The “feel”factor” is one of the special attributes of the Albion “SL” Dressage saddle and has helped make it the best selling Albion saddle worldwide. Combining rider feel with horse comfort is Albion’s forte and it is that which has led to the introduction of the Albion “SLK” as a deeper seated option to SL.

Paul Belton, Albion’s Chairman and chief designer, understands that “feel” is essential in order to communicate effectively with a dressage horse and as each combination of horse and rider is individual, there cannot be one single saddle that suits every partnership perfectly. With the “SL”, Albion came close, but the “SLK”, with “Kontroltm” technology provides riders with an alternative.

The slightly deeper seat and more supportive knee blocks of the “SLK” suit some combinations even better than the comparative freedom of the “SL”, while the “Kontroltm” tree and flocking system is preferred by some horses. Just how individual this is is shown by top caliber riders with a number of horses to saddle. Klaus Balkenhol (5x German National Champion), Carl Hester (3x British National Champion), and Guenter Seidel (former American National Champion) all now use both the “SL” and “SLK” Dressage saddles. That these riders choose a different version of the same Albion saddle to suit individual horses shows how critical the “feel factor” becomes when competing at the higher levels.

Both the Albion “SL” and “SLK” come in Black or Dark Havana in a full range of sizes and trees to fit both Warmblood and Thoroughbred type horses, and are priced around $2640.00. Both are available for order. For more information or to place your order, contact your local Albion representative or Performance Saddlery Inc.