Primaloft® active Insulation offers breathable performance for your active pursuits.

Primaloft® offers high-performance insulation with the full spectrum of features for braving the elements:

• Warmth without bulk
• Water resistant
• Breathable
• Packable
• Lightweight
• Superior softness

Primaloft® Silver Active insulation

When you live an active lifestyle, you  require  more  from  your  gear,  and  insulation  is  no  exception.  PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Active is designed to regulate your comfort level during intense activity while offering performance without compromise in a wide range of conditions. Millions of air pockets trap body heat for comfort in cold conditions and the permanent water-resistant technology means warmth stays, even when wet. The engineered PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Active is stable enough to pair with highly breathable shell and liner fabrics. This means excess heat and moisture vapor from aerobic activity exits—keeping you in the sweet spot of comfort all day long. You expect your gear to perform double duty so you can move  fast  and  light  without  sacrifice.  Pair exceptional breathability  with  water  resistant  thermal  efficiency in PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Active and you won’t need to change your plans or your jacket.

Primaloft, Inc. is the global leader and pioneer of water-resistant, synthetic alternatives to goose down. During the last 35 years, the company has developed highly functional materials that offer maximum comfort and insulation. 

Thinsulate® is a well known alternative to down. This thin, lightweight, and warm synthetic insulation has proven its effectiveness for decades. It traps and holds body heat and allows moisture to evaporate.

The extremely fine microfibers in Thinsulate® insulation help trap air and block body radiant heat loss, making it an efficient insulator.

The high warmth-to-thickness ratio of this insulation allows clothing design with less bulk and enhanced freedom of movement.

Our saddles are expertly designed by saddle makers, trainers, and veterinarians in close cooperation.

The seat is balanced correctly on the panels for even weight distribution on the horse’s back.

The panels in our saddles are broad and smooth, with ample gullet space for the horse’s spine in between. They are designed to adapt extremely well to the shape of the back and offer great fit. The surface of the panels is kept as wide as possible for optimal weight distribution.

The gullet (the channel between the panels on the saddle's underside) is the same width from back to front, but then it increases slightly at the withers. This allows the horse to move freely in front. If the saddle is too narrow over the withers, as many saddles for Icelandic horses are, it will pinch the back and neck muscles. Then those muscles cannot function properly and the horse will not be able to use its hindquarters correctly, resulting in shorter strides and less range of movement in the front legs.

The twist (the narrowest part of the seat just behind the pommel) in our saddles allows the rider an extremely close contact with seat and legs for optimal communication and very accurate aids.

Saddle positioning

The saddle needs to be in the right position on the horse’s back in order to judge its fit, and to allow the horse correct movement.

1. The saddle needs to sit 2-3 fingers behind the shoulderblade and its muscles (see picture below). Notice that the shoulderblade rotates backwards during every step and the saddle must not interfere with this movement.
2. The saddle must nowhere touch the spinal processes, or the dorsal ligament system. This means that the gullet channel needs to be 3-4 fingers wide along the whole saddle.
3. The saddle should not extend over L3 (3rd lumbar vertebra). You can find this vertebra by finding the last rib, and drawing a straight line upwards to the spine. The saddle may extend as far as this point.
4. Find the last rib again and follow it up to the spine to find T18 (18th thoracic vertebra). The main weight distribution of the rider should be in front of this point.
5. The saddle panels should not be wider than where the edges of the longissimus dorsi muscle transition into the ribs.
6. The billets and the girth should point vertically downwards and close where the girth is still supported by the breast bone, about one flat hand behind the elbow of the horse.

Saddle fitting  

Make sure the saddle does not hinder the backwards movement of the shoulder blade and allows enough room at the top and at the side of the withers. Place your hand sideways, not flat, under the pommel to see if there is enough clearance over the horse’s withers. Direct pressure on the withers will cause pinching and distress to the horse.

Slide your flat hand under the front of the saddle from the pommel downwards, to feel if there are pressure points on the trapezius area (see picture above), which will cause pinching and limit blood circulation. The gullet plate must be parallel to the shoulder blade and wide enough for the shoulder muscle. The front of the tree and points have to be at a similar angle as the trapezius area upon which they will rest with a tolerance of max 10 degrees. 

