Bestsellers
Pessoa Saddles & Tack | Emmers Equestrian
Pessoa is a Brazilian saddle brand built on genuine show jumping pedigree, founded on the reputation of Nelson Pessoa, one of the sport's legendary riders, and carried forward by his son Rodrigo Pessoa's own championship career. That heritage shows up directly in the saddles: close-contact jumping designs in pre-oiled leather, chosen specifically for its grip and resistance to humidity rather than just its looks.
The standout feature across much of the range is the X-Change gullet system, interchangeable plates that let you adjust the tree width yourself with nothing more than a screwdriver, spanning narrow through extra-wide. It's a genuinely practical solution if your horse's shape changes with fitness or season, though it's still worth having the resulting fit checked rather than assuming a self-adjusted width is automatically correct.
The right saddle is essential for your horse’s comfort, freedom of movement and performance, and its fit can change as your horse’s shape and fitness develop. Whether you’re choosing a new saddle or checking your current one, discover the Emmers Equestrian Saddle Fitting Service for expert advice tailored to both horse and rider.
Tips for Choosing
- Pick a jumping-focused model if close contact and a forward-cut flap matter most to you, since that's where Pessoa's design heritage is strongest.
- If your horse's shape shifts seasonally, an X-Change model saves you from buying multiple saddles; just confirm the width setting with a saddle fitter after you adjust it yourself.
- For a young or smaller rider, look at the dedicated pony and junior models rather than a downsized adult saddle, since they're built to a different scale and balance point.
- Check current size and stock availability early, since specific Pessoa models and sizes can be limited at any given time.
- Factor leather care into your routine from day one; the pre-oiled leather holds its grip and flexibility better with regular conditioning than if it's left to dry out.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really adjust the gullet width myself, or do I need a professional?
You can physically change the plate yourself with a screwdriver, but it's still worth having a saddle fitter confirm the resulting width is actually right for your horse.
What makes Pessoa leather different?
It's pre-oiled during production, which gives it extra grip and better resistance to humidity and sweat compared to untreated leather.
Are Pessoa saddles only for jumping?
Jumping is where the brand's reputation is strongest, but the range also includes pony, junior and all-purpose models for other uses.
Is the X-Change system only useful if my horse's shape actually changes?
It's most valuable for a horse that changes shape with fitness, season or muscle development, though it's also useful if you ever sell the saddle to someone with a differently shaped horse.
Are these saddles suitable for competition?
Yes, they're built as genuine competition saddles, reflecting the brand's show jumping background at the top level of the sport.
How do I look after the leather?
Clean and condition it regularly, like any quality leather saddle, which helps maintain the grip and suppleness the pre-oiled treatment is designed to provide.
You'll find the Pessoa saddle range at Emmers Equestrian.