{"product_id":"palermo-ii-medium-forward-saddle","title":"Palermo II - Medium Forward Saddle","description":"\u003ch1\u003ePalermo II - Medium Forward Saddle\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  The Palermo II Medium Forward Saddle is a classic close contact saddle crafted for riders who demand both precision and feel. Built with an ultra grippy Oakbark covered leather, it delivers the security and connection that serious English riders rely on in the ring and on the trail. The medium forward flap geometry supports a forward-thinking riding position, making it an excellent choice for hunters, jumpers, and eventers who want a clean, traditional aesthetic without sacrificing performance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  With a fully adjustable XCH Medium tree, this saddle can be tailored to suit a wide range of horse shapes, offering long-term versatility as horses grow or change condition. Every detail - from the Bayflex panels to the Velcro triangle knee block and Velcro thigh block - reflects thoughtful engineering for comfort, stability, and independent movement in the seat.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic Close Contact Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low-profile build keeps you close to the horse for maximum feel and responsiveness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOakbark Covered Leather:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ultra grippy leather exterior provides exceptional security and a traditional, refined look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedium Forward Flap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports a forward leg position ideal for hunters, jumpers, and eventers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable XCH Medium Tree:\u003c\/strong\u003e Customizable tree width fits a broad range of horse conformations and can adapt as your horse changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBayflex Panels:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flexible, responsive panels conform to the horse's back for even pressure distribution and rider comfort.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVelcro Triangle Knee Block:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adjustable knee block offers customizable support and security over fences or on course.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVelcro Thigh Block:\u003c\/strong\u003e Removable and adjustable thigh block aids leg stability without restricting natural position.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in Sizes 16.5-18.0:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple seat sizes ensure a proper fit for a wide range of riders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOptions \u0026amp; Which to Choose\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best suited for smaller or more petite riders who need a compact, close-fitting seat with full saddle support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e17.0:\u003c\/strong\u003e A versatile mid-range size that fits the majority of average-build riders comfortably.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e17.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for riders who find a standard 17\" slightly snug - provides a touch more room without going to a full 18\".\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e18.0:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for larger riders who need a more spacious seat for comfort and balanced positioning during long rides or competition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePalermo II Medium Forward Saddle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  The Palermo II is a saddle that earns its keep ride after ride - whether you're schooling on a Tuesday morning or competing on the weekend. The Oakbark leather develops beautiful character with use while maintaining its grippy, secure feel throughout its life. Ovation Riding's attention to adjustability means this saddle won't be outgrown when your horse changes shape through the season - the XCH tree keeps it working for you. The combination of Bayflex panels and customizable blocks means your position can be refined exactly to your preference, not just approximated. For riders who value craftsmanship, fit, and lasting performance, the Palermo II Medium Forward is a saddle you'll come back to for years.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"custom-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eView Product Specs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePanels\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBayflex\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eKnee Block\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVelcro Triangle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eThigh Block\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVelcro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFlap\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium Forward\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTree\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdjustable XCH Medium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOakbark Covered Leather\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAvailable Sizes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16.5, 17.0, 17.5, 18.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"custom-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat does \"close contact\" mean in a saddle?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eA close contact saddle is designed with a flatter, thinner profile between the rider and the horse, allowing you to feel the horse's movement more directly. It's the standard choice for hunters, jumpers, and eventers who need a clear connection and balanced position while navigating fences and courses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the XCH adjustable tree and why does it matter?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe XCH (Extra Changeable Hardware) tree allows the saddle's gullet width to be adjusted to fit different horse back shapes. This is especially valuable because horses change condition throughout the year - a properly fitting saddle reduces pressure points and keeps your horse comfortable and moving freely. An adjustable tree also means your saddle can grow with your horse rather than requiring a full replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow do I choose the right seat size?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eSeat size refers to the length of the saddle seat from the nail head at the front to the cantle. As a general guide, riders with an inseam up to about 30\" typically ride a 16.5\"-17\" seat, while taller or broader riders often prefer 17.5\" or 18\". The best approach is to sit in a saddle and ensure you have roughly a hand's width between your body and the cantle - not too snug and not too much room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eAre the knee and thigh blocks adjustable or removable?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eYes - both the knee block and thigh block on the Palermo II attach via Velcro, meaning they can be repositioned or removed entirely to suit your preference. Riders who like a cleaner feel or have longer legs often adjust the block placement to keep their leg long and natural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is Oakbark leather and how should I care for it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eOakbark is a traditional tanning method that produces a firm, grippy leather prized in equestrian goods for its durability and feel. To care for it, clean regularly with a damp cloth and quality leather soap, then condition with a leather conditioner or balm to keep it supple and prevent cracking. Avoid soaking the leather or leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ovation Riding","offers":[{"title":"Oakbark \/ 16.5","offer_id":57073901273393,"sku":"490015MF165","price":2194.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Oakbark \/ 17.0","offer_id":57073901306161,"sku":"490015MF17","price":2194.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Oakbark \/ 17.5","offer_id":57073901338929,"sku":"490015MF175","price":2194.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Oakbark \/ 18.0","offer_id":57073901371697,"sku":"490015MF18","price":2194.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1724\/7681\/files\/490015.png?v=1792762764","url":"https:\/\/omahasportsandgames.com\/products\/palermo-ii-medium-forward-saddle","provider":"Omaha Sports \u0026 Games","version":"1.0","type":"link"}