As you explore the world of model horse show performance classes, you may want to purchase a dressage saddle for your Breyer horses or other model horses for use in Dressage Classes. Dressage saddles are a unique type of English saddle that features a deep seat. they are based on saddles of olden times and structured so that the rider sits deeply and over the horse's center of gravity for maximum communication between the rider and his horse. On a model horse, good fit and accurate are important to win live and photo show classes for model horses.
Buying Dressage Saddes: Breyer Saddles
Currently Breyer makes a dressage saddle and pad set that fits Traditional scale model horses. The Stoneleigh II Dressage Saddle (#2465) 
includes realistic looking irons (stirrups) and a quilted white saddle pad. The saddle itself, however, is not as realistic as it could be. If this were a real dressage saddle, it would feature a much deeper seat and padding. The keepers, which hold the extra stirrup leather, add a little bit of realism to the saddle itself. It fits the Breyer Hanoverian model nicely along with others around the same size, which is great for collectors since this makes it a good match for the horses most suitable for dressage classes. You can purchase the Stoneleigh Dressage Saddle at hobby and tack shops or online.
Custom-Crafted Dressage Saddles for Model Horses
Many fine hobby tack makers create custom-crafted dressage saddles for model horses in all model scales ranging from the larger 1:6 scale (Marx and large Artist Resins) all the way down to the tiniest micro mini model horses scale. Look on eBay or the Model Horse Sales Pages to find such quality tack, or search the model horse bulletin boards online to find tack makers whose work you like and contact them privately to see if they are taking commissions. They'll ask you which model your tack set is intended for, since many craftsman take great pride into accurately fitting tack to a model horse accurately and keep many of the more popular molds on hand to ensure that the tack fits great.
Use a Kit to Create a Model Horse Dressage Saddle
One hobbyist sells a kit to help you make your own dressage saddle. Melody Snow, also know as the Unicorn Woman online, offers a dressage saddle kit This kit is intended for ages 12 and up. It requires some basic leatherworking and crafting tools but includes all the leather and fittings as well as detailed instructions to help you make a dressage saddle. The kit is available in dark brown or black leather, and it is scaled for Breyer Traditional size horses.
Making Your Own Model Horse Dressage Saddles and Pads
Many hobbyists choose to make their own dressage tack. The best way to begin is to see actual dressage saddles at your local tack store or at a local barn. If you can actually look at a real saddle on the horse, lift the flaps and peek underneath. Feel the padding with your hands and take measurements. You can convert measurements in inches into the desired model horse scale. Measure the length of an actual dressage saddle from the pommel (front) to the cantle (back) and down along the flaps.
Another way to begin making your own dressage tack is by using a book such as Carrie Olquin's How to Dressage for Model Horses. The book includes instructions and patterns to make a dressage saddle and bridle, as well as arena fencing and markers. Patterns are created in Traditional scale but can be reduced on a photocopy machine for other scales. The author includes instructions on how to adjust the patterns to fit other Breyer model horse scales.
Before using expensive leather, try making a test saddle out of felt or cloth. This will save you money as you practice your tack-making skills. Kim Ford Hoffman, an expert miniature tack maker, also suggests using supple leather found on old purses and wallets. A trip to Goodwill, Salvation Army or your local thrift shop may yield excellent and inexpensive leather for projects in the purse aisle.
Dressage saddle pads are square and are usually quilted. You can make one from two pieces of white cotton with a thin layer of quilt batting or felt sewn between them. Using a machine with the smallest stich, quilt in a diamond or waffle pattern. You can also quilt the pattern by hand or simply pencil it on for photo show pictures.
As you get to know the world of English performance and dressage for model horses, look for great reference photos online and in magazines such as the real horse magazine Dressage Today. Pictures, YouTube videos, DVDs and books will also help you create the perfect dressage saddle for your model horse.