Design & Benefits

What makes the BUA saddle a superior choice for any discipline? Here are some key benefits.

(here's a video on design and testing concepts)

For the horse:

Lightweight: The BUA Saddle uses lightweight materials found in aerospace and automotive industries.
High comfort: Comfort affects the performance in equestrian sports. The BUA Saddle allows horse and
rider to move freely and effortlessly through their full range of motion in all gaits.
Dynamic Tree: The BUA Saddle’s cantilevered construction recognises that the physiology of horse and
rider differ. This tree material is incredibly strong and durable, but at the same time flexible enough to
cushion and cradle the movements of horse and rider. This is a unique feature of the BUA Saddle.
Versatile fit: The cantilevered tree is flexible yet incredibly strong allowing it to conform to the movement
of the horse while supporting the rider in a balanced position. Its flexibility and interchangeable panels
allow one saddle to fit a range of sport horses.
Panel length is 21.5", freeing up the shoulders and not interfering with short-backed horses.

For the rider:

Adjustable Suspension: The cantilevered structure offers choice. Its suspension can be
tightened to create a stiffer seat or softened to create a more flexible seat.
Modular: Because of its unique construction, the BUA Saddle’s soft components can be
easily removed, allowing the saddle to be reconfigured to suit different equestrian disciplines.
By choosing appropriate side panels, the BUA Saddle can be transformed from a piece of
specialised show-jumping equipment into an endurance or GP saddle.
Versatile fit: One stable, multiple horses, one saddle. The Bua Saddle accommodates a range
of sport horse types and sizes. Two stirrup positions and a self-adjusting girth rigging
increase this versatility.
Machine washable: Saddle panels which are most affected by sweat residue are machine
washable. Simply remove the cover and pop on a low temperature.

How does BUA achieve this?

The cantilevered tree separates the needs
of the rider from the motion of the horse,
allowing for true freedom of the horse's gaits.

The separation/flexibility can be controlled by
a ratchet for the horse and riding style.

Space-age materials and high-tech testing
ensures a long-lasting investment into the
comfort of your horse. And no more groaning
to toss a saddle over the back of a tall horse!

The sliding straps for the girth rigging allow a
huge range of saddle position to girth groove.

What options do I have when ordering a saddle?

Currently, seat size of 17.5" is the only option.
There are several colors of leather and base textiles available. See the saddle pages for current options.
You may ask if a custom color is available for an additional cost.
The seat and/or the flap can be quilted for an extra cost, as well as custom colors


Quilted flap	Extra dees on tree	Extra dees on rear of flap & extended dees on front

Trail and endurance riders (or others) can order the endurance package which adds 3 rings on the tree and 2
pair on the back of the flaps in addition to the standard front pair on the flap being set out a bit farther (as
needed for the dressage flap only).

Will a Bua fit my horse?
Currently, Bua has one tree size/shape. Other seat sizes are planned and tree shapes may be as well. For now, Bua is
still able to fit a wide range of angles. The panels attach on the bottom portion of the tree, so are able to rotate a great
deal. Excuse my cardboard "horse," but here are pics of Bua fitting 80, 90, 100, and 130 degrees (in case you need to
fit a floor-shaped horse! The gullet is also wide to avoid impingement on spinal processes or pressure the trapezius
(about 3.5" or 9cm at the trapezius) and throughout the length of the panels it's around 2.5" or 7cm. This fits well with
the "3 finger rule some know for english saddles and it's also a soft gullet, so it might narrow a bit with weight in the
saddle, but the foam still protects the spine. There is also a bit of leeway to narrow or widen the panels via velcro.


80 degrees (narrower than narrow!)	90 degrees (medium)	100 degrees (extra wide)	130 degrees (over a flat surface)