All Purpose Saddle Appraisal

Crosby Prix St. George Dressage Saddle

This is a vintage Crosby Prix St. George dressage saddle dating to the late 1980s, featuring a 17.5-inch seat and a medium tree. The saddle displays a sophisticated two-tone aesthetic, with a rich dark Havana brown leather seat and pommel contrasting against deep black leather flaps and skirts. It is constructed from high-quality, fine-grained leather, characteristic of the English craftsmanship Crosby was known for during this era. The saddle features a deep seat, long straight flaps typical of the dressage discipline, and distinct gold-tone metal hardware including a small circular maker's nail at the pommel. It is shown equipped with black leather stirrup leathers and stainless steel Fillis-style stirrup irons with white rubber pads. The condition appears exceptionally well-maintained for its age; the leather shows a supple patina with minimal cracking or 'crazing' seen on the flaps, and the stitching remains tight and intact. Notable features include the elegant light-colored piping along the seat edge and the padded knee rolls beneath the flap. This model is highly regarded for its close-contact feel and classic minimalist design, free of the oversized blocks common in modern dressage saddles. The undersides of the panels appear smooth and even, suggesting the flocking has been well-cared for over the decades.