Prestige X-Optimax: one flap or two, and for which horse?

X-Optimax is a Prestige Italia dressage saddle with a distinct, decisive character. It features a very deep seat, a slightly more rearward rider position, and anatomical panels, which the manufacturer particularly recommends for horses with high withers. This is a saddle that doesn't try to be universal.

It comes in two varieties, differing by one letter in the catalog. The X-Optimax K is a monoflap, while the X-Optimax without the K has a double flap. Both versions cost the same in the same leather, so the decision is not a matter of budget, but rather how you want to sit and what you expect from your leg contact.

In this article, we explain what a very deep seat truly means and who it's for, how the K version differs from the double-flap version, why knee blocks placed higher on the flap change knee action, and what the recommendation for horses with high withers actually means. We also discuss when the X-Optimax is a bad choice.

The text is for dressage riders considering a Premium saddle who prefer to know what they're committing to rather than finding out a month later.

Key information at a glance

• The letter K means a single flap. The X-Optimax K is a monoflap, the X-Optimax without K has a double flap. All other aspects of the design, seat, panels, and size range, are shared.
• A very deep seat is a decision, not an improvement. It guides the pelvis and stabilizes the rider's position, but it limits the freedom to correct one's position.
• The rider's position is set slightly further back. This is a deliberate element of the geometry that promotes stability in dressage work and is noticeable from the very first minutes.
• The knee blocks are positioned higher on the flap. This gives the knee more room, and the leg works more freely. In the K version, blocks are only available in a large size.
• The manufacturer recommends this model for horses with high withers. The anatomical panels are designed to provide freedom for the trapezius muscle. This is a design recommendation, not an exemption from fitting.
• Six flap lengths, from XS to XXL. An unusually wide range that effectively solves the problem for very short and very tall riders.
• Flap projection only standard or plus two centimeters. There is no recessed option for this model.

Table of Contents

1. What is X-Optimax and what gives it its character?
2. Very deep seat and a more rearward position
3. X-Optimax K or X-Optimax? Monoflap or double flap?
4. Blocks higher on the flap, meaning more knee room
5. Horse with high withers and trapezius muscle freedom
6. Six flap lengths and their projection
7. Leather D, Lux, Forte or Elite
8. Aleksandra Szulc about X-Optimax
9. Saddle fitting: high withers do not exempt from fitting
10. Test before purchase, new and used
11. Common mistakes when choosing a dressage saddle
12. Frequently asked questions

What is X-Optimax and what gives it its character?

X-Optimax is a Prestige Italia dressage saddle, from an Italian manufacturer operating since 1974. In its current version, it's a model with a modern line, built around one principle: the rider should sit deep and securely, and the horse should have freedom in the front part of its back.

The manufacturer's documentation describes three features that define this model: a very deep and comfortable seat, a balance point shifted slightly further back, and anatomically shaped panels designed to provide maximum freedom of movement for the trapezius muscle. Additionally, the manufacturer indicates that the model is suitable for horses with well-defined, high withers.

The parameters are almost identical for both variants. The seat comes in sizes 16, 17, and 18 inches, with a seat width stated by the manufacturer as 27 centimeters, a gullet width from 31 to 37, and LPF technology panels with synthetic filling. The monoflap version weighs approximately six kilograms, while the double-flap version weighs about six and a half kilograms.

X-Optimax also features X-Technology. This technology is applied in the tree, where two membranes are located in the rear part, precisely where the rider's seat bones rest. The purpose of this technology is to increase comfort and stability and provide a greater sense of closeness with the horse. 

Very deep seat and a more rearward position

This is the most important section of this article, as it determines whether the X-Optimax is for you.

The manufacturer describes the seat not just as deep, but as very deep. The difference is palpable. The seat distinctly guides the pelvis, defines a single spot for the rider to sit, and keeps them there. Added to this is the second characteristic the manufacturer describes: the balance point is shifted slightly further back, so the rider's position is set deeper behind the horse's shoulder blade.

Who does this work for? For a rider working on collection who wants secure seating during transitions. For someone who loses position on a horse with big, expansive movement and is looking for a saddle to hold them in place. And for a rider who, after an hour of work, wants to feel like they weren't fighting for their seat in the saddle.

Who does this not work for? A very deep seat limits the freedom to correct one's position. A rider who uses their body extensively, shifting weight and consciously changing their seat within the movement, may find this seat restrictive. Similarly, a rider with a long thigh might find that the deep seat combined with this geometry limits their space.

