PLN
- Renaissance F is a jumping saddle with a flat seat and small blocks - for riders who value close contact with the horse and precise aids.
- It proves versatile - for a year I used it for jumping, dressage, and trail rides, although its main purpose is jumping training.
- Fitting by a saddle fitter is not an option - it's a necessity. Without proper fitting, even the best saddle won't work.
- Calfskin holds up great even after an intense year of use - provided it is regularly cared for.
- Saddle fitting is an ongoing process. I had three visits within a year - each showed different changes in the mare's build.
Table of Contents
- Why I chose this particular model - and why new, not used
- The role of the saddle fitter - how fitting changed everything
- First rides - what I felt immediately
- How the saddle performs in various disciplines
- Saddle care - how it looks after a year
- Saddle checks by a saddle fitter
- Who is the Renaissance F a good choice for
- FAQ
Why I chose this particular model - and why new, not used?
The decision to purchase a saddle was made when the mare was being broken in. Every horse has a different body structure - and I wanted my mare to have a saddle fitted specifically for her, right from the start. I didn't want to compromise: I was interested in a saddle in which the mare would feel comfortable during every ride.
Immediately the question arose: new or used?
Why did I decide on a new saddle? With a used one, you can never be sure of its history - how many horses wore it, what condition the panels and tree are in, or if it was repaired. Finding a good used saddle takes a very long time: you have to agree on terms with the owner, arrange a fitting, and it often ends with the saddle simply not fitting as it should. With a new saddle, you have the guarantee that it will be fitted to your horse from scratch. The saddle fitter takes precise measurements of the back, assesses the shoulder blades, checks symmetry - and the saddle is fitted to a specific horse. And equally important: when the horse changes its build with training, the saddle fitter comes, checks the saddle in motion, and orders adjustments. This is continuity of care that you won't get with a second-hand used saddle.
As for the model itself - I didn't come to the appointment with a ready decision. I initially considered the X-Meredith and Michel Robert CPS. It was the saddle fitter, after assessing the mare's back and my body structure, who suggested the Renaissance F - a model I hadn't even considered, mainly due to its higher price. However, Equishop offers installment options, so the price difference ceased to be an obstacle.
From the beginning, I considered buying a Prestige Italia saddle - it's a brand I knew and trusted. On the Equishop website, we can find Prestige saddles, and it was here, among the available jumping saddles, that the Renaissance F proved to be the best choice for both of us: a flat seat, small blocks, and - above all - a perfect fit for the mare.
The role of the saddle fitter - how fitting changed everything?
Buying a saddle without a saddle fitter is like buying glasses without an eye exam. You might get lucky by chance - but the risk is high, and the consequences are costly, especially for the horse.
Kasia Czaprańska, along with Monika Zastrzeżyńska-Rychwalska, measured the mare's back, assessed the shoulder blade structure, and checked symmetry. Then they brought several saddles for testing - including the Renaissance F. Each of them was fitted to the horse's back in a standing position, and then evaluated in motion: walk, trot, and canter.
The difference between a "seemingly good" saddle and a well-fitted saddle was immediately apparent. In the Renaissance F, the mare relaxed her back from the very first steps. She moved more expansively, more willingly engaging her hindquarters. This was more than just my subjective impression - both saddle fitters saw the same thing.
If you're wondering what the whole process looks like, read our article on saddle fitting in motion - there you'll find details on what a saddle fitter pays attention to during a visit. And if you already have a saddle, you can also use our saddle fitting service directly.
First rides - what I felt immediately?
The flat seat of the Renaissance F surprised me more than I expected at first. For years, I had ridden in a saddle with a distinct contour - and suddenly I had much less "wall" beneath me.
That's exactly the point. The Renaissance F doesn't place the rider in a specific position - it forces active work and conscious leg pressure. This is more difficult at first, but after a few rides, you begin to understand why riders who value contact choose such saddles.
Small front and back blocks - another thing that distinguishes this model. In more sporty saddles, the blocks hold the knee and thigh in a specific place. Here, their role is discreet: they gently suggest position, but do not block. For some, this is an advantage; for others, a reason to choose a different model.
I felt close contact with the horse from the first ride. Through the calfskin - very thin, with natural grip - the mare responded to every change in leg pressure precisely and immediately. This was the result of a good fit.
How does the saddle perform in various disciplines?
The Renaissance F is classified as a jumping saddle. But for a year, I used it for every ride - and I can tell you how it truly performs in practice.
