Fairfax Gareth Hughes MDG Monoflap Dressage Saddle – 17″ Black

Designed in collaboration with international dressage rider Gareth Hughes, the Fairfax Gareth Hughes MDG Dressage Saddle is engineered to deliver peak performance, exceptional close-contact feel, and scientific pressure relief. Handcrafted in England from luxury full-grain leather, this high-performance monoflap saddle features Fairfax’s patented Performance Panel system—scientifically proven to reduce pressure behind the shoulders and allow freer, more expressive movement through the forehand.

Built on the renowned SIMA R-Bar Tree, it pairs a rider-focused seat with supportive thigh blocks, Prolite-lined panels, and an adjustable gullet system to deliver custom-level fitting adaptability. At Best Horse Saddle Shop, our workshop team hand-inspects every pre-owned saddle before listing. This 17″ Fairfax Gareth Hughes MDG is in Grade 4 condition—showing honest, moderate cosmetic wear on both flaps from regular riding, but remaining 100% structurally sound with a solid tree, plush wool panels, and supple leather. Currently fitted with a Medium-Wide (MW) gullet bar, it offers world-class British innovation at a fraction of full retail!

Quick Specs

• Brand: Fairfax Saddles

• Model: Gareth Hughes MDG Dressage

• Seat Size: 17″ (Performance Dressage Seat)

• Color: Black

• Material: Premium Full-Grain English Leather

• Tree Type: SIMA Tree (Takes R-Bar Changeable Gullet)

• Gullet Range: Narrow-Medium up to XX-Wide (Currently fitted with MW bar)

• Panel Type: Wool-Flocked Performance Panels with Prolite Lining

• Wither Profile: Standard Wither / Average Back Profile

• Discipline: Dressage / Advanced Flatwork / High-Performance Competition

• Flap Style: Monoflap Design with Recessed Leg Contact & Thigh Blocks (16.5″ Flap Length)

• Girthing: Multi-Position Adjustable Billets

• Condition: Pre-Owned (Grade 4 — Good Used Condition)

Scientific Performance & Anatomical Freedom

The Fairfax Gareth Hughes MDG is built around biomechanical balance for both horse and rider:

• Fairfax Performance Panel System: Scientifically engineered and pressure-tested to alleviate pinch points around the scapula and spine, encouraging a freer stride and greater shoulder extension.

• Monoflap Close-Contact Design: Recessed flap construction eliminates excess leather bulk beneath your thigh, giving you an ultra-close, intuitive connection to your horse’s ribs.

• Prolite Cushioning & Wool Flocking: Combines 100% natural wool flocking with shock-absorbing Prolite lining to distribute rider weight evenly while allowing your qualified fitter to make on-site adjustments.

• R-Bar Changeable Gullet System: Easily alter the tree width (fitting Narrow-Medium through XX-Wide) to accommodate seasonal weight shifts or muscle development as your horse progresses through the levels.

• Strategic Rider Positioning: Features supportive, anatomically shaped thigh blocks that steady your leg without locking your knee or restricting pelvic movement.

Condition Report & Pricing

Grade 4 — Good Used Condition

This saddle has been well cared for and enjoyed, remaining 100% structurally sound with expected cosmetic signs of prior riding:

• Flaps & Leather: Supple black full-grain leather throughout with moderate stirrup leather wear and rub marks on both left and right flaps.

• Cosmetics & Billets: Typical minor scuffs and marks consistent with routine, careful use. All billet straps, stitching, and hardware are fully intact and functional.

• Tree & Panels: The SIMA tree structure, Prolite lining, and wool-flocked panels are solid, even, and in sound working order.

• Best Horse Saddle Shop Price: Competitive Pre-Owned Pricing (Enjoy huge savings on an elite, scientifically designed British monoflap saddle!)

We encourage you to review all high-resolution detail photos for a complete assessment of its cosmetic appearance.

Worldwide Shipping, UK & USA Trial Options

We ship quality dressage and stock saddles directly to riders across the UK, USA, Europe, and Australia, providing full courier tracking on every dispatch.

• UK Mainland Buyers: Take advantage of our 5-Day UK Mainland Trial Option—giving your qualified saddle fitter time to evaluate the saddle on your horse before you make your final commitment.

• USA Buyers: Take advantage of our 5-Day USA Saddle Trial Option—giving you and your local fitter time to assess the fit and feel on your horse once delivered.

• International Orders (EU & AU): Shipped directly with full overseas tracking. Note: Please check all measurements and consult your local fitter prior to ordering, as international trial terms differ by destination.

Warranty & Peace of Mind

Fairfax Manufacturer & Best Horse Saddle Shop Warranties

This saddle retains coverage under the SIMA tree 5-Year Tree Warranty against breakage (manufactured to BS 7875 standards) alongside our Best Horse Saddle Shop 6-Month Soundness Warranty. Every tree, billet strap, and seam is workshop-inspected before listing so you can train and compete with total confidence.

(Note: Coverage applies to structural soundness under standard care and excludes damage caused by accidents, neglect, improper storage, or unauthorized modifications. Original manufacturer component warranties apply from new and do not automatically transfer to second-hand owners.)

Need Fitting Guidance or Have Questions?

Want to check if the 17″ seat or current Medium-Wide (MW) gullet bar will suit your horse’s back profile before placing your order? We’re here to help!

Send us photos or templates of your horse standing flat on level ground—our fitting specialists will gladly evaluate your setup and guide your choice.