Thornhill Vienna II Dressage Saddle

Product Overview

The Thornhill Vienna II Dressage Saddle is a traditional English dressage saddle designed to help riders develop a balanced, classical position during flatwork, schooling, and dressage training. Developed by master saddler Jorge Canaves, this established model combines a supportive, slightly deeper seat with carefully shaped knee pads and a concealed thigh roll to promote stability and close contact between horse and rider.

Featuring shaped, wool-flocked panels, a narrow twist, and a specialised billet suspension system, the Vienna II is designed to balance rider comfort with practical saddle stability. Its point and V-billet configuration helps distribute girthing forces, while its hoop-style Wide and Extra Wide tree options offer fitting alternatives for horses with broad, relatively flat backs.

Available in traditional black leather, with updated versions also offered in supple calfskin, the Thornhill Vienna II is a practical option for riders seeking a classic dressage saddle with a supportive seat, adjustable fitting choices, and durable construction.

Key Features

• Classical Dressage Design: Supports an upright, balanced riding position for flatwork and dressage training.
• Slightly Deeper Seat: Helps provide a secure, supportive feel while allowing the rider to maintain balance.
• Stitched Knee Pads: Frame and support the rider’s leg, promoting close contact and a consistent position.
• Concealed Thigh Roll: Provides additional thigh support without an oversized external block.
• Narrow Twist: Designed to help the rider maintain a comfortable leg position and natural hip-to-heel alignment.
• Point and V-Billet Suspension System: Combines front point and V-shaped billet attachment arrangements to support saddle stability and balanced girthing.
• Wool-Flocked Shaped Panels: Provide cushioning and allow a qualified saddler to adjust panel flocking to suit the horse’s back.
• Wide and Extra Wide Tree Options: Hoop-style configurations are available for certain broad-backed or low-withered horses.
• Multiple Seat Sizes: Available in various sizes, including selected smaller youth sizes and larger adult sizes.
• Traditional Leather Finish: Offered in lightly grained black leather, with updated calfskin versions available in selected configurations.
• Spring Tree Warranty: Retailer listings specify a spring-tree warranty; confirm the applicable duration and terms for the exact version being purchased.

Product Specifications

Why Choose the Thornhill Vienna II Dressage Saddle?

The Thornhill Vienna II is designed for riders who value a traditional dressage saddle with a supportive seat and close-contact feel. Its slightly deeper seat, stitched knee pads, and concealed thigh roll help the rider establish a consistent position without relying on bulky external blocks.

The narrow twist is an important design feature for riders who prefer a saddle that allows their legs to fall naturally around the horse. Meanwhile, the point and V-billet system is intended to improve stability during riding, and the wool-flocked panels allow fitting adjustments as the horse’s back changes.

The availability of Medium, Wide, and Extra Wide tree options makes the Vienna II worth considering for horses with different back conformations, including some broad-backed horses. Correct fitting remains essential, particularly with hoop-style trees, which must match the horse’s actual back shape rather than simply its width.

Whether you are refining your dressage position, developing consistent flatwork, or preparing for competition, the Vienna II offers a combination of traditional design, rider support, and practical fitting options.

Care and Maintenance

1. Remove dust, sweat, and dirt after each ride using a soft cloth.
2. Clean the leather with a suitable equestrian leather cleaner and apply a compatible conditioner according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Store the saddle on a properly shaped saddle rack in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
4. Inspect the billet straps, stitching, stirrup bars, knee pads, thigh roll, and girthing attachments regularly.
5. Arrange periodic professional assessments of the wool-flocked panels and have the flocking adjusted when necessary.
6. Avoid excessive moisture, direct sunlight, and harsh cleaning products that may damage the leather.
7. Retain the purchase documentation and confirm the applicable tree warranty conditions.

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, leg length, and preferred riding position should also be considered.

A Wide or Extra Wide tree does not automatically fit every broad-backed horse. The tree shape, panel contact, and the horse’s overall conformation must be evaluated together. Ask the seller for a wither-tracing or fitting assessment where available, especially when ordering remotely.