The perfect balance between comfort and performance
The right tree and cushions
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
Each rider has unique preferences. Therefore, we offer dressage saddles with different seat depths, ranging from deep seat to less deep seat. A deep seat offers a firm and secure position, while a less deep seat can offer more freedom of movement....
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Wool-filled saddles for optimal comfort and fit
At Empire Saddles, we choose wool-filled saddles because we believe in the benefits of natural materials. Wool-filled saddles require a bit more maintenance to maintain their optimal performance....
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Customizability 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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Choose your perfect saddle
Personalize your saddle with wonderful options. Choose from a base color, such as black or brown, and pick your leather type, such as Buffalo leather or Memel...
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Don't saddle for less
The story of Empire Saddles begins in 2015, when Jolanda and Nienke, both saddle fitters, decided to build a bridge between manufacturers and saddle fitters. From their desire to provide quality and customizable saddles without compromise, Empire Saddles was born. Their focus is on reliability, comfort and quality, with practical solutions and attention to craftsmanship.
Empire saddles are handmade with care and attention in England. And they are fitted by a select group of saddle fitters, chosen for their training and experience. We also pay great attention to the continued training of our saddlefitters. This ensures the high quality of both the product and the fit of Empire saddles.
Our Team
Jolanda van der Leeden and Nienke Bergsma are the driving forces behind Empire Saddles, which was founded in 2015.
Jolanda, an SMS Master Saddle Fitter, leads saddle development and trains Empire dealers, answering all their questions about saddle fitting. Her experience and passion for leatherworking contribute to the quality of the saddles.
Nienke, former MSFC and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter, returned to the company in 2021 after a short break. She now manages Empire Saddles’ marketing, finance, administration and vendor relations.
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're really into it and in the process you feel a lot of contact with your horse.
I 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 fine saddles, but the Empire saddles are one step more comfortable for both myself and my horses. I can ride the exercises even more finely because of even 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 should you choose us?
Empire Saddles combines craftsmanship with innovative technologies to create saddles that optimally support both riders and horses. Our extensive dealer training, use of high-quality materials, and ample inventory guarantee a perfect fit and exceptional comfort. We provide quality and customizable saddles without compromise for rider and horse.
Perfect fit
Our saddles offer a soft, narrow seat for riders and maximum comfort and freedom of movement for horses.
Comprehensive dealer training
Our saddle fitters are thoroughly trained to provide a personalized approach that meets the needs of both rider and horse.
Extensive stock
We stock a wide range of saddles, which ensures fast delivery and honest, customer-oriented service.
View our latest news and saddle developments
What do riders say about Empire?
“Many years ago I was looking for something I couldn’t find until then – that extra bit of sophistication in fitting. I finally found it in Empire. Empire is unique in its ability to connect horse and rider, allowing the horse to develop more quickly and comfortably thanks to its great adaptability.
The attention to detail in Empire is exceptional. The horse has all the space to move freely, while we as riders can sit comfortably and relax and feel every movement beneath us. This has taken me and my horse to the next level in our training.”
Vanja de Boer-Putker – Grand prix dressage rider