A too narrow head gullet will place the pommel too high, causing too much pressure on either side of the withers and soreness or even damage of the muscles. Also, there will be too much pressure on the lumbar muscles. The rider will be pushed too far backward in the seat, and become unbalanced. It will also create excessive forward-movement of the saddle.

A too wide head gullet will place the pommel too low and offer insufficient clearance on either side of the withers, causing soreness and rubbing of the withers. The saddle will sit too low in the front, and the rider will become unbalanced. It will also create excessive forward-movement of the saddle.

The panels should lie flat and even on the horse’s back and give the spine sufficient clearance. You can test this by running your flat hand underneath and checking the panel’s position by lifting the sweat flap to look. You should not see any light under the panels in the middle (bridging) or at either end of the saddle (rocking).

The panels need to have 3-4 fingers space between them to allow complete clearance of the horse’s dorsal spinal process. You should also be able to fit 2 fingers between the top of the spine and the cantle at the back of the saddle, with the rider in the saddle. A horse needs to keep the back muscles (longissimus dorsi) relaxed so that its back can rise, the hindquarters can step under, and the forehand can become light.

Now girth up the saddle and look at the previous points again. Make sure the saddle is correctly positioned on the horse’s back. Sit in the saddle and have someone check the previous points for you again. Finally, ride in all gaits in the saddle and make sure that both you and your horse are comfortable and can move freely.

At the end of the day, remember that a horse’s performance depends on many factors, and the saddle is just one of them. What is most important is that the horse performs well and that you feel good in the saddle!

A good saddle pad can sometimes help accommodate some imbalance in the muscles or topline of the horse, as well as slight tight spots, or bridging of the panels.

Don´t forget the rider!

In saddle fitting we must always consider the horse AND the rider. The best fitting saddle is no help for the horse if the saddle does not allow the rider to sit supple and in balance! The seat must offer stability and security without wedging the rider into a position. The leg support of the saddle must allow the rider’s leg to hang comfortably and relaxed straight down with the knee not being angled outward. The seatbones should rest in the middle of the saddle and the pelvis should be able to move forward and backward without restriction. The seat should offer the rider support without forcing him into a position, and offer close contact to the horse. The seat must not be too small for the rider, since this limits his ability to move in the saddle and confines him to a cramped and unbalanced position.

The most important criterion is that the rider is comfortable in the saddle and can sit balanced in all gaits. Only with a balanced and supple rider can the horse perform at its best!

Saddle length

Today, many riders think that shorter saddles are better for their horses. However, the most important factor here is the balance of the saddle, because it guarantees an even pressure distribution over the horse’s back. If the seat is not balanced correctly over the panels, or even extends back over them, pressure distribution in the panels is no longer even and pressure accumulates in the rear parts of the panels. This is very uncomfortable for the horse and restricts free movement of the back muscles.

The overall balance of the saddle should be considered first, in order to ensure an optimal and even pressure distribution over the horse’s back. Shorter saddles are not better for the horse if they are balanced incorrectly, and the size and weight of the rider must also be taken into consideration. Heavy riders in short saddles mean more pressure concentration on a smaller area of the horse´s back.

A saddle should always fit the rider’s size. If it is too small for the rider, he will sit too far back in the saddle. This leads to uneven weight distribution in the panels and pressure accumulation in the rear part of the saddle. This, again, prevents even pressure distribution on the horse’s back, which is the main criterion for a good saddle. The seat must always offer the rider enough space for a supple position to allow harmonious and correct riding.

Always make sure that the seat is big enough for the rider but is still well balanced over the panels which distribute the rider’s weight evenly over as large an area as possible on the horse’s back. Of course, the correct position of the saddle on the horse’s back should be guaranteed at the same time.

