{"product_id":"palermo-ii-medium-saddle","title":"Palermo II - Medium Saddle","description":"\u003ch1\u003ePalermo II - Medium Saddle\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  The Palermo II Medium Saddle is a classic close contact saddle crafted for riders who demand both precision and style in the arena. Built on an adjustable XCH Medium tree, it delivers a secure, close feel that keeps you connected to your horse through every movement. The ultra-grippy Oakbark covered leather sets this saddle apart, offering natural adhesion that builds rider confidence whether schooling at home or competing in the ring.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  Designed with performance-minded equestrians in mind, the Palermo II features Bayflex panels for a smooth, even weight distribution, along with Velcro triangle knee blocks and Velcro thigh blocks for a customizable, supportive fit. Available in four seat sizes, this saddle accommodates a wide range of riders looking for a polished close contact experience without compromise.\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 Keeps riders close to the horse for enhanced feel and communication through transitions and jumps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOakbark Covered Leather:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ultra-grippy material that provides superior security and develops a rich patina with use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable XCH Medium Tree:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows fit adjustments to accommodate a variety of horse back shapes without replacing the saddle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBayflex Panels:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer even pressure distribution along the horse's back for comfort during extended work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVelcro Triangle Knee Block:\u003c\/strong\u003e Repositionable knee block lets riders dial in the ideal leg position for their discipline and build.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVelcro Thigh Block:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adjustable thigh block provides additional lateral support without being overpowering or restrictive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedium Flap Cut:\u003c\/strong\u003e A versatile flap length suited to a broad range of rider leg lengths and riding styles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour Seat Sizes Available:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offered in 16.5, 17.0, 17.5, and 18.0 inch seat sizes to fit riders of all builds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Ovation Riding Craftsmanship:\u003c\/strong\u003e Engineered by a trusted name in English riding with attention to fit, feel, and durability.\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 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 Medium Saddle is a go-to choice for serious English riders who want performance-driven quality at every level of competition. The adjustable XCH tree means this saddle can grow with you as your horses change, making it a smart long-term investment for trainers, barn managers, and dedicated amateurs alike. The Oakbark covered leather not only looks exceptional but provides the kind of grip that builds real rider security over time.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  Trusted by Ovation Riding - a brand with deep roots in the English riding community - this saddle reflects years of refinement in close contact design. Whether you're preparing for your next show or putting in the daily miles in the ring, the Palermo II is engineered to deliver consistent comfort and performance for both horse and rider, ride after ride.\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\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 Seat 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 to minimize bulk between the rider and the horse, allowing for a more direct feel and communication. The thinner panels and forward flap cut are optimized for jumping and flatwork disciplines where feel and responsiveness are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat is the XCH adjustable tree and how does it work?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe XCH (Exchange) tree is an adjustable gullet system that allows the width of the saddle's fit to be modified without replacing the entire saddle. This is particularly useful if you ride multiple horses or if your horse's back shape changes with fitness and age. Adjustments are typically made by a saddle fitter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat seat size should I choose?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eSeat size in a saddle generally corresponds to rider build - specifically inner leg length and thigh length. As a general guide, riders up to about 5'4\" often ride a 16.5 or 17.0, while taller or longer-legged riders typically prefer a 17.5 or 18.0. Consulting with a saddle fitter or trying the saddle in person is always recommended for the best fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow do I care for Oakbark covered leather?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eOakbark leather should be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt, followed by a quality leather conditioner. Avoid saturating the leather with water. With proper care, Oakbark leather develops a rich patina over time and remains supple and grippy for years of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eAre the knee and thigh blocks adjustable?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eYes - both the knee block and thigh block use Velcro attachment, meaning they can be repositioned or removed to suit your individual leg position and preference. This makes the Palermo II a versatile saddle that can be tailored to a wide range of rider styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ovation Riding","offers":[{"title":"Oakbark \/ 16.5","offer_id":57127312556337,"sku":"490015M165","price":2194.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Oakbark \/ 17.0","offer_id":57127312589105,"sku":"490015M17","price":2194.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Oakbark \/ 17.5","offer_id":57127312621873,"sku":"490015M175","price":2194.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Oakbark \/ 18.0","offer_id":57127312654641,"sku":"490015M18","price":2194.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1724\/7681\/files\/490015_f0b5b49f-570c-4fbb-a365-996fc51e0c90.png?v=1793027472","url":"https:\/\/omahasportsandgames.com\/products\/palermo-ii-medium-saddle","provider":"Omaha Sports \u0026 Games","version":"1.0","type":"link"}