There's one more feature that isn't mentioned in the catalog but is highlighted by a rider who has been using this saddle for four years. The X-Optimax seat is not only deep but also firmer than many other models, and this is intentional. Less padding under the rider means a smaller distance to the horse's back, thus clearer information about its movement. We elaborate on this in the section with Aleksandra Szulc's opinion.

X-Optimax K or X-Optimax? Monoflap or double flap?

You'll find both designations in the offer, and many riders assume that K means a newer version or a higher tier. That's not the case. The letter K signifies a monoflap design.

In the K version, there is a single layer of leather between the rider's leg and the horse's side. Leg aids reach directly, and the rider feels the horse's reaction more precisely. The non-K version has a double-flap system, classic for dressage saddles, with slightly more freedom in choosing block size.

How to choose between them: If you are working on the precision of aids and want your leg to communicate subtly, the K version is your direction. If you have a thigh that needs a smaller block, or simply know from experience that in monoflap saddles your knee extends beyond the flap, the double-flap version is your direction. Price is not an argument here, as both versions cost the same in the same leather.

Blocks higher on the flap, meaning more knee room

This is a solution that sounds like a detail in the description, but in the saddle, it's one of the first things you feel.

In the K version, the knee blocks are placed higher on the flap than in the classic arrangement. The manufacturer's stated goal is one: the knee has more room, and the leg works more naturally. The block stops being an edge that the knee catches on, and becomes a reference point above it.

In practice, this has two consequences. The first is a benefit: the leg can drop lower and more freely, without the feeling that something is stopping it halfway. The second is a condition: for this system to work, the knee must land in the correct spot on the flap, which depends on the thigh length and seat size. A block placed higher will not improve position if the thigh is too long for the chosen flap length.

Therefore, with this model, flap length is not a detail to be determined after purchase. It is part of the same decision as seat size.

Horse with high withers and trapezius muscle freedom

The manufacturer's recommendation in this case is specific, so it's worth breaking down.

The X-Optimax panels are anatomically shaped and, as Prestige states, are designed to provide maximum freedom of movement for the trapezius muscle. This muscle runs from the poll and cervical vertebrae to the shoulder blade, working precisely in the area where the front part of the saddle lies. When the panels or gullet press on this area, the horse first shortens its stride, then stops extending its neck, and eventually begins to avoid working in contact.

Additionally, the shape of the front part of the saddle is recommended by the manufacturer for horses with high, well-defined withers. This is a real structural feature, but it is not a guarantee of fit. High withers in one horse mean a different width and angle than high withers in another. The manufacturer's recommendation narrows down the list of models to check, but it does not shorten the fitting process.

It's also worth remembering something that most often comes up with horses with high withers. A saddle that has too little space above the withers doesn't always immediately manifest as rubbing. More often, reluctance to work in one direction or a difference in gait quality on both reins appears first. We discussed why fit cannot be assessed on a standing horse in the article on how saddle fitting is assessed in motion.

Six flap lengths and their projection

The X-Optimax has one parameter in which it performs exceptionally well, and one in which it is more limited than other Prestige models.

The advantage is the range of flap lengths: XS, S, standard, L, XL, and XXL, which means six variants. For comparison, most models offer four. A very short rider and a very tall rider have a real chance here to find their length, instead of choosing between too short and too long.

Here, a distinction is needed that is most often blurred in discussions about saddles. Flap length and its forward projection are two separate parameters. Length determines how far down the flap extends, and this is where you have six variants, from the clearly shortened XS to the very long XXL. Projection determines how far forward the flap is cut, and here the choice is narrower: standard or plus two centimeters, without a recessed option, which Prestige offers in some other saddles.

In practice, this means one thing. A shortened flap can be had in this model, and it's an order from the configurator, as in Aleksandra Szulc's saddle. If, however, you have a distinctly short thigh, and you also choose the K version, where the flap is already designed to be more forward-cut, then the projection is exactly the parameter that needs to be checked on the saddle, not in a table.

Additionally, there is the seat size, which is not solely the rider's decision. On the one hand, it determines how much space the pelvis has, and on the other, how long the area is where the saddle rests on the back. On a short back, an eighteen-inch seat might encroach on the lumbar region, even if the rider feels most comfortable in it.

