Passier leather products

Passier tans its leather for specific purposes: the leather that sits under the rider’s leg is not the same as the leather used for the seat, and the leather that touches the horse’s back is different again. Here’s how to read a product page with confidence, and how to configure your saddle if you order it made to measure.

Four leathers, four uses

• Natural Grip leather — the most supple flap leather in the Passier range, tanned with natural waxes and plant- and animal-based oils. It offers excellent grip: the leg does not slip. It is used on saddles with a PS tree and remains available as an option on synthetic trees.
• European calfskin — highly resistant and durable, and used by Passier for more than ten years. This is the leather used for all saddles with a synthetic tree.
• Selloil leather — remarkably supple and highly non-slip. It is used on the seat, knee inserts, and panels: it creates that feeling of being supported effortlessly.
• Super Soft Grip leather (SSG) — reliable grip, a soft feel, and a polished appearance: this is the leather used for saddle linings.

Three colors

• Black — the classic saddle color, chosen for nearly 80% of saddles produced today. The traditional dressage choice.
• Havana — a warm, dark brown that is particularly flattering on chestnut coats. It is the leading choice in Northern Europe and Asia, especially for jumping and all-purpose saddles.
• Teak — the color of teak wood, from which it takes its name, lighter and brighter. Very popular in the United States, often for jumping and all-purpose saddles.

Passier guarantees maximum color stability and consistency. However, leather is a living material: each hide takes the dye in its own way, and slight variations are possible within the same color. This is the hallmark of natural leather, not a defect. With regular care, the color remains stable for years.

Configuring your saddle: the five zones

On recent models, five elements can be chosen separately. Here is Passier’s official layout, using the Sirius as an example:

1. Stitching — stitching: the thread, either tone-on-tone or distinctly contrasting.
2. Trims — trim: the piping that outlines the contours, in leather or patent leather.
3. Flap leather — flap leather: the large surface under the leg, and the one most visible.
4. Seat, knee pad, and panel leather — seat, knee pad, panel leather.
5. Raised seam leather — raised seam leather: the cord that frames the seat at the front and rear.

Two restrictions are indicated on the color chart: some shades are not available for the seat (not on seat), while others are not available for the panel gusset (not on gusset). We check these details with you before placing the order.

The color chart

The Passier sample card, organized by zone. Stitching is available in black, gray, cream, white, blue, and red, among other colors. Trims come in plain leather and patent leather — black, Havana, blue, red, cognac, and cream. Flap and seat leathers are available in the three colors, with either a smooth or grained finish.

These colors are those shown on the supplier’s card: we confirm the availability of each combination when preparing your quote, and you are welcome to come and view the samples at the saddlery.

What’s next?

The terminology for the parts mentioned here is explained in detail, with a diagram, on our saddle anatomy page. For the order itself, everything starts with measurements of your horse’s back: our measurement guide explains how to take a wire tracing, which photos to provide, and how to complete the form. Personalization surcharges are listed on each saddle product page, in the “Fitting Options” section.