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Kieffer Saddle - Brugge Dressage - 1
Kieffer Brugge Dressage Saddle – Adjustable Leather Saddle for Wide & Short-Backed Horses
Premium German Dressage Saddle Designed for Broad Horses and Shorter Backs
Experience the comfort, support and craftsmanship of the Kieffer Brugge Dressage Saddle, a premium leather dressage saddle specially developed for horses with a sturdy build, broad back and comparatively short saddle-bearing area.
The Kieffer Brugge combines traditional dressage saddle styling with an innovative extra-wide foam panel design, helping distribute the rider's weight across a broad contact area.
Featuring Kieffer's 1000 Exclusive adjustable saddle tree, a deep seat, large anatomically shaped knee rolls and a flexible V-shaped girthing system, the Brugge is designed to support a balanced, secure riding position.
It is particularly suited to consideration for Friesians, Baroque horses, Iberian breeds, Haflingers and other horses with a compact or powerful build, subject to professional saddle fitting.
The combination of double leather saddle flaps, a supportive deep seat and specialised panels makes the Kieffer Brugge an excellent choice for riders seeking a quality dressage saddle for a broader horse.
Available Seat Sizes: Size 1 (17 inches) and Size 2 (18 inches).
Key Features & Benefits
- Designed for Broad, Short-Backed Horses – Developed for horses with a sturdy build and comparatively short backs.
- 1000 Exclusive Adjustable Saddle Tree – Features a continuously adjustable gullet plate for professional fitting.
- Extra-Wide Foam Panels – Provide a broad contact area across the horse's back.
- Deep Dressage Seat – Supports a secure and balanced riding position.
- Large Anatomically Shaped Knee Rolls – Soft, supportive knee blocks assist rider leg positioning.
- Premium Double Leather Flaps – Slightly padded for comfort with reinforced lower edges.
- Flexible V-Shaped Girthing System – Designed to support saddle stability and girth positioning.
- Long Girth Straps – Suitable for use with an appropriately fitted short dressage girth.
- Traditional Dressage Design – Combines classic appearance with specialised fitting features.
- Premium Kieffer Craftsmanship – Quality leather construction and carefully engineered saddle components.
Specially Designed for Broad Horses with Short Backs
Not every horse has the same back shape.
Horses with broad shoulders, rounded ribcages and shorter backs may require a saddle with a specialised panel shape and carefully considered contact area.
The Kieffer Brugge was developed to address these requirements.
Its extra-wide foam panels are designed to provide a broad bearing surface while accommodating the proportions of certain compact and sturdy horses.
This makes the Brugge particularly worth considering for:
- Friesian horses
- Baroque horses
- Iberian breeds
- Haflingers
- Heavier-built horses
- Broad-backed horses
- Horses with comparatively short saddle-bearing areas
Important: Breed alone does not determine saddle suitability. A qualified saddle fitter should assess the horse's individual back shape, movement and available saddle-bearing area.
Kieffer 1000 Exclusive Adjustable Saddle Tree
The Brugge features Kieffer's 1000 Exclusive saddle tree with an adjustable gullet plate.
This system allows the gullet width to be adjusted by a suitably qualified professional to accommodate appropriate changes in the horse's shape.
Benefits of the Adjustable Tree
- Allows professional adjustment of the gullet width
- Provides greater fitting flexibility than a fixed-width tree
- May accommodate certain changes in the horse's condition and musculature
- Supports a more individualised saddle-fitting process
The 1000 Exclusive tree offers a manufacturer-stated adjustment range of approximately 33–40cm, depending on the model and fitting requirements.
Please Note: An adjustable gullet does not guarantee that the saddle will fit every broad-backed horse. Tree shape, panel contact, clearance and overall saddle balance must also be assessed.
Extra-Wide Foam Panels for Broad Contact
One of the most important features of the Kieffer Brugge is its specialised extra-wide foam panel system.
These panels provide a broad contact surface and feature a shortened shoulder-area design.
The aim is to accommodate horses with broader, rounder builds while maintaining the classic shape of a dressage saddle.
Why Choose Extra-Wide Panels?
A suitable panel design can help:
- Distribute rider weight over the intended bearing area
- Provide consistent contact with the horse's back
- Support saddle balance
- Accommodate certain broad-backed conformations
- Improve suitability for some compact horse types
Important: The Brugge's moulded foam panels are not wool-flocked and cannot be traditionally re-flocked or reshaped like wool-filled panels.
Professional fitting remains essential.
Deep Seat for Dressage Riding
The Kieffer Brugge features a traditional deep dressage seat designed to support a secure and balanced riding position.
The seat encourages close contact between horse and rider and is suited to riders who prefer a supportive saddle during flatwork and dressage training.
The deep seat works together with the knee rolls and saddle flaps to provide a structured riding position.
Large, Soft Anatomically Shaped Knee Rolls
The Brugge features generous knee rolls positioned on the saddle flaps.
These anatomically shaped supports are designed to help the rider maintain a stable leg position.
Their soft construction provides support without relying on excessively rigid blocks.
Benefits for Riders
- Encourages consistent leg positioning
- Provides additional support during schooling
- Complements the deep seat design
- Supports a secure riding position
- Suitable for riders who prefer prominent but soft knee support
Premium Double Leather Saddle Flaps
The Brugge is constructed with doubled cowhide leather saddle flaps.
The flaps are slightly padded for comfort and feature reinforced lower edges.
This combination delivers a traditional dressage appearance with a comfortable feel.
Quality leather care will help preserve the saddle's condition and appearance over time.
Flexible V-Shaped Girthing System
The Kieffer Brugge features a flexible V-shaped girthing system with long girth straps.
