The Ellipse™ Dressage Saddle

The Ellipse Dressage saddle has become firm favorite with riders since our first model launched over 30 years ago. A specifically designed saddletree accommodates the broader backed horse such as Arabians, Morgan’s and Cob types it has also proved successful with many other horse breeds.

Featuring a hooped cut back hand crafted laminated Birch Wood and Spring Steel saddle tree, fitted with our Lovatt & Ricketts® stainless steel heavy duty dressage bars for a correct leg position. Flatter broader lambs wool flocked panels with an open gullet offers comfort and freedom of movement for the horse.

The Ellipse offers all the features, sophistication and finish, that one would expect from a quality classic dressage saddle, and is available in a wide selection of sizes and tree widths; to accommodate horse and rider.

Lovatt & Ricketts® Saddle Trees

Our saddles trees are manufactured in our own saddletree department using the finest laminated birch wood and reinforced with steel for strength. Each tree is specifically made for each model, designed by us and produced by our own Master saddletree makers. All of our trees conform to

British Standards Institution 6635 so you can be assured of quality strength and reliability.

Double Position Swing Stirrup barThe new L&R® Double Position Swing Bar allows the rider to change stirrup lengths to maintain balance in the saddle while training with different goals. When riding with a longer stirrup, use the stirrup in the back position to balance your more vertical upper body position. When you have shorter stirrups, use the front position as your balance has changed to a more forward position.

The new L&R® Double Position stirrup bar is ideal for Dressage training as it allows for a longer stirrup for the classic Dressage position and a shorter stirrup for green horses or cross-training days all while allowing the rider to maintain a more balanced position.

Each and every item used in the construction of our saddles is sourced in England from the finest materials available were ever possible.

Other Ellipse™ Features

  • The new L&R® Double Position Swing Bar
  • Repositionable Velcro knee blocks
  • Choice knee block styles
  • Choice of flaps lengths

Custom Cantles

We use only Italian calfskin that has been embossed and patented to simulate exotic skins. No exotic or endangered species of animals or reptiles are used in the manufacture of our saddles.

An additional cost of $200 is added to the basic cost of the saddle.

Leather Options: X-Grip Water Buffalo with Ultra-Tack™ Calf Skin Seat and Knee pads or Smooth English full Grain butts with Ultra-Tack™ Calf Skin Seat and Knee pads.

Colours: Black,  *Brown is to Special Order Only

Black Buffalo
Brown Buffalo
Black Smooth
Brown Smooth

Seat Sizes: 16.½”, 17”, 17.½”, 18”, 18.½” and 19”

Tree Widths: Medium, Medium Wide, Wide and Extra Wide

Price: $4,750.00

Prices displayed on this website are in US dollars and are the retail prices for USA and Canada. For other countries, please contact your local distributor for the price in the appropriate currency.

This is the best saddle purchase I’ve ever made!

I have nothing but good things to say about my new Lovatt and Ricketts Ellipse dressage saddle! I have a hard-to-fit Arabian gelding – very wide, very round, very short-backed with low withers. I knew the saddle I was riding in wasn’t ideal, but I wasn’t sure how to resolve the problem. Once I researched hoop trees and saddle makers, I knew I wanted to try the Lovatt and Ricketts Ellipse. I ran into Adrienne Hendricks at a horse show, and she had an Ellipse with her that I was able to sit in. Once I sat in the saddle, experienced its comfort and examined its quality, I knew I wanted to try one on my horse. With the assistance of both Janet Lovatt and Adrienne Hendricks, I was able to custom order a saddle made to template for my horse. Janet helped expedite the construction and shipping of the saddle, and Adrienne helped me adjust the final fit so it was perfect for me and my gelding. My horse is moving better than ever, and I can spend hours in the arena as well as on the trail, riding in comfort! A bonus is how pleased my local saddle fitter is with the saddle as well. She and I both love the buffalo leather for durability, the new, hinged two-position stirrup bars (they are brilliant!), and the panel construction designed to properly fit the weight-bearing area of my horse’s back. This is the best saddle purchase I’ve ever made. Thank you again, Janet and Adrienne! My Ellipse is just perfect!
Liz Bailey, Poulsbo, WA