Product

Description

DP Quantum Short & Light Western Saddle – Model 8555

For riders who love the traditional Western saddle but want a shorter, lighter, and more versatile design, the DP Quantum Short & Light delivers the best of both worlds. Built on an innovative English-style tree, this saddle combines Western aesthetics with modern comfort, flexibility, and performance.

Key Features

  • Tree: Ultra-Flex (UF/VSK) with fully adjustable gullet (narrow to extra wide)
  • Seat Size: S2 Wide
  • Seat Style: Western Dressage Seat with Super Soft padding
  • Leather Finish: Chestnut Antique, double oiled and antiqued
  • Seat Leather: Black Nubuck
  • Panel Leather: Black Nappa with wool flocking
  • Tooling: Full Apache border tooling
  • Horn: Leather-wrapped
  • Fenders: Set back 1 cm, Short (58 cm)
  • Stirrups: Rawhide with black tread and black laces
  • Hardware: Stainless steel with leather conchos, D-rings, and footmanÂ’s loops
  • Makerplate: DP Saddlery Silver

Innovative Comfort & Fit

Unlike traditional Western saddles with rigid panels, the Quantum features wool flocked panels that adapt to your horseÂ’s shape over time. This ensures superior comfort, improved weight distribution, and a more customized fit with every ride.

Western Meets Dressage

The Western Dressage Seat offers a narrower twist and balanced seat similar to a dressage saddle, promoting correct rider alignment. The slightly set-back fenders enhance leg position, making this saddle ideal for both long trail rides and competitive Western Dressage.

Versatility & Practical Design

Designed with flexibility in mind, the fenders can be easily unhooked and swapped, allowing multiple riders to share the saddle by using different lengths. Whether you’re riding trails or entering the show ring, this saddle adapts to your needs.

Why Choose the Quantum Short & Light?

  • Lightweight design without sacrificing durability
  • Adjustable fit for a wide range of horses
  • Superior rider comfort with soft, supportive seat
  • Elegant Western styling with modern performance features
  • Suitable for Western Dressage competition (horned models)

The DP Quantum Short & Light is a truly unique saddle that redefines what a Western saddle can be—combining tradition, innovation, and exceptional comfort in one beautifully crafted piece.

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DP Western Saddles – Information & Options

Use this guide to understand the main choices on a DP western saddle so you can match the tree, seat, leather, and rigging to your horse and how you ride.

Tree Types
Seat & Fenders
Leather & Trim
Rigging Positions
Tooling & Seat Shapes

Key Technical Options

Saddle Trees

Wooden Trees (rawhide or fiberglass covered)

  • Traditional, rigid tree.
  • Suitable for reining, cutting, barrel racing, ranch work, and more.

Pro-Flex Trees (fixed width)

  • Rigid fork in several sizes (e.g. S, M, L, XL).
  • Designed for many western disciplines, but not recommended for roping.

Flex-Fit Trees (adjustable width)

  • Fork width adjusted with an Allen wrench system.
  • Semi-flexible bars designed to move with the horse.
  • Excellent for fine-tuning fit; not recommended for roping.

Ask which tree styles are available on the specific model youÂ’re looking at and which is best for your horseÂ’s back shape and discipline.


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Examples of different DP tree types.

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Fender Lengths

Fenders are measured from the middle of the seat to the stirrup tread.

  • Short: approx. 70 cm / 27.5″
  • Medium: approx. 77 cm / 30.3″
  • Long: approx. 84 cm / 33″
  • Other extended lengths may also be available (e.g. 88 cm, 93 cm, 101 cm).

The right length keeps your leg underneath you, improves balance, and prevents ankle and knee strain.


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Example of different fender lengths.

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Seat & Equitation Options

Standard Western Seat

  • Classic western profile and feel.
  • Great for trail riding and everyday use.

Equitation Seat & Fenders (on selected Flex-Fit models)

  • Deeper, straighter seat inspired by dressage saddles.
  • Equitation fenders position the leg more directly under the rider.
  • Ideal if you want more support and a show-ready leg position.


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Standard vs. Equitation seat comparison.

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Leather & Materials

Main Saddle Leather

  • High-quality vegetable-tanned leather.
  • Multiple color choices available.
  • Natural markings (subtle scars, small tone differences) are normal and part of real leather.

Seat Leathers

  • Nappa Leather – soft, lightly textured, comfortable right away.
  • Nubuck / Aspen Leather – velvet-like, “rough-out” feel for extra grip.
  • Some models offer special colors or patterns as an upgrade.

Trim & Decorative Options

  • Rawhide accents, silver or braided lacing.
  • Decorative stitching, spots, crystals, and colored piping on certain models.

Not all trims are available on every model—check the individual saddle description to see which options apply.

Examples of DP leather and tooling materials.

Rigging Options

Rigging describes how the cinch straps attach the saddle to the horse and where the cinch sits.

  • In-skirt C-Ring rigging – rings are built into the skirt for closer contact.
  • Double or three-way rigging – allows positions such as 7/8, 3/4, or 1/2.

The right rigging depends on your horseÂ’s build and your discipline. Ask which rigging choices come on your preferred model.


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Common rigging positions and cinch placement.

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Tooling & Seat Shapes

Tooling Styles

  • Border tooling – clean decorative edging along the saddle.
  • Basket tooling – classic woven pattern for a traditional western look.
  • Some models offer partial or full tooling coverage.

Seat Shape Options (vary by model)

  • Split seat
  • 3/4 seat
  • Bicycle seat
  • Full seat
  • Inlay seat

Seat shape affects how the saddle feels and looks—consider whether you prefer a more open seat for freedom of movement or a more secure, “locked-in” feel.


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Different tooling styles and seat shapes.

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Quick Reference

Use this side as a quick checklist when youÂ’re picking out or custom-ordering a DP western saddle.

Tree: Wooden · Pro-Flex · Flex-Fit

Seat: Standard or Equitation style

Fenders: Short · Medium · Long · Extra long

Leather: Nappa · Nubuck/Aspen · Special colors

Rigging: In-skirt · 7/8 · 3/4 · 1/2 (varies by model)

Look: Border or basket tooling · Seat shape · Trim options

If youÂ’re unsure, start with how you ride (trail, performance, ranch, show) and your horseÂ’s back type, then narrow down tree and rigging first. Seats, fenders, and tooling come next.

Good Questions to Ask

  • Which tree style is best for my horseÂ’s back and my discipline?
  • Can I adjust the tree width later (Flex-Fit) if my horse changes condition?
  • What fender length do you recommend for my leg length?
  • Is this rigging position a good match for my horseÂ’s girth area?
  • Which seat leather and shape will give me the security or freedom I want?
  • Which tooling and trim options are available on this exact model?

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