Kentaur Youth Dressage Saddle Configurator ITHACA JUNIOR

An Ithaka dressage saddle, specially designed for young riders. The saddle tree is adapted in width and depth to the physique of young riders. The length and angle of the saddle flaps as well as the size of the knee rolls are also tailored to young riders.

Information on configuring Kentaur saddles

1. Saddle trees

CARBON saddle tree
The tree consists of several layers. It ensures lightness, absolute dimensional stability, durability, strength, elasticity, and stability. It is thin yet has the ability to absorb shocks. This significantly improves contact between rider and horse. Replaceable and adjustable gullets, available in 5 sizes, combined with this saddle tree, offer a unique product on the current world market.

GRP saddle tree
Alternatively, to the carbon tree, we offer the economical option. A saddle tree made purely from fiberglass, which is 300g heavier but identical in shape and size to the carbon tree. It is reinforced with carbon and Kevlar fibers in the gullet area.

WEBFLEX saddle tree
The Webflex tree is a classic flexible saddle tree longitudinally reinforced with a steel spring. The gullet used here is replaceable and adjustable.

2. Gullets

The saddle trees are reinforced in the wither area with a metal gullet. This reinforcement is replaceable and adjustable. It is possible to change the width of the gullet (when cold), directly on the saddle, using a press machine, by a maximum of 2 cm. A larger bend can lead to molecular changes that alter the material and reduce its strength.
Following gullet sizes
1 - narrow 2 - medium 3 – medium-wide 4 – wide 5 – extra-wide
For the correct determination of the gullet size, we recommend the following steps:
1) Using a measuring wire, form the wither outline approximately two finger widths behind the rear edge of the shoulder blade.
2) Measure the inner angle size

Chamber:
1 – Angle 63° 2 – Angle 73° 3 – Angle 83° 4 – Angle 93° 5 – Angle 99°
This measurement is only a guide and cannot be used for the production of a custom-made saddle.
The length of the gullet is the same for all sizes. However, there is the option to extend it by 1, 2, or 3 cm.

3. Saddle panels

Panel height
For horses with high withers and a deep backline, it is necessary to support the rear area of the saddle with higher saddle panels. It is possible to produce the wool panel with a standard wedge height or an increased wedge by +1, +2 or +3 cm.

Wool panels
For filling the panels, fully synthetic wool is used, which adapts to the horse's back. This wool remains soft and flexible even after prolonged use. Panels filled with wool are very comfortable for the horse, have excellent absorption capabilities, and can be individually adapted to the horse's back. Several layers under the wool ensure a smooth and even surface of the panels.
3mm LP foam reinforces the tensile strength of the leather
10 mm PU foam gives the panel a pleasant softness
5mm felt ensures higher stability of the panels

Felt panels (French)
The central part of these panels is filled with synthetic wool, wrapped in felt, and finally covered with leather. This type of panel is very comfortable for the horse and maintains its height (thickness) very well. It has no edge and can be individually shaped.

Latex panels
The filling of the panel consists of polyurethane foam. The advantage of this panel is its property of offering riders close contact with the horse, and its shape does not change even with long use. The panel is not adjustable; it can only be adapted to the horse's back with a pad.

4. Saddle flaps

Saddle flaps of the jumping saddle
Each model has its standard size and forward cut. Upon request, a larger forward cut of +2 cm or +4 cm can be ordered. A larger forward cut automatically increases the length of the saddle flap.

Saddle flaps of the dressage saddle

They have the same length in all models (measured from the bottom edge of the stirrup bar to the end of the saddle flap).
Seat size                             16.5“       17“        17.5“       18“       18.5“
Standard flap length          41 cm    43 cm    45 cm    47cm    49 cm

Upon customer request, it is possible to produce the saddle flap in a longer or shorter version, plus 2.5 cm, plus 5 cm, minus 2.5 cm, or minus 5 cm.

5. Leather

Leather qualities
Only high-quality hides from first-class Italian, German, and French tanneries are used for the production of our products. The following options are available:

Leather for saddle flaps:
1) Standard leather - vegetable-tanned leather with a smooth surface
2) Country leather - high-quality, oiled leather that is soft and non-slip. Also available in a printed version.
3) Double calf leather - consists of standard leather covered with soft calf leather. Very comfortable version.

6. Colors:

Most Kentaur saddles are available in the following colors:
• Black
• Dark brown
• Tobacco

Saddle Identification

As of January 2018, every Kentaur saddle is marked with the production number, size, gullet width, and additional information regarding its adjustment.
The first letter of the production number indicates the saddle tree type.
W / C / G (WEBFLEX / CARBON / GRP)

K     +1, +2, +3       Panel height
L     +/- 2.5, +/- 5   Saddle flap length
V     +/- 2, +/- 4      Saddle flap forward cut
KL   +1, +2, +3       Gullet length

Warranty
Kentaur offers the following warranty on riding saddles:
• 5 years warranty on the saddle tree
• 2 years warranty on material defects and manufacturing flaws.