Pessoa Gen-X Elite 17" MW

The Pessoa Gen-X Elite is a popular jump saddle known for its combination of performance features and a moderate price point. It was developed as part of the Rodrigo Pessoa collection, aiming to provide a high-quality competition saddle that is accessible to a wider range of riders.

Key Features:

X-Change Gullet System: This is one of the most significant features of the saddle. The gullet plates can be easily changed by the rider, allowing for quick and simple adjustments to the saddle's width. This system is designed to accommodate a horse's changing shape or to fit the saddle to a different horse.

AMS Panels: The saddle is equipped with the AMS (Advanced Movement System) panels. This patented system uses a synthetic wool flocking with a layer of neoprene. This design is intended to distribute pressure more evenly across the horse's back, absorb impact, and prevent the flocking from bunching up, which can cause pressure points. The panels are also re-flockable, so they can be adjusted by a saddle fitter.

Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tree: The Gen-X Elite is built on a flexible and lightweight carbon fiber tree. This tree is designed to move with the horse's back, providing freedom of movement and a close-contact feel. The tree often comes with a generous 20-year warranty.

Half-Deep Seat: The saddle features a half-deep seat with soft, supportive foam. This design provides a secure and comfortable spot for the rider, while still allowing for the freedom of movement required for jumping.

Pre-Oiled Leather: The saddle is made from pre-oiled leather, which provides a comfortable and grippy feel right out of the box and reduces the break-in time.

Horse Suitability:

The Pessoa Gen-X Elite is a highly versatile saddle due to its X-Change gullet system. This system allows it to be fitted to a wide variety of horse shapes and widths. With a range of gullet plates available (from Narrow to XXX-Wide), the saddle can be adjusted to fit:

Horses with different wither shapes: The adjustable gullet system allows the saddle to be tailored for horses with high withers, medium withers, or no prominent withers at all.

Horses with varying back profiles: The AMS panels, with their ability to be re-flocked, can be shaped to fit backs that are flat, slightly curved, or have a more pronounced rise.

Horses that change shape: For young horses still developing or those that fluctuate in weight and fitness, the interchangeable gullet and adjustable flocking are a major benefit.

While the saddle is highly adaptable, it's generally best suited for horses with a standard or well-defined conformation, as the tree's fundamental shape is most effective on those. The wide gullet channel provides good spinal clearance for most horses.²⁰ However, even with the changeable gullet system, a professional saddle fitting is always recommended to ensure the saddle is balanced and fitted correctly to the individual horse's back.

Important Note: Saddle fitting is crucial. While a saddle model may be designed for a specific horse type, it's always recommended to have a professional saddle fitter assess both the horse and rider to ensure the best possible fit.