This arrangement is designed to support balanced girth tension and saddle stability.
The correct girth length and shape should be selected during saddle fitting to suit the horse's conformation.
Suitable for Training & Dressage Riding
The Kieffer Brugge is designed for riders who value comfort, balance and close contact during dressage work.
Suitable activities include:
- Dressage schooling
- Flatwork training
- Arena riding
- Dressage competitions, subject to current competition equipment rules
- General dressage-focused riding
- Training compact and broad-backed horses
Available Seat Sizes
| Kieffer Size | Seat Size |
|---|---|
| Size 1 | 17 inches |
| Size 2 | 18 inches |
The correct seat size depends on rider proportions, preferred riding position and overall saddle fit.
Colour Options
The standard colour offered by Australian stockists is Black.
Other manufacturer colour combinations may be available by special order, including:
- Brown
- Black/Brown
- Brown/Black
- Chestnut/Brown
- Chestnut/Black
Colour availability should be confirmed before ordering.
Kieffer Brugge vs Traditional Dressage Saddles
The Brugge differs from many conventional dressage saddles through its specialised panel design.
| Feature | Kieffer Brugge | Conventional Dressage Saddle |
|---|---|---|
| Intended horse shape | Broad, sturdy, comparatively short-backed | Varies by model |
| Panels | Extra-wide moulded foam | Often wool-filled or foam |
| Panel re-flocking | Not possible | Possible on wool-flocked models |
| Tree | Adjustable 1000 Exclusive | Depends on model |
| Seat | Deep | Varies |
| Knee rolls | Large, soft and anatomical | Varies |
| Girthing | Flexible V-shaped system | Varies |
The Brugge is particularly worth considering where a horse's conformation calls for a broad contact area and specialised panel shape.
Saddle Care Instructions
To maintain the leather and appearance of your Kieffer Brugge saddle:
- Remove dirt, dust and sweat after riding.
- Clean with a suitable leather saddle soap or leather cleaner.
- Use a soft cloth or brush as required.
- Allow the leather to dry naturally in a ventilated area.
- Apply a suitable leather conditioner sparingly.
- Remove excess conditioner and polish gently.
- Store on a suitable saddle rack.
- Protect from excessive moisture, direct sunlight and heat.
Do not dry leather saddles near heaters or other direct heat sources.
Have the saddle inspected regularly for wear, damage and changes in fit.
Important Saddle Fitting Information
A correctly fitted saddle is essential for both horse and rider comfort.
Before purchasing, consider:
- Horse's back length and shape
- Wither height and clearance
- Shoulder movement
- Tree width and profile
- Panel contact and balance
- Rider seat size
- Girth positioning
- Horse's current muscle development
Professional saddle fitting is strongly recommended before purchase and after significant changes in the horse's condition.
Frequently Asked Questions – Kieffer Brugge Dressage Saddle
What is the Kieffer Brugge Dressage Saddle designed for?
The Kieffer Brugge is a premium leather dressage saddle developed for horses with a broad, sturdy build and comparatively short back. It features extra-wide foam panels, a deep seat and an adjustable saddle tree.
Is the Kieffer Brugge suitable for Friesian horses?
Yes. Kieffer specifically identifies Friesians among the horse types for which the Brugge was developed. However, individual saddle fitting is still required.
What is a good dressage saddle for a wide horse with a short back?
The Kieffer Brugge is one option worth considering. Its extra-wide foam panels and specialised design are intended for certain broad, compact horses. A professional fitter should confirm whether the saddle is suitable.
Does the Kieffer Brugge have an adjustable gullet?
Yes. It features Kieffer's 1000 Exclusive tree with an adjustable gullet plate. Adjustment should be carried out by a qualified professional.
Can the Kieffer Brugge saddle be re-flocked?
No. The Brugge uses moulded foam panels rather than traditional wool-flocked panels. These foam panels cannot be re-flocked.
What seat sizes are available?
The Kieffer Brugge is available in Size 1 (17 inches) and Size 2 (18 inches).
Does the Kieffer Brugge have a deep seat?
Yes. The Brugge features a deep dressage seat designed to support a secure and balanced riding position.
Is the Kieffer Brugge suitable for Haflingers?
The manufacturer identifies certain sturdy, athletic Haflingers among the horse types for which the design may be suitable. Individual fit must still be assessed.
Can I use the Kieffer Brugge for dressage competitions?
The Brugge is a dressage saddle and may be suitable for competition use. Riders should check the current rules of their governing equestrian organisation.
Where can I buy a Kieffer Brugge Dressage Saddle in Australia?
Pet Essentials offers equestrian equipment and saddle products online at www.petessentials.com.au. Contact Pet Essentials to confirm current Brugge saddle availability, seat sizes, colours and ordering arrangements.
Product Specifications
Brand: Kieffer
Model: Brugge
Product Type: Dressage Saddle
Primary Use: Dressage and Flatwork
Recommended Horse Conformation: Broad, Sturdy and Comparatively Short-Backed Horses
Saddle Tree: Kieffer 1000 Exclusive
Gullet: Professionally Adjustable
Seat: Deep
Seat Sizes: Size 1 (17") and Size 2 (18")
Panel Type: Extra-Wide Moulded Foam
Panel Re-flocking: Not Possible
Saddle Flaps: Double Cowhide Leather, Slightly Padded
Knee Rolls: Large, Soft and Anatomically Shaped
Girth Straps: Long
Girthing System: Flexible V-Shaped
Standard Colour: Black
Other Colours: Selected Combinations by Special Order
Manufacturer Model Reference: 2036
Australian Distributor Reference: SAKBRUGGE
Material: Cowhide Leather with Stainless Steel Fittings
