Fhoenix Saddles
Fifteen years ago, Heather Moffett designed the well-known 'Seatbone Saver', in recognition of the problems many riders face in comfortably attaining the correct classical seat in conventional saddles. The memory foam used was also an ideal material for the formation of saddle seats, so Heather began to design her own saddles using this, a seamless seat and set-back stirrup bars. All this combined to give the rider greater comfort and security while enabling them to sit effortlessly in the correct ear/shoulder/hip/heel alignment.
The Fhoenix range features a revolutionary design unlike any other saddle on the market. The manufacturing process is unique in saddle-making, unlike other "treeless" saddles where there are solid components front and back, the Fhoenix only has a small rigid cantle giving the rider's seat support, and cannot be felt by either horse or rider. It is best described as a "SoftTree" saddle, as it is not like other treeless saddles in that they are very thin and do not provide a "twist" for the rider, so that the thighs can drop, and legs and hips do not feel straddled. The "SoftTree" is built up from layers of materials, tested and chosen for their shock absorbing and pressure resisting properties, but also shaping the seat to feel much more like a treed saddle for the rider (particularly the Vogue). This "SoftTree" enables the saddle to flex with every oscillation of the horse's back, giving great freedom of movement, with no restriction of the shoulders or hindrance of the lifting of the horse's back.
The whole seat and flexible front arch are made from 45mm thickness of the Seatbone Saver memory foam, into which the rider sinks, giving great depth of seat and exceptional comfort.
The moulded replaceable panels are designed to give a traditionally gulleted underside to the saddle. With the addition of padding for horses with muscle wastage, it is usually possible to fit almost any horse. The Fhoenix range offer unrivalled comfort to both horse and rider, combining the flexibility and best characteristics of a treeless saddle, but with the rider support of a treed saddle.
The saddles should be always used with a so called "high wither" cut saddle cloth or numnah, which will fit well up into the front arch of the saddle, not pulling across and down and causing pressure on the wither as often happens with the usual cut of saddle cloths and numnahs - all should be cut high at the front - thereby eradicating this common problem. We highly recommend the Mattes and Nuumed range of saddlecloths and numnahs. We strongly advocate use of the Professional's Choice dressage girth and leather dressage leathers with the all the Fhoenix saddles.
The Fhoenix 'Vogue'
The Vogue is the flagship of the Fhoenix range. It is styled without the skirts over the stirrup bars giving the closest possible contact with the horse and also making the 'twist' narrower and, therefore, more akin to a traditional treed saddle in width.
The Vogue is available in three variants, a dressage style and two styles of general purpose saddle. All models of the saddle are available in black or brown, with the option of suede seat and/or knees at no extra cost. The flaps can be made with or without decorative stitching, and extra d-rings can also be added to the saddle as the customer wishes, giving a wide range of style options.
The customer can choose between large or small detachable knee rolls depending on their preference, and it is also possible to purchase extra sets of knee rolls.
The Fhoenix 'Standard'
The Fhoenix Standard is the new name for the original model of Fhoenix saddle. The main difference between the Standard and the Vogue is the 'twist' - the Vogue being much narrower for the rider in design than the original Standard. It is available in either dressage or general purpose variants, the GP being of a VSD style.
The Fhoenix Standard is available with a choice of either butt leather flaps, which gives it more of the appearance of a traditional saddle, or with the flaps made from the same soft Italian leather hide as the rest of the saddle which moulds around the rider's leg immediately without any 'breaking in' period.
As with the Vogue, the Fhoenix Standard is available with suede seat and/or knees at no extra cost, and the soft leather flaps can also be adorned with the fancy stitching if the customer wishes. Extra d-rings can also be added at the customer's request.
We do recommend that if at all possible you arrange a fitting consultation to ensure correct fit and also to give you the opportunity to try the saddle before you buy. Saddle trials are also available if you feel you would like a bit longer to test the saddles. To arrange a consultation or trial please contact Louise on 07737 166315, or email her at louise@equineequilibrium.co.uk.
Please note that the saddles are made to order and, therefore, can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to be delivered. If ordering online, we will be in touch to discuss which options you would like on your bespoke saddle!