When considering the length of a saddle, these are important factors:

• correct choice of seat size for build and weight of the rider
• correct balance between seat and panels
• even weight distribution over the horse’s back on as large an area as possible, while ensuring the correct position of the saddle on the horse’s back

This chapter is written to broaden riders’ understanding of the components of a saddle, its fit, and how it works. If a horse is tender, sore, or lame, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. If the horse doesn’t have a balanced topline, has white marks on the back, or reacts to pressure on the back, you should contact a professional trainer or saddle expert. If you find a problem with the saddle, please contact the dealer, or another saddle expert.

A deep seat usually supports the rider in a more upright and aligned position, and offers more support, especially in trot and canter. A deep seat has a higher cantle, which prevents the rider from sliding backwards in the saddle and getting behind the motion of the horse - especially when riding faster.

A less deep seat allows the rider to move backwards and forward in the saddle. It offers less support in the cantle and allows more changes in the position of the rider.

There is no general rule which seat depth is best for an individual rider. The main criterion is that the rider is comfortable and not restricted by the saddle. It is important to try different kinds of seats while actually on horseback, and find which type of seat suits the individual conformation and preferences of the rider best.  

Our saddles are available in sizes 16,5” (Pro, Elite and Heritage), 17” and 17.5”.

These sizes refer to the size of the saddle tree, which is measured from the middle of the cantle to one of the saddle nails on the pommel.

The size of the saddle tree does not correspond to the size of the saddle itself. A smaller seat does refer to a smaller saddle tree, but the changes in the overall saddle size are minimal. This assures maximum weight distribution on the horse’s back, even though the seat for the rider might be smaller.

The main criterion for choosing the seat size is the size and weight of the rider. It is very important that the rider attains good balance and a supple seat, and is not forced into a fixed position by the saddle or a too small saddle tree. 

Balance, weight distribution, flexibility, and shock absorption are the defining qualities of a well-fitting, high quality saddle design.

A good saddle offers the right balance of strength and flexibility. It allows supple and round movements of the horse’s back, because the saddle moves within itself from front to back and side to side. A good saddle allows natural movement in both horse and rider without losing its stability.

A good saddle enhances the balance of the rider, and it distributes the rider’s weight evenly on the horse’s back. The design of the seat and knee pads is such that it helps the rider sit in balance and relaxed. Good balance is the key to success. The saddle tree and the panels are the most important factors for good balance and weight distribution.

The form and function of our DuPont Flex tree

A good saddle tree is designed to position the rider near the center of the saddle for even weight distribution.

It offers flexibility for good performance. The same philosophy applies to horses and saddles: you can have horses with great conformation, but if their movements aren’t flexible and elastic, they don’t perform well.

If the saddle tree (the core of the saddle) is not flexible, the saddle cannot function correctly.

Read more about the DuPont® Flex saddle tree in our saddles.

Different kinds of panels in saddles

The panels of a good saddle provide a cushion for the horse’s back and distribute weight well and evenly, but retain their shape. Good panels allow very close but soft contact, adjust well to various horses, and are symmetrical. The filling of the panels plays an important role. Read more about the BayFlex® filling and the AMS® synthetic wool panels used in Hrímnir saddles.

Bear in mind that shorter panels offer a smaller area of support, which might be disadvantageous for heavier riders. The panels should always be designed to match the center of the saddle for correct distribution of pressure. 

We recommend applying oil to your new saddle before first use with a high quality leather oil.

To avoid rubbing the finish off or scratching the grain of the leather of a new saddle, do not ride in the saddle until it has been properly oiled.

The purpose of oiling the saddle before use is for comfort and prevention of wear and tear, rather than to achieve a deeper coloration.

With a soft brush or a sponge, generously spread a thin coat of room temperatured leather oil over all parts of the saddle, top and bottom. Don’t forget the billets and billet guard. However, do not soak the seat, kneepads, panels and billets with oil. Let the oil penetrate for 24 hours, leaving the saddle in a dry place. Then carefully remove the excess oil by buffing with a soft cloth. Do not forget to lightly oil your stirrup leathers, because dry stirrup leathers are very abrasive and might damage the grain of the saddle leather.

