Collegiate Astute Close Contact Saddle

Regular price: $2,495.00
Regular price
Sale price: $2,495.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Color Black Brown

Size 42cm/16.5" 43cm/17" 44cm/17.5"

Please contact us to confirm your size and colour before purchasing. We’ll advise an estimated lead time depending on whether the this saddle is in stock in NZ or needs to be made to order.

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Handcrafted from the highest quality naturally tanned pigmented double leather that is soft and supple for complete comfort and optimum grip

Adjustable stirrup bar allows for a correct leg position
Shaped knee rolls for stability and to assist with correct leg position
Narrow twist for a more secure seat and correct leg position.
Semi deep seat and square cantle for a more secure and comfortable ride.
Traditional flock filled panels conform to your horses shape and provides optimal adjustability over time
2-year saddle guarantee. 10-year tree warranty.
Opti-Fit Gullet: Versatile Opti-Fit gullet system allows you to easily alter the width of the gullet to customise the fit for your horse throughout the saddles life.

OptiFit Changeable Gullet System

What is the Collegiate Opti-Fit Gullet System?

The Collegiate Opti-Fit Gullet System is an innovative adjustable saddle fitting solution that allows riders to easily change the width of their saddle to suit their horse’s shape. Whether your horse is building muscle, changing condition, or you ride multiple horses, the Opti-Fit system ensures your saddle always delivers the perfect fit.

With a choice of interchangeable gullet plates, the Opti-Fit system lets you fine-tune the fit in minutes—helping your horse move freely, perform better, and stay comfortable in every ride.

Key Benefits of the Opti-Fit System

Customised Fit – Adjust the saddle width to suit your horse’s withers and back shape.
Quick & Easy Changes – Swap gullet plates in minutes without special tools.
Long-Term Value – One saddle fits multiple horses or adapts as your horse changes.
Comfort & Performance – Better fit means improved weight distribution, freedom of movement, and reduced pressure points.
Versatile Design – Available across the Collegiate range, including dressage, jump, and all-purpose saddles.

How the Opti-Fit Gullet System Works

The Opti-Fit system comes with a range of colour-coded gullet plates, each representing a different width. Simply remove the saddle’s easy-access panel, change the gullet plate to your chosen size, and reassemble—it’s that simple.

Available gullet sizes typically range from Narrow to Extra Wide, ensuring there’s an option for almost every horse and riding discipline.

Collegiate Saddles with Opti-Fit Technology

You’ll find the Opti-Fit Gullet System in many Collegiate leather and synthetic saddles, including:

Collegiate Dressage Saddles – for balance, precision, and rider position.
Collegiate Jump Saddles – designed for freedom of movement over fences.
Collegiate All-Purpose Saddles – for versatility across flatwork, jumping, and hacking.

Why Choose NZ Tack for Your Collegiate Saddle

At NZ Tack, we stock the full range of Collegiate saddles and accessories, along with Opti-Fit gullet plates and expert fitting advice. Our team can help you choose the right saddle model and gullet size for your horse, ensuring the perfect match for comfort, style, and performance.

Shop all Collegiate products HERE

Approved Saddle Fitters

Finding the perfect saddle fit is essential for your horse’s comfort and performance. NZ Tack Saddlery Co works closely with a nationwide network of approved saddle fitters trained to fit Bates, Collegiate, and Wintec saddles. These professional fitters are experienced in assessing conformation, rider needs, and saddle technology to ensure the best fit possible.

Whether you’re in Auckland, Christchurch, Canterbury, Wellington, Waikato, or anywhere in New Zealand, you can trust our listed saddle fitters to provide expert fitting and adjustments.

Why Choose an Approved Saddle Fitter?

✅ Trained in Bates, Collegiate, and Wintec saddle systems
✅ Expert in adjustable gullet and CAIR® Cushion System
✅ Can recommend the right model and adjustments for your horse
✅ Provide ongoing support, flocking, and repairs

Find a Saddle Fitter Near You

North Island

Auckland Region

Auckland Saddle Fit – Christine Peart – 📞 027 625 6464 – Saddle Fitter – North Auckland
Balanced Saddle Fitting LTD – Chris Barnett – 📞 021 411 610 – Saddle Fitter – Auckland
Country Pursuits Ltd – David Jones-Parry – 📞 021 663 895 – Saddle Fitter – Auckland

Waikato & Surrounds

Maddox Equestrian – Phil Maddox – 📞 027 200 7124 – Saddle Fitting / Repairs – Nationwide coverage

Manawatu

Debbie Prattley – Debbie Prattley – 📞 027 383 8728 – Saddle Fitting – Palmerston North

South Island

Christchurch & Canterbury

Stephanie Bullock – 📞 021 187 1330 – Saddler / Saddle Fitting – Christchurch
Equestrian Online – Ursula Keenan – 📞 021 062 8928 – Saddle Fitting / Repairs – Christchurch

Trial Saddle Info

At NZ Tack Saddlery Co, we know finding the perfect saddle is essential for both horse and rider. That’s why we offer a Saddle Trial Service to give you peace of mind before committing to your purchase.

How the Trial Works

You purchase your saddle at full price.
For example, if your chosen saddle costs $1,999, you will be charged $1,999 at checkout.
We then send you a trial saddle, complete with a full set of gullets, so you can test the fit on your horse.
If you’re happy with the fit and feel, we will swap the trial saddle for your brand new saddle at no additional cost.

If the Saddle Does Not Fit

If the trial saddle doesn’t work out, we will refund you $1,900.
The $99 deduction covers:
- The use of the trial saddle (including full gullet set)
- Shipping both ways
- Payment processing/card fees

Important Notes

Once the new saddle has been sent to you (after the trial), it is considered a final sale and is non-returnable.
Saddles must be trialed with care. Please use a clean saddle cloth and take reasonable steps to avoid unnecessary marks or wear.

Warranty

Collegiate saddle warranty:

2-year warranty on the saddle: This covers defects in the saddle's construction, materials, and workmanship.
10-year warranty on the saddle tree: This covers defects in the tree, which is the internal framework of the saddle.
Warranty does not cover: Normal wear and tear, damage from improper care, or damage from misuse.