We've upgrade the Ainsley MVP polo saddle Series 1! Now we're introducing our latest take on the MVP – the Series 2. Developed to further enhance the all-important polo saddle fit and suit a broader range of horses than ever before. The Series 2 MVPs saddle includes the addition of Tack-Room Changeable Girth Points and 2 new types of panels: a choice of wool-flocked or freedom foam.
Made in hand selected leather, that's durable, yet supple, the saddle is made with for bothe professional player, or amateurs. Polo players who have tried it, just love it!
At Ainsley Saddlery we are so passionate about a proper fitting saddle, all Series 2 MVPs include a free saddle fit from one of our accredited experts. Kindly note, depending on your location the saddle fit may be virtual or in person, please enquire for more details.
With the same tree and base design, rest assured you will enjoy all the benefits the MVP is renowned for:
- Fully adjustable for the perfect fit with exchangeable gullet plates (included)
- Exceptionally comfortable for horse & player
- Maximises freedom of scapula (shoulder) movement
- Pain-free withers & spinal clearance
- Instant boost in confidence & stability
- Optimises hitting performance in the half seat position & unimpeded full range of movement
- Improved recovery rate (minimised scapular resistance)
- Distributes your weight where it needs to be
- No overtightened girth
- The perfect weight, lighter than most polo saddles
- The saddle tree has a natural flex, both longitudinally and diagonally, allowing the MVP to follow the horse's movements
- Enhances breathing
- Minimises pressure on the loins (particularly when your horse's legs & underneath itself & its back is raised)
Series 2 MVPs include the addition of Tack-Room Changeable Girth Points and 2 new types of panels: Wool-Flocked and Freedom Foam.
At Ainsley Saddlery we are so passionate about a proper fitting saddle, all Series 2 MVPs include a free saddle fit from one of our accredited experts. Kindly note, depending on your location the saddle fit may be virtual or in person, please enquire for more details.
Panels
The Series 2 MVP is available in 2 different types of panels. Check our FAQ below for more information and get in touch if you need a hand deciding on the best option on your horse.
Wool-Flocked Panels
Our most commonly recommended panel type, Wool-Flocked Panels put the saddle fit completely in the riders hands. The panels can be customised to ensure a truly perfect fit for any horse on the planet, they can be adjusted whenever necessary to account for changes in weight, muscle growth or muscle reduction.
Wool-Flocked saddles come with a narrow gusset as standard, a wide gusset can be ordered on request (please contact us).
Freedom Panels (Foam)
Our Freedom Foam Panels have a unique shape, designed to fit an extensive range of horses, broader than any other foam-panel polo saddle on the market (including our MVP Series 1). The new Freedom Panels combine many elements of both our Slimline and Super-Slim panels, removing the need for 2 different foam panel options*. The design includes a new concept on the top of the panels, allowing more trapeze space and freedom to the scapular movement than ever before and giving a close contact feel with the horse. Foam panels will be your best option if you are looking for a low maintenance option, as panels require no maintenance. They may also suit better for a string of horses**.
*In some cases such as a horse with an extremely wide/flat wither, we may still recommend a Super-Slim MVP if the customer would prefer foam opposed to wool-flocked. Please get in touch before purchasing to confirm what would best suit your horse.
Tackroom Changeable Girth Points
The girth points (also known as girth straps, billet straps or billet points) on the Series 2 MVP have been redesigned for enhanced scapular freedom and improved weight distribution.
Each side of the saddle has 4 secure clasps for the changeable girth point connections, putting the player in control of distributing where the weight and pressure is applied by the saddle: either a broad range of pressure running from the seat to the girth, a forward central or a rear location (depending on the shape of the horse and rider preference).
The Tackroom Changeable Girth Points allow the girth and girth points to hang perpendicular to the saddle, the girth sits in the natural girth groove of the horse – this is more comfortable for the horse, stabilises the saddle and therefor stabilises the player.
We fit 2 changeable girth points to each side of the saddle (which can easily be interchanged between the 4 connectors as needed). Most English polo saddles have 3 fitted, stitched in permanent girth points (including our Series 1 MVP) – by developing changeable girth points, we remove the need for 3 girth points, reducing unnecessary weight and greatly improving the girth fit.
In Founder Ross Ainsley’s words: our changeable girth points help balance the saddle, giving a stable, secure platform for the rider and most importantly a well-fitting saddle for the horse. We’re utilising the shape and big muscles of the horse rather than relying on panels being clamped to the spine and preventing horses being sinched up (essentially cutting the horse in half with the girth in order to get the same stability). You have the advantage of applying more downward pressure where needed, for a better fit and to give the best contact – particularly helpful for a horse who’s saddle typically tips forward.
We provide 2 spare girth points with Series 2 MVPs, for the odd occasion a 3 point girth is used, or as replacements if any wear out.
Gullet Plates
Changeable gullet plates ensure a perfect fit for all shapes and widths, providing exceptional clearance at withers.
- Each MVP saddle includes three gullet plate sizes, with medium (most common) installed unless requested otherwise.
- Can be exchanged in 5 minutes by anyone who can use an allen key!
- Made from spring steel, much less prone to spread over time (many polo saddles spread over time causing reduced clearance between withers and pommel).
The Quality
- Exceptionally strong saddle tree to stand up to the rigours of polo
- Spring steel gullet plates that will not spread over time
- Extremely durable billets - buffalo hide with a raw hide inside
- Rough-out leather that outlasts suede by many years
We are so confident in the quality that every MVP comes with a 15 year warranty on the tree and a 5 year warranty on the rest of the saddle.
Bespoke Nameplates
We can organise bespoke brass nameplates (as pictured) with your name, initials, polo team or logo. Please get in touch via email info@ainsleysaddlery.com to arrange.
FAQ
I’m stuck, can you help me determine which saddle I need? Absolutely! We love it when clients reach out before making their purchase, we understand a saddle is a big investment – we want to get it right as much as you do. In fact, we can give advice on all of our gear, including bits (which can be a bit of a minefield). Get in touch and include some detail of what you are looking for.
**I have a string of horses, I can’t have a different saddle for each horse. Is the MVP still my best choice? We know polo, and while having a different saddle fit specifically to each horse is always preferable, we understand it is not always practical – which is why our saddle fitters can look at each horse in your string and work out which panel, gullet plate and girth point combinations will work best for the average of your string. Of course, there may be 1 or more outliers which will inevitably require their own saddles – we will do our best to work with you and your unique situation.
Should I choose wool or foam panels? The question of wool vs foam is a widely debated topic. At Ainsley Saddlery, we most often recommend wool flocked panels, largely because of the almost infinite fitting options and customisability. However, foam definitely has its place in the market, removing the need for basically any panel maintenance and if no saddle fitters are available in your region (although, we do have saddle fitters available for virtual fittings). Rest assured, our foam panels are exceptional quality and developed with saddle fitting top of mind. If you’re unsure of what you need, please get in touch before purchasing to confirm what would best suit your horse.