There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all saddle. A hunter needs a different flap than an eventer, a trail rider needs comfort for hours in the saddle, and a young rider needs something that can keep up as they grow. That's where Henri de Rivel (HdR) shines: the HdR lineup covers the hunter ring, the jumper and eventing courses, the dressage arena, and the trail.
Below, we'll walk through which HdR saddle fits which rider, so you can find the one that matches how you ride. First, though, a quick look at the feature every saddle in this guide shares: the IGP interchangeable gullet system.
What the IGP System Does
IGP stands for Interchangeable Gullet Plate. The metal plate at the head of the saddle tree can be swapped, so one saddle can fit different horses, or the same horse as its shape changes. Many horses change over the year, with muscle tone and topline shifting through the off-season and rebuilding later. With an IGP saddle, you can change the gullet plate instead of buying a new saddle.
Every HdR IGP saddle ships with a regular-width gullet. Gullet plates are sold separately in Narrow, Regular, Medium, Medium Wide, and Extra Wide. If you're not sure which size you need, the Saddle Trial Program includes your chosen gullet size at no extra cost on IGP models.
For Hunter Riders: Equipe H Close Contact IGP Flocked
The Equipe H is built specifically for hunter riders. Its modified flap is designed to support a hunter position. It has wool flocked panels, removable knee and thigh blocks, and smooth, grippy covered leather, along with the IGP system. Browse the Henri de Rivel saddle collection to see the Equipe H and the rest of the HdR range.
For Jumpers and Eventers: Equipe Covered, Cahill, and Synergy Plus
HdR offers three forward-flap saddles built for jumping. The differences come down to the panels, the flap, and the seat. If eventing is new to you, read our post on why eventing is having a moment.
Equipe Covered Close Contact IGP is made for the jumper ring and 3-day eventing. It has a narrow twist and a forward flap, with high-density foam panels and knee and thigh blocks. Choose it if you want a jumping saddle with foam panels. You can find it in the Henri de Rivel saddle collection.
Cahill Covered Close Contact IGP is built for show jumping and 3-day eventing. It has an extra-forward, fully covered flap with molded knee pads, adjustable knee and thigh blocks to help hold your leg in place over fences, and high-density foam panels. Choose it if you want maximum forward-flap support. You can find it in the Henri de Rivel saddle collection.
Synergy Plus IGP Flocked is the wool-flocked version of HdR's Synergy saddle, made for jumper and eventer riders. It has a forward flap, a medium-deep seat, removable thigh and knee blocks, and covered leather with signature stitching. The main difference is the panel. The Equipe Covered and Cahill use foam, while the Synergy Plus uses real wool flocked panels that conform to the horse's back. Choose it if you want wool flocking with a jumping-focused flap.
For an All-Rounder Who Jumps: Laureate IGP Flocked
If you jump but want one saddle for other disciplines too, the Laureate IGP flocked saddle is worth a close look. It has grippy covered leather, a medium-deep seat, a narrow twist, a flocked panel, removable knee and thigh blocks, and the IGP system. Its close-contact, forward-flap design is ideal for jumping and other riding disciplines. It is offered in Oakbark.
For Young Riders in the Show Ring: Club Close Contact Plus IGP
If you're buying for a child who shows, the Club Close Contact Plus IGP saddle is designed for children who enjoy the show ring. Its padded seat and molded knee rolls help with leg stability on the flat or over fences. The removable pencil knee rolls suit a growing child's needs, the reinforced cantle stands up to everyday scuffs, and the saddle has a printed leather finish. The listing offers sizes from 14 to 16.5 in Australian Nut.
For Trail and Endurance Riders: All-Terrain Endurance IGP
The All-Terrain Endurance IGP saddle is made for scenic and long-distance rides, trail riding, and high-speed activities. It is lightweight, with a padded seat for rider comfort on long rides and real wool flocked panels that mould to the horse's back. It also has padded knee blocks and covered leather, and it comes in Havana and Black. If you're planning your trail season, read our post on fall trail riding and trailer safety gear.
For Dressage Riders: Parisian Monoflap IGP
The Parisian Monoflap IGP dressage saddle is built for close leg contact. Its monoflap design minimizes material between your leg and the horse's sides, which gives a clear feel of the horse's back. It has a deep seat, padded knee blocks, and wool flocked panels that mould to the horse. A reinforced flap edge with signature stitching adds durability, and the covered leather has a refined finish.
Try Before You Commit: The Saddle Trial Program
Buying a saddle online makes most riders nervous. Breeches.com's 30-day Saddle Trial Program lets you test the fit at home. Choose your seat size, and for IGP models your gullet size, and the saddle ships out for a 30-day trial. If you keep it, you get 10% off the MSRP. If it isn't the right fit, you can return it for a full refund.
Plan for a few details. You pay return shipping. To qualify for a return, contact customer service with your tracking number on or before day 30. Return the saddle with all included gullets and tags, and keep it in good condition, since refunds can be prorated or denied for water damage, deep leather cuts, or heavy neglect. Trial saddles don't include stirrup leathers or irons, so have your own ready. If you're weighing new against used, read our post on whether it's safe to buy a used saddle. When you're ready, you can start an HdR saddle trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About HdR Saddles
What does IGP mean on an HdR saddle?
IGP stands for Interchangeable Gullet Plate. The metal plate at the head of the saddle tree can be changed, so one saddle can fit different horses or the same horse as its shape changes. Gullet plates are sold separately in Narrow, Regular, Medium, Medium Wide, and Extra Wide.
Which HdR saddles have wool flocking?
The Synergy Plus, All-Terrain Endurance, and Parisian Monoflap have real wool flocked panels, and the Equipe H is wool flocked. The Laureate has a flocked panel. The Equipe Covered and Cahill use high-density foam panels.
Is there an HdR saddle for a child who shows?
Yes. The Club Close Contact Plus IGP has a padded seat, molded knee rolls, and removable pencil knee rolls. The listing offers sizes from 14 to 16.5.
Can I try an HdR saddle before I buy it?
Yes. The Breeches.com Saddle Trial Program offers a 30-day trial. For IGP saddles, your chosen gullet size is included at no extra cost. If you keep the saddle, you receive 10% off the MSRP. The customer pays return shipping.
Find the Right HdR Saddle for You
Still deciding? Here's the short version. If you ride in the hunter ring, the Equipe H is the one to look at. Jumpers and eventers have three options: the Equipe Covered and Cahill with foam panels, or the Synergy Plus if you prefer wool flocking. Riders who jump but also want one saddle for other disciplines will find the Laureate versatile, and young riders heading into the show ring can grow into the Club Close Contact Plus. For long days on the trail, the All-Terrain Endurance keeps both horse and rider comfortable, and dressage riders will find their match in the Parisian Monoflap.
Whichever you choose, the IGP system means your saddle can adjust as your horse changes, and the Saddle Trial Program lets you test the fit before you commit.
Once you've picked a saddle, finish the setup with the right bridle. Our bridle guide walks you through the choices. When you're ready, shop HdR saddles at Breeches.com and use the Saddle Trial Program to test the fit at home.