PDS Carl Hester Integro II Dressage Saddle with Block 9

Product Overview

The PDS Carl Hester Integro II Saddle with Block 9 is a premium monoflap dressage saddle developed in collaboration with renowned dressage rider Carl Hester. Designed to combine close contact, rider stability, and horse comfort, this saddle is particularly suited to dressage riders and eventers seeking a consistent feel between jumping and dressage saddles.

Built on the Legacy Jump Tree, the Integro II features short tree points designed to minimise interference with the horse’s shoulder movement. Its centre-balanced seat encourages an upright riding position, while the streamlined monoflap construction reduces bulk beneath the rider’s leg for closer contact and more effective communication.

The distinctive 9-inch concave knee block provides substantial leg support while allowing the knee to rest comfortably without unnecessary interference. Short, upswept panels are designed to accommodate horses with shorter backs or higher croups, while the patented AMS synthetic wool panels and wider spinal channel support cushioning and appropriate back clearance.

With the adjustable XCH gullet system, the Carl Hester Integro II offers practical fitting flexibility alongside its performance-oriented design. It is an excellent option for riders seeking a supportive dressage saddle for schooling, eventing, and competition preparation.

Key Features

• Carl Hester Signature Collection: Developed with Carl Hester to support horse-and-rider performance.
• Legacy Jump Tree: Designed with short tree points to help accommodate shoulder movement and maintain a familiar fit for eventers transitioning between saddle types.
• Monoflap Construction: Minimises layers beneath the rider’s leg for a close-contact feel.
• Centre-Balanced Seat: Encourages an upright, stable riding position during dressage movements.
• 9-Inch Concave Knee Block: Provides secure leg support while allowing comfortable knee positioning.
• Short, Upswept Panels: Designed for horses with shorter backs or higher croups.
• AMS Synthetic Wool Panels: Offer soft cushioning and support panel contact with the horse’s back.
• Wide Spinal Channel: Helps provide clearance along the horse’s spine when the saddle is correctly fitted.
• XCH Adjustable Gullet System: Allows gullet width to be adjusted using compatible interchangeable plates.
• Minimal Under-Leg Rigging: Helps reduce bulk beneath the rider’s leg and supports a natural position.
• Eventing-Friendly Design: Provides a consistent feel for riders whose horses move between jumping and dressage saddles.
• Classic Black Leather Finish: Delivers a traditional, professional appearance suitable for training and competition.

Product Specifications

Why Choose the Carl Hester Integro II Saddle with Block 9?

The Carl Hester Integro II is designed for riders who want close contact without sacrificing the support needed for demanding dressage work. Its monoflap profile helps the rider maintain a connected feel, while the centre-balanced seat and generous 9-inch knee block provide support for a steady, controlled position.

The Legacy Jump Tree makes this model especially relevant to eventers who want a familiar saddle-tree feel when changing between jumping and dressage saddles. The short, upswept panels may also suit certain short-backed or croup-high horses, provided the entire saddle fits correctly.

The AMS synthetic wool panels, wide spinal channel, and interchangeable gullet system offer useful fitting considerations for horses and riders with different requirements. Together, these features make the Integro II a practical premium saddle for training, eventing, and dressage competition.

Care and Maintenance

1. Wipe away sweat, dust, and dirt after each ride with a soft cloth.
2. Clean the leather using a suitable equestrian leather cleaner and apply an appropriate conditioner according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
3. Store the saddle on a properly shaped saddle rack in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.
4. Inspect the billets, stitching, stirrup bars, knee block, and girthing attachments regularly.
5. Have the AMS synthetic wool panels inspected periodically by a qualified saddle fitter.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when changing XCH gullet plates, ensuring that only compatible plates are used.
7. Arrange regular professional inspections to check the saddle’s structure, panel condition, and continued suitability for the horse.

Saddle-Fitting Advice

Before purchasing, have a qualified saddle fitter assess the horse’s back shape, tree width, wither and spinal clearance, shoulder freedom, panel contact, and overall saddle balance. The rider’s seat size and leg position should also be evaluated.

Although the short, upswept panels are designed to accommodate certain back shapes, they do not guarantee a correct fit for every short-backed or croup-high horse. Similarly, changing the XCH gullet plate alone does not guarantee a correct fit. The complete saddle should be assessed on the individual horse, both standing and under a rider.