Protect your investment 

We purposely chose to use only natural leather for our saddles. We rejected a chemical process that turns leather more resistant against environmental influences because it also makes it harder and stiff. Instead, we chose eco-friendly, naturally processed leather to achieve unique softness, flexibility, high comfort, and an elegant look. We care about that naturally processed leather is better for the environment and your health. However, natural leather requires good care and correct use in order to remain at its best. Even high quality leather needs regular cleaning and care to keep it soft, and to protect it from environmental damage.

Exposure to water, dirt, sweat, or a lot of sunshine puts extra stress on leather and makes it dry, brittle, and pale. All of our riding equipment is made of the finest leather, and we highly recommend cleaning and oiling it regularly, and especially after exposure to environmental damage. The more extreme the situation of your ride, the better care you need to take of your riding equipment. Your high quality leather tack will not stay soft and rich in color without proper care and use.

We recommend daily cleaning of your leather tack with glycerine saddle soap and a damp sponge. Additionally, a thin layer of high quality leather oil should be applied from time to time. The frequency and quantity of leather oil depends on the use and environmental damage to the tack. Protect your investment by making sure the leather stays soft and rich in color. You should only use a small amount of leather oil on pieces or straps that are load-bearing, for example stirrup leathers or reins.

Correct storage and handling

The storage of your saddle will greatly influence its condition. We recommend storing your saddle under the saddle cover on a supportive saddle rack instead of a single pole. The girth should lie across the saddle and not hang attached to the billets on one side. The saddle should be kept in a dark and dry room or saddle closet where it is not exposed to sunlight or other environmental damage. If the saddle becomes wet during use, it should always be dried off with a soft towel before storage in order to avoid water stains.

Avoid putting your saddle on the floor, even for short storage, and always use a saddle cover when travelling with your saddle. 

Before our saddles leave the manufacturer, they go through strict quality inspection. The saddles are carefully inspected by a qualified saddle maker for the following:

• Symmetry. We make sure that the saddle is not twisted, and all parts are even.
• All seams are properly finished.
• Fittings and finish are correct.

Warranty

We offer a 25 year warranty on the saddle- tree against breaking, and the XChange® gullet system.

We offer a 2 year warranty on the whole saddle with normal usage (riding up to 6 horses per day), being regularly and sufficiently cleaned and oiled. 

The final quality control guarantees that our saddles are free of any construction defects. A minor cosmetic defect that has no effect on the performance of the saddle is not covered.

Every saddle needs proper care, handling, and storage. Read more about correct saddle care.

Did you know?

Twisted saddles are a common problem today. When examining a saddle, stand behind the saddle and look carefully at the seat. Level the pommel (front) so it sits straight. Now look at the cantle (back) and see if the middle of the cantle aligns perfectly with the middle of the pommel. If it does not, the saddle is twisted.This is often due to poor quality of the saddle tree, or improper storage and handling. Read more about correct saddle care.

The most durable leather dyes are "drum-dyed" in a type of washing machine action, completely bathing the hide. The dye easily comes off of "spray-painted" hides which are common in cheap saddles.

You will know which method was used by bending a piece of leather and looking whether the fibers are dyed all the way through.

Our leather source in Argentina meets all official requirements regarding environmental and human resources management. They also supply the famous sport brand Nike®.

A sign of quality

Before our leather products leave manufacturing, they are treated with a high quality leather oil in order to protect them from environmental damage and keep them soft. Occasionally, the leather oil may appear as a thin white film for some time afterwards. It is easily removed by buffing with a soft, dry cloth.

The Hrímnir saddles Pro, Master and Champion additionally feature a ring at the V- shaped billet system for an optional girth strap that can be easily attached to the saddle and removed again. Some riders want increased stability of the saddle and this provides an option to attach an additional single girth in front of the regular girth.

This revolutionary system allows the tree width to be modified to the withers and back of any horse, or as the horse grows and changes. By adjusting the Xchange® gullet individually, pressure points in the front part of the horse’s back are avoided and the weight distribution of the saddle is optimized.

Saddles without changeable gullet plate systems can be widened by a saddlemaker (usually not recommended for more than one size), but never narrowed.  

Purchase a Xchange® head gullet.