For jumping, I feel secure. The flat seat and good leg position give me freedom to shift my center of gravity forward. The saddle doesn't "push" me out of the jumping position - which is very important during long series of obstacles. The mare works easily, her back is free.
The Renaissance F proves versatile for me - and I think that's one of its biggest assets in daily use. However, it's important to remember that it is primarily a jumping saddle. Of course, you can ride dressage or go trail riding in it, but you won't feel what a dressage saddle offers: a deeper seat and longer flaps, adapted to the specifics of this discipline. I consciously chose a jumping saddle because jumping is my main discipline - and that's precisely why the Renaissance F perfectly fits my needs.
Saddle care - what does it look like after a year of use?
After a year of use, I can confidently say that the saddle still looks very good - all thanks to regular care. Once every week or two, I try to give the saddle a full cleaning.
I bought a care kit for the saddle. First, I use a cleaner - I apply it to a sponge and clean the entire saddle. The cleaner removes dust, dirt, and sand (we mostly ride on sandy terrain, so the saddle needs to be thoroughly cleaned before conditioning so that no impurities remain on the leather). Then I apply oil and wait for it to soak in. Only then do I cover the entire saddle with balm. It's worth performing all these steps in order - this way, the leather retains its properties longer.
Saddle checks by a saddle fitter - what does it look like in practice?
Buying a saddle is just the beginning. A saddle is bought once, but saddle fitter care is an ongoing process - and I experienced this firsthand. Within a year, I had three visits, each revealing different changes.
First visit - 3 months after purchase. The saddle fitter - Monika, came to verify the changes that had occurred in the mare's body since the purchase. It turned out that an adjustment to the saddle's gullet width was necessary. At each visit, the saddle fitter checks the saddle first in a standing position, then in motion - walk, trot, canter - and observes the saddle's behavior during a jump. After assessment, she takes precise measurements of the horse and recommends specific adjustments to be made.
Second visit - half a year after the first visit. Here, greater changes had already occurred. The mare developed muscle in the course of training - it was necessary to create a free shoulder and re-adjust the gullet width.
Third visit. This time, it was necessary to equalize the panels. The saddle has wool panels - and wool, like any natural material, requires regular verification of its filling and possible replenishment. This is something worth knowing before purchasing.
Each visit was different, each showed that the horse changes - and the saddle must keep up. Regular check-ups with a saddle fitter are not an additional cost - they are an element of responsible care for the horse and equipment.
Who is the Renaissance F a good choice for?
After a year, I can say clearly: the Renaissance F is a saddle for a specific rider. It's not for everyone - and that's its advantage, not a flaw.
| The Renaissance F is a good choice if… | Consider a different model if… |
|---|---|
| You value close contact with the horse and precise leg aids | You prefer a deep seat that "holds" you in place |
| You are looking for a jumping saddle | Dressage is your main discipline |
| You have access to a saddle fitter and can ensure regular fitting | You are looking for an "off-the-shelf" saddle without a fitting process |
If you're wondering which saddle would be right for your horse, the best step is to schedule a saddle fitting with a saddle fitter. You can do this at our store in Ruda Śląska - where saddle selection is based on evaluating the horse's back in motion, not just standing still. All available models can be found in our riding saddles collection.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Renaissance F saddle and models with a deep seat?
The Renaissance F has a flat seat and small blocks, which gives the rider greater freedom of movement and closer contact with the horse. Saddles with a deep seat (e.g., Prestige X-Perience MF) "hold" the rider more in place - which is an advantage for some, but a limitation for those who value an active seat and precise aids.
Is the Renaissance F saddle also suitable for dressage?
It can be used for dressage, but it is primarily a jumping saddle. For dressage, it will not replace a dressage saddle with a deeper seat and longer flaps.
How often does the saddle require care?
Once every week or two: cleaning (cleaner on a sponge), then oil, and after absorption - balm. Regular care in this order significantly extends the life of calfskin leather.
Can I buy a Renaissance F without a saddle fitting session?
Technically - yes. But I strongly advise against it. A saddle without proper fitting to the horse's back may look great when standing still, but press in the wrong places when in motion. Saddle fitting with a saddle fitter is an investment that protects the horse's health and the owner's money.
How many saddle fitter visits are needed after purchasing a saddle?
It depends on how quickly the horse changes its build. In my case, after a year of use, I had three visits: after 3 months, after six months, and another one later. Each brought different adjustments - changing the gullet width, freeing up the shoulder, evening out the wool panels. Regular check-ups are standard for responsible saddle care.