Leather D, Lux, Forte or Elite

The X-Optimax is available in several leather types, and this choice does not affect the construction, but rather the character, care, and price.

D leather is oiled calfskin valued for its softness and good grip from the very first rides. It's the most versatile choice in the entire Prestige range. Lux is doubled, vegetable-tanned leather, with a distinct grip and high durability, available in black and brown. Forte is doubled cowhide, durable and soft at the same time, exclusively black and only in the Premium line. Elite is the top tier, doubled and oiled calfskin, recognizable by its cognac London color.

Price differences are within a few percent of the saddle's value, so they are rarely a decisive factor. What is decisive is how intensely you plan to ride and how much time you want to dedicate to care. We have fully compared the types in the article on Prestige Italia leather types.

Aleksandra Szulc about X-Optimax

Aleksandra Szulc, Equishop's dressage ambassador, explained why she chose this model.

I've been riding in this saddle for four years. I chose it as a second saddle for my second horse.

What I like most about it is that it's very close to the horse. I feel like I'm sitting on it with my whole body, not on a layer of equipment between us.

The block is distinct, but it doesn't block the leg. When I need it, I can close my leg and have something to engage with. When I don't need it, I can sit with a long leg and embrace the horse, and the block doesn't get in my way.

I have a shortened flap, which is my own idea, and I really like it. It makes riding simpler for me, because what I care about most is for the rider to be as close to the horse as possible and to feel every one of its movements.

The seat is quite deep and harder than in other saddles, but that's precisely where this connection comes from. There's no thick padding; the seat lies close to the horse's back, so you can clearly feel the horse's movement and what it needs at any given moment. Whether it's raising its back or lowering it.

There's one thing in this statement that you won't find in any product catalog, and it's worth highlighting. The X-Optimax seat is not only deep but also firmer than in many other saddles, and this is intentional. Less padding under the rider means less distance to the horse's back, so movement information is transmitted more clearly. If you're looking for a saddle that feels like an armchair, this isn't the model. If you're looking for one where you can feel if the horse is lifting its back, then this is exactly what you're looking for.

The second point concerns the block and aligns with what the manufacturer states about higher-placed blocks. The block is distinct, but it acts as a point to engage with, rather than an edge that holds the leg permanently. This distinction determines whether the rider can work with both a shorter and longer leg in the same training session.

It's also worth noting one thing to avoid misunderstanding. The shortened flap in Ola's saddle is her own choice from the configurator, not a standard feature of the model.

Saddle fitting: high withers do not exempt from fitting

You can buy the best dressage saddle in the world and harm your horse if it's not properly fitted to its back. With the X-Optimax, this rule has an additional dimension, because the recommendation for horses with high withers is sometimes read as a ready-made answer.

It's not. High withers describe a body type, not a measurement. Two horses with similarly shaped withers may need a gullet width differing by two sizes and panels at a different angle. Added to this is what is only visible in motion: how the shoulder works, whether the horse is symmetrical, and whether the saddle stays in place when the tempo increases.

At Equishop, we perform saddle fitting where you can see how the saddle works: in the stable, on your horse, in motion. Our team of saddle fitting experts travels to stables all over Poland, and the assessment begins with the horse's back, its symmetry, and its movement under the rider, not with a product sheet. Details and contact information can be found on the saddle service and fitting page.

One more thing to note. The gullet width in Prestige saddles is not a life sentence, and a horse's back changes with muscle development, age, and fitness. That's why our offer includes a gullet width adjustment service. This is important when buying for years, because the saddle can be adapted to a horse that has changed, instead of selling it.

Test before purchase

With a saddle of this caliber, no one should buy it blindly, and with the X-Optimax, there's an additional justification: a very deep seat and a rearward-shifted position are features that either fit from the first few minutes or will be a nuisance throughout the season.

During the test, check three things. Whether you sit calmly, without adjusting your position every few steps, but also whether you can consciously change your seat when you want to. Whether the horse extends its neck and doesn't shorten its stride after the first few minutes. And whether your knee hits the flap where it should, with the block above it, not underneath.

Common mistakes when choosing a dressage saddle

1. Reading the letter K as an indication of a higher version

K denotes a monoflap design, not a better model or newer year. Solution: choose the flap configuration that suits your leg and how you use your lower leg.

2. Choosing a very deep seat as a way to correct an unstable position

A deep seat guides the pelvis but does not stabilize the torso. Solution: work on your seat with a trainer, and choose a saddle geometry that matches the seat you have today.

