The Saddle

The Benni's Harmony saddle is designed by Benedikt Lindal, a class A riding instructor and master trainer in The Trainers Association of Iceland - FT.   The producer is Stübben, the leading manufacturer of saddlery and world famous for his professionalism and high quality tack.

What makes the Harmony saddles so special is that they´re designed with the horse’s well being in mind, they´re "horse friendly" saddles. In order for any horse to perform at its best, it must feel comfortable.

The saddles shape places the rider in the correct position, encouraging a good seat and allowing a full range of movement. Special effort has been put into creating a soft, comfortable seat for the rider.

The Benni's Harmony has a specially designed spring tree. Although the tree is made of synthetic material which is both strong and durable, the saddle remains flexible. 

An open frame consisting of springs and fastened with a wide nylon cord allow the saddle to stretch and spread where needed, both cross-wise and diagonally. This type of tree has been termed "pre-tensioned" because pull and pressure forces work together. The movements of the horse and weight of the rider cause the tree to flex. The saddle conforms to the horse’s back due to the suppleness of the spring tree and the fact that the deepest point of the saddle is in the middle. This prevents unnecessary back strain, or even injury, to the horse caused by pressure points.  The unbreakable never-rust stirrup bars are recessed into the tree, ensuring that the stirrup leather buckles do not interfere with the rider´s contact.  The Stübben tree is both expensive and difficult in produce, but in use it´s quite unbeatable.

The billets on the Harmony are long and buckles are below the panels which enable the rider to maintain close contact with the horse through the calves and thighs.  A short girth made of strong, soft synthetic material can be bought  fitting the saddles. When the girth is fastened it is positioned at approximately the width of a hand from the horse’s front legs. This, along with a design which enables good weight distribution, contributes to the fact that the Harmony sits well on the horse and doesn’t pinch the horse or hinder its breathing.

Kneepads are placed high beneath the side panels to give support to the rider's thighs, while leaving the knees free. Kneepads are stuffed with natural wool and have plenty of space between them, minimising any risk of rubbing along the horse's spine.

When the girth is in place then so is the saddle. The correct position of the saddle is about 3-4 cm behind the shoulder blades of the horse. This saddle position ensures the shoulders are free. Another factor which contributes to the rider’s good seat is the spring tree.  It´s form prevents the rider from sitting too far back and places him/her directly above the horse’s center of balance, in the middle of the saddle. This is the key to why the spring tree works so well.

Jakob Sigurðsson & Auður frá Lundum  /  Bjarni Jónasson og Komma frá Garði

Benni´s Harmony saddles are available in 3 different sizes, the width of the front of the tree varies to fit different needs. Most horses require the mid-size version. Horses with especially narrow or wide shoulders may need the other sizes. Every saddle comes with a saddle cover.

The leather used in Benni's Harmony saddles consists of top quality cowhide. By using the newest technology along with over a hundred years of tradition in the tanning and leather handling business, the manufacturer produces a top quality leather with beautiful texture and distinctive markings. The leather is dyed according to European standards concerning environmental protection. The Harmony saddles are available in both dark brown and black.

Benedikt Líndal, in collaboration with a world famous saddle-maker Stübben in Switzerland, has succeeded in designing and producing saddles of the highest quality and durability. Soft, pliable saddles which provide comfort to both horse and rider, enhancing the performance of both.

Harmony saddles are available in eight different models:
Focus extra, Focus, Allround, Allround RS, Elegant, Elegant RS, Comfort II and Elegant Junior.

With the horse’s comfort and safety in mind all the types are equally suitable. They  have the same spring tree, only shaped differently.  All types are multi-purpose and can therefore be used in all areas of riding, whether it be training, trail riding or competition. The choice between the two types is a matter of the rider’s taste.

EXTRA

Very similar to Benni's Harmony Focus but with longer and a little bit broader sidepanels.

A great competition saddle

Benni´s Harmony Focus has elegant design and is quite sporty.
Extra large knee rolls and specially selected quality letaher.
It has Stubben saddletree and a larger back pad.
No extra rings for saddle bags etc. Two colors.

The "Allround" model is rather deep with a soft, good seat  that provides a secure feeling in all gaits without restricting movement. 

Allround RS is like a regular Allround but is extra soft with a padded seat.

"Elegant" has a more open seat without being too flat. It´s is a smaller model of nice size with soft seat.  

Elegant RS is like a regular Elegant but is extra soft with a padded seat.

Comfort II has a comfortable well padded seat which is especially soft for the rider.  It has good flexibility and due to it´s built an even weight distribution over a larger area of the horses back.

You are never too young for quality

Elegant Junior is a specially designed child´s saddle, light and provides
extra support and security for the child. It has padded seat, good knee rolls
and a security strap attached to the cantle, Stubben saddletree and it looks great on a horse.
The saddle is designed to be a first saddle for a child and to last up to 11 -12 years of age.