An exchange only takes about 10 minutes and does not affect the strengh or look of the saddle. Top competitors worldwide have found the XChange®-system to be the fastest and easiest system of its kind to use. Four interchangeable, color coded steel gullet plates provide an ample range of widths. Best af all, it only takes a simple screwdriver, 6 steps, and 10 minutes to make the change: 

Which size to choose?

Make sure that your horse stands balanced on all feet on a smooth, level floor. When the saddle is positioned correctly on the horse´s back, and the girth is tightened, place your hand sideways (not flat), under the pommel and see if there’s enough clearance over the horse’s withers. If your hand does not fit sideways under the pommel, pressure on the withers will cause pinching and distress to the horse.  

Slide your flat hand under the front of the saddle (from the pommel downwards), to feel for pressure points on the trapezius area, which will cause pinching and limit blood circulation. 

The front part of the saddle tree and the points must be at a similar angle as the trapezius area upon which they will rest (tolerance of max 10 degrees).

See instructions for exchange.

Measurements:

Narrow (pink) = 76° angle / 27 cm between points (end of saddletree)*

Medium (purple) = 78° angle / 28 cm between points 

Medium wide (orange) = 81,5° angle / 29 cm between points

Wide (green) = 86° angle / 30 cm between points

Extra wide (grey) = 91° angle / 31 cm between points

Extra extra wide (white) = 94° angle / 32 cm between points

 *please note that measurements between points on saddle trees can vary between every saddlemaker. Two saddles from two different saddlemakers that are measured 30cm between points, do not necessarily have the same tree width (angle).

Most of our saddle panels are filled with Bayflex® foam. It offers maximum comfort, flexibility, and memory, and results in the extraordinary support and balance of the saddle. The material adapts to the shape of both rider and horse, allowing more precise aids and free movement of the horse. 

Bayflex® is used by World Champions every day in their training. On the market for several years and being used during millions of riding sessions, the result has been nothing but exceptional.

The BayFlex® material allows the panels to be pre-formed, but they adapt to the horse’s shape during riding. The panels are shaped for close but soft contact, and even weight distribution. They provide the rider as much contact with the horse as possible, leading to better balance.

As the panel is essentially a cushion, we chose the Bayflex® material’s degree of softness to provide perfect cushioning, while still holding its shape well.

Since BayFlex® always retains its shape and stays soft, the panels stay symmetrical and comfortable for the horse and the seat always stays soft for the rider.

The combination of BayFlex® and the DuPont® saddle tree allows the saddle to follow the movements of the horse especially well. This results in close contact and high comfort for both horse and rider.

The DuPont® saddle tree is one of the most technically advanced spring saddle trees in the world. It follows the movements of the horse especially well.

This saddle tree is designed to position the rider near the center of the saddle for even weight distribution across the panels.

The Dupont® saddle tree offers enormous flexibility together with stability and strength, providing better balance for rider and horse.

The saddle tree is molded with specially designed polymers by Dupont®. The tree has an interchangeable steel gullet plate, which can be taken out easily and replaced with a narrower or wider piece. Temperature changes don't affect the tree’s structure, and the material offers exceptional flexibility and resistance.

This combination of qualities allows extraordinary contact between rider and horse by adjusting to different horses’ backs, riding styles, and positions of the rider.

Its manufacturing process guarantees that all saddle trees are exactly the same.

The tree is manufactured with raw materials from Dupont®, made in the USA, and guaranteed against breaking for 20 years. However, every saddle needs adequate storage and usage in order to remain at its best. Read more about correct saddle care.

Many riders have commented positively on the placement of the stirrup bars. They are positioned for correct leg placement and recessed under the saddle tree to avoid bulk from the stirrup leathers. In case of emergency, the recessed stirrup bars ensure safe opening even after years of use.

Hrímnir is the ONLY Icelandic horse saddle with this horsefriendly high-tech saddle tree!

Did you know?

The saddle tree, as the core of the saddle, limits its flexibility. The saddle tree strongly influences the balance of horse and rider and is the decisive factor in how well the horse can move under saddle.