3. Interpreting the recommendation for horses with high withers as a ready-made fit

This narrows down the list of models, it's not a measurement of a specific horse. Solution: gullet width and panels determined based on the current state of the back.

4. Determining flap length after purchase

In the K version, where the blocks are set higher and the flap is more forward, this parameter is crucial for leg position. Solution: determine it together with the seat size.

5. Assessing fit while standing still

A saddle that fits perfectly on a standing horse can press on the wither area during movement. Solution: assessment at trot and canter, under a rider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the letter K in X-Optimax K stand for?

It stands for monoflap construction. The X-Optimax K has one flap, while the X-Optimax without the letter K has two. This is the only fundamental difference between these versions, as the seat, panels, seat size range, and gullet widths are the same. In the K version, the blocks are only available in a large size and are placed higher on the flap.

Which rider is the X-Optimax's very deep seat for?

For someone who wants to be guided in the saddle, not just supported. It works well for collection work and for riders who lose their position on a horse with big movement. However, it will hinder riders who actively and consciously use their bodies, as a very deep seat limits freedom of correction.

Is the X-Optimax suitable for a horse without high withers?

Yes, the manufacturer's recommendation is not an exclusion. Anatomical panels are designed to adapt to different body types, and the fit is determined by the gullet width and panel angle, not just the shape of the withers. The direction is opposite: for a horse with very high withers, this model is worth considering, but for other body types, there's no reason to cross it off the list.

Which seat size to choose: 16, 17, or 18 inches?

This is a compromise between the rider and the horse. The size determines the space for the rider's pelvis, but also the length of the area where the saddle lies on the back. On a short back, an eighteen-inch saddle can extend onto the lumbar region, even if it's most comfortable for the rider. The size is determined together with a saddle fitter.

How many flap lengths does the X-Optimax have, and is that a lot?

Six: XS, S, standard, L, XL, and XXL. This is more than most Prestige models, so riders of unusual height have a real choice here. The flap projection, however, is available in two variants, standard and plus two centimeters, with no shortened option.

Is saddle fitting included in the saddle price?

No, the purchase of a saddle does not include saddle fitting service. Fitting must be arranged separately, preferably before the first use, because the correct adjustment of the tree and panels on the horse's back determines its health and riding safety.

Can the gullet width be changed after purchase?

Yes, in Prestige saddles, this is a standard service procedure, and we offer it as a gullet width adjustment service. However, this is not a way to buy a saddle with the wrong gullet width and fix it later, as the range of change has its limits.

X-Optimax or Brillante K with an AS-X tree?

These are two different approaches to the same task. The X-Optimax focuses on seat geometry, very deep and set back, and on panels for horses with high withers. The Brillante K focuses on the AS-X tree, which follows the movement of the horse's back. If your horse clearly reacts to restricted back movement, read about the Brillante K saddle with AS-X technology. If you are primarily looking for a deep, guiding seat, the X-Optimax is the way to go.

Where can I sit in an X-Optimax before buying?

In our store at Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska. You can compare the monoflap and dual-flap versions side-by-side, and then arrange a test ride on your own horse or request a saddle fitter to visit your stable.

Summary: Who is the X-Optimax the right choice for?

The X-Optimax is a dressage saddle for riders who know they want a deep seat, and for horses where the freedom of the front part of the back is the first, not the last, consideration. Its strength lies in its unambiguous design: a very deep seat, a rearward-shifted position, and panels designed for the freedom of the trapezius muscle. Its limitation is the same unambiguousness, because a saddle with such a decisive geometry either fits or it doesn't.

Key takeaways:

• The letter K signifies a monoflap, not a higher model version, and both variants in the same leather cost the same.
• A very deep seat guides the pelvis but limits the freedom to correct position, so it's a decision, not an improvement.
• The seat is also firmer than in many other models, which is precisely why it transmits so much information about the horse's movement.
• The recommendation for horses with high withers narrows down the list of models to consider, but does not replace measuring a specific back.

If you want to check if the X-Optimax is the right saddle for your pair, we invite you for a saddle fitting consultation. You can see both variants live in our store at Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska, arrange a test ride on your own horse, or request a saddle fitter to visit. The current model offer can be found in the dressage saddles category, and technical documentation is published by the manufacturer on the Prestige Italia website.