Ovation Explorer AP Saddle – Dark Brown Leather, 16″–19″
Product Overview
Discover everyday comfort and versatility with the Ovation Explorer All Purpose (AP) Saddle, a practical English saddle designed for riders who want flexibility for flatwork, general schooling, and recreational jumping.
Made from dark brown leather, the Ovation Explorer combines a medium-depth seat with foam panels and adjustable knee and thigh blocks. Its standout feature is the XCH™ interchangeable gullet system, which allows the saddle’s tree width to be changed using compatible gullet plates to help accommodate different horse conformations.
Whether you’re developing your riding skills, enjoying regular schooling sessions, or looking for a versatile saddle for everyday equestrian activities, the Ovation Explorer AP offers a functional design with adjustable fitting options.
Key Features and Benefits
- All-purpose design: Suitable for general schooling, flatwork, and recreational jumping, depending on fit and rider needs.
- Dark brown leather: Provides a traditional equestrian appearance.
- Medium-depth seat: Offers a balanced feel for everyday riding.
- Foam panels: Provide cushioning between the saddle and the horse’s back.
- XCH™ interchangeable gullet system: Allows compatible gullet plates to be changed to adjust tree width.
- Medium gullet installed: The saddle is supplied with a Medium gullet.
- Additional gullet plates included: The standard package includes Medium Narrow, Medium Wide, Wide, and Extra Wide options.
- Adjustable knee block: Triangle-shaped knee block attaches with Velcro for positioning flexibility.
- Adjustable thigh block: Velcro attachment allows the block to be positioned to suit the rider.
- Regular flap design: Provides a traditional all-purpose leg position.
- Multiple seat sizes: Available in selected sizes from 16″ to 19″, including half sizes.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ovation |
| Model | Explorer AP |
| Saddle Type | All Purpose English Saddle |
| Material | Leather |
| Color | Dark Brown / Dark Havana |
| Seat Design | Medium-depth |
| Panels | Foam |
| Tree | XCH™ adjustable tree |
| Installed Gullet | Medium |
| Additional Gullets | Medium Narrow, Medium Wide, Wide, Extra Wide |
| Knee Block | Triangle-shaped, Velcro attachment |
| Thigh Block | Velcro attachment |
| Flap | Regular |
| Available Seat Sizes | 16″, 16.5″, 17″, 17.5″, 18″, and 19″ |
| Intended Use | Flatwork, schooling, general riding, and recreational jumping |
| Condition | Confirm with seller before ordering |
Available Seat Sizes
The Ovation Explorer AP Saddle is listed in the following seat sizes:
- 16″
- 16.5″
- 17″
- 17.5″
- 18″
- 19″
Availability can vary by retailer. Confirm your preferred seat size before ordering.
Adjustable XCH™ Gullet System
One of the main advantages of the Ovation Explorer AP Saddle is its interchangeable gullet system. The saddle comes with a Medium gullet installed, together with four additional gullet plates.
| Gullet Option | Included in Standard Package |
|---|---|
| Medium Narrow | Yes |
| Medium | Installed |
| Medium Wide | Yes |
| Wide | Yes |
| Extra Wide | Yes |
The interchangeable system offers greater flexibility when adjusting the tree width to suit the horse. However, the correct gullet cannot be selected by appearance alone. The saddle’s overall balance, panel contact, and wither clearance should also be assessed.
Why Choose the Ovation Explorer AP Saddle?
The Ovation Explorer AP is a versatile option for riders seeking a traditional leather saddle with practical fitting features. Its all-purpose design supports a range of everyday riding activities, while the foam panels and adjustable blocks provide cushioning and rider-position options.
The XCH™ system is particularly useful for riders whose horses may change shape over time or who ride more than one horse, provided the saddle can be fitted appropriately to each animal.
Care and Maintenance
To help maintain your saddle:
- Wipe away sweat, dust, and dirt after each ride.
- Clean the leather with a suitable leather cleaner.
- Apply leather conditioner according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Store the saddle on a shaped saddle rack in a dry, ventilated area.
- Check billets, stitching, girth attachments, and tree components regularly.
- Keep the interchangeable gullet plates organized and inspect them for damage.
- Arrange periodic saddle-fitting checks to confirm that the saddle remains suitable for the horse.
Saddle-Fitting Advice
Choose a seat size that suits the rider’s build and position. The saddle must also fit the horse’s back correctly, with appropriate wither clearance, even panel contact, and freedom of shoulder movement.
The XCH™ system provides adjustable tree-width options, but it does not guarantee a correct fit for every horse. Consult a qualified saddle fitter before regular use or whenever changing gullet plates.
Ordering Information
Before completing your order, confirm:
- Preferred seat size
- Dark brown / Dark Havana color
- Inclusion of the four additional gullet plates
- Installed gullet size
- Saddle condition: New or Used
- Whether stirrup leathers, irons, or other accessories are included
- Shipping cost and delivery timeframe
Short Description
The Ovation Explorer AP Saddle is a dark brown leather all-purpose English saddle designed for everyday riding, flatwork, and recreational jumping. It features foam panels, adjustable Velcro knee and thigh blocks, a regular flap, and the XCH™ interchangeable gullet system. Available in selected 16″–19″ seat sizes and supplied with a Medium gullet plus four additional gullet plates.
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