The perfect balance between comfort and performance
The right tree and panels
Proper saddle fit is critical to both your horse's performance and well-being. Therefore, we offer a wide range of...
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Knee rolls, seat depth and a soft seat
Every rider has different preferences in the saddle. Our collection consists of various dressage and jumping models, tailored to the different preferences of horse and rider...
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Wool-flocked saddles for optimal comfort and fit
At Empire Saddles, we choose wool-flocked saddles because we believe in the benefits of natural materials. Wool-flocked saddles require a bit more maintenance to maintain their optimal performance....
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Adjustability with the TreeClix System
We believe a saddle can only function properly if it is accurately adjusted! That is why we are proud that all of our saddles feature the TreeClix system....
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Give your saddle a personalised look.
Depending on the design, you can choose from a range of leathers, colours and finishes, such as patent leather, contrasting piping or crystals...
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Don't saddle for less
The story of Empire Saddles begins in 2015, born from the desire to bridge the gap between manufacturers and saddle fitters. From that idea, a collection of high-quality and customizable saddles emerged, developed with attention to both horse and rider. Empire stands for reliability, comfort, quality, and craftsmanship, offering practical solutions for horse, rider, and saddle fitter.
Empire saddles are manufactured by carefully selected suppliers. They are fitted by a select group of saddle fitters, chosen based on their training and experience. In addition, we place great emphasis on the ongoing training of our saddle fitters. This ensures the high quality of both the product and the fit of Empire saddles can be guaranteed.
Our Team
Behind Empire Saddles are Jolanda van der Leeden, Nienke Bergsma, and Sander Gepkens. Each with their own expertise, but with a shared focus on the quality and further development of Empire.
Jolanda, SMS Master Saddle Fitter, focuses within Empire primarily on the product development of dressage saddles and the training and guidance of dealers. Her extensive product knowledge and interest in biomechanics play a vital role in this.
Nienke, trained as an MSFC and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter, focuses mainly on the business operations behind Empire. She handles marketing, finance, and administration, and maintains contact with dealers and suppliers.
Sander, SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter, is an experienced saddle fitter with extensive knowledge of posture and seat, and the synergy between horse and rider. Within Empire, he is involved in product development and guiding saddle fitters, with a particular passion and expertise for jumping.
What our customers say
I wouldn't want anything else. Both for myself and for the horses.
I have been riding Empire for over 6 years now. For my short legs, it was difficult to find a well-fitting saddle. I certainly found that in Empire. It offers me an incredible amount of comfort, allowing me to work even better with my aids. Thanks to Jolanda's expertise and the built-in TreeClix system, I can customize different saddles for the many training horses I have. I wouldn't want anything else. Both for myself and for the horses.
These saddles are every saddle fitter's dream!
Because Empire saddles have several models, each with their own tree shape, which come standard with TreeClix, it is now possible for me as a saddle fitter to help almost any horse get a well-fitting saddle. This combined with all the options available to the rider, these saddles are every saddle fitter's dream!
Since riding with the Empire saddle, I notice so much difference!
When I first sat down in the Empire saddle it felt really good right away! You really feel like you sit in the saddle it and you feel connected with your horse. have some sensitive horses and they clearly indicate what they like. Since riding with the Empire saddle, I notice so much difference! Much more looseness and relaxation on the back and no longer wanting to run away from the saddle.
Working with the saddles is just top notch for me!
I'm really happy with Empire. Working with the saddles is just top notch for me, they are easily adjustable, allowing me to do my work with precision. And comfortable for both horse and rider.
And the best thing is that Jolanda and Nienke are always ready; if I have questions, I get answers super fast. Does anything need to be arranged? They think with you and it gets taken care of. This allows me to serve my clients quickly and well, which is really important to me.
For me, it is the Rolls Royce among saddles!
I already thought I had very nice saddles, but the Empire saddles are one step more comfortable for both myself and my horses. I can ride the exercises even more smoothly because of better communication with my horse. The workmanship and quality of the Empire saddles is also another step higher than I was already used to. For me, it is the Rolls Royce among saddles!
This saddle just made the final difference with my horse!
I ride my horses with 2 models of Empire. The first is the Empire Aztec. This saddle just made the final difference with my horse. Because of the super fit on the horse's back, his topline is so much more beautifully developed. For me, the saddle is also very comfortable. In addition, I also ride the Empire Baroque. I have many somewhat wider horses and the Baroque fits perfectly for that. The saddle also has a very nice fit for the rider.
My horse has stopped grinding her teeth and is putting her hind leg further under!
The Empire Omani made me feel like I could sit in the saddle and let my horse, Diva, perform naturally with a top-notch feel. She has stopped grinding her teeth and she puts her hind leg further under, which makes for a better connection from back to front. This makes her flying canter changes almost effortless and she makes far fewer mistakes. So: happy horse = happy rider.
I am pleased with the quality and well thought out fit of Empire's various models!
As a saddle fitter, I am very pleased with the outstanding quality of the saddles and the well thought out fit of Empire's various models. In addition, the TreeClix system allows for extremely precise adjustment of the fit. A horse's posture is constantly changing due to various influences, and it is very convenient that the saddle can change with it without having to force the saddle tree.
Why choose Empire?
Empire Saddles combines craftsmanship and practical knowledge with well-thought-out, adjustable saddles for horse and rider. With various tree shapes, wool-flocked panels, and TreeClix, we offer our dealers the means to carefully tailor the saddle. Furthermore, we invest in product knowledge, training, and personal support for our dealers.
Developed for horse and rider
Our various models combine a suitable tree shape and wool-flocked panels for the horse with different designs for the rider.
Knowledge and guidance
Our dealers are professional saddle fitters. We support them with product knowledge, training, and practical guidance when working with the Empire collection.
Adjustable with TreeClix
All Empire saddles are equipped with TreeClix as standard, allowing the tree width to be accurately adjusted in 5 mm increments.
View our latest news and saddle developments
What do riders say about Empire?
“For years, we were looking for a saddle that truly fit my horse and me. My horse is very sensitive to the position of the saddle, and small adjustments can make a big difference for us. The beauty of Empire is that the saddle can be adjusted very precisely, sometimes down to the millimeter.
Since we started riding with Empire, I have noticed a huge difference. My horse moves more freely and happily, and I also sit more comfortably and stably. It has helped us enormously to make progress together.
For me, a well-fitting saddle is the foundation for optimal riding comfort and harmony between horse and rider. And I found that at Empire Saddles.“
Noa Schell – Advanced level dressage rider