Tree (Uses R-Bar Gullets)

• Adjustability: Changeable Gullet (Narrow-Medium up to XX-Wide)

• Currently Fitted With: Wide (W) R-Bar

• Panel Type: 100% British Wool Flocking with Shock-Absorbing Prolite® Layer

• Performance Tech: Scientific Fairfax Performance Panels

• Leg Support: Fixed Surface Thigh Blocks

• Girthing: 2 Billets with 5 Adjustable Slot Positions for Custom Girth Lines

• Wither Profile: Standard Wither / Average Back Profile

Workshop & Fitter Insights

• Balanced Center of Gravity: The seat design gently positions the rider over the horse’s natural point of balance, making it easier to maintain an effortless, upright dressage position.

• Recessed Leg Channel: Built with a dedicated channel recess beneath the flap, allowing your thigh to rest flat against your horse’s side without bulk or friction.

• Shoulder Freedom: Surface-mounted thigh blocks are positioned to allow asymmetrical or muscular shoulders complete freedom of motion without restriction.

• Customizable Flocking: Combining natural wool with a shock-absorbing Prolite lining gives your local saddler full flexibility to fine-tune panel balance directly at your barn.

Shipping & Trial Options

US & International Buyers

We deliver pre-owned saddles worldwide via fast, tracked express couriers (DHL/FedEx). While international trial returns are restricted due to cross-border customs regulations, North American and global buyers regularly save hundreds of dollars importing certified pre-owned UK saddles through our platform. Every shipment includes our workshop inspection certificate and warranty.

UK Mainland 5-Day Trial

1. Add the saddle to your cart and complete checkout.

2. Select your delivery date—we recommend scheduling delivery 48 hours prior to your fitter’s appointment.

3. Your 5-Day Trial Window begins on the date of courier delivery.

4. Love the fit? Keep riding! If it’s not the right match, return it within the 5-day trial period under our standard UK return terms.

What’s Included with Your Order

• Signed Workshop Inspection Report (Verifying tree, billets, and stitching safety)

• 6-Month Structural Soundness Warranty

• 5-Day UK Mainland Trial Window

• 9-Month Guaranteed Buy-Back Option (Available for UK Mainland clients)

• Bonus eBook: “Secrets to Selling Your Saddle” (Free Digital Download)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Fairfax Performance Panel benefit my horse?

Standard panels press directly down across the shoulder blade. Fairfax Performance Panels create a dedicated pressure-relief zone over the scapula, allowing the horse to rotate its shoulder freely and extend its stride without pinching.

What gullet bar system does this saddle take?

This saddle uses official SimaTree R-Bars (the long-arm bar format) and can be adjusted from Narrow-Medium up to XX-Wide. It is currently set up with a Wide (W) bar.

Can my saddle fitter adjust the flocking?

Yes! Because the panels are stuffed with 100% natural British wool over a Prolite layer, your saddler can easily add, remove, or adjust the flocking to re-balance the saddle to your horse’s back.