Handmade saddlery with decades of experience.
Dove Saddles was established by Graham Turner in 1976. Explore saddles, tack, leatherwork and the practical fitting knowledge gathered over a lifetime in the trade.
Saddles, tack & fitting information.
Browse our saddles, riding gear and practical saddle-fitting information.
Buying a saddle?
Start with the buying guide and saddle-fit information before choosing a model. These pages explain the details that matter for both horse and rider.
Saddle tree availability
We have been told by both our tree suppliers in the USA that they have stopped production of their plastic moulded saddle trees. Polyride stopped production entirely in 2015, and Ralide stopped production in February 2020, with no further news on any ongoing manufacturing either from them or future buyers. The result is that we will buy some remaining Ralide stock, but this will limit most trees regarding our future manufacturing, so in some cases it may be a second-best choice. Sorry about the inconvenience, but this was entirely out of our control. Some further purchases can be made using USA Steele Equi-Fit brand wood/fibreglass custom trees, which sadly add to the price due to the extra labour cost. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Additional information
Before you purchase a saddle, please read my Buying a Saddle page first.
Please note: due to lack of use, from 1 August 2015 we no longer accept credit cards because of the increase in our fees, and we don't think you want to pay 9% to cover this. Sorry.
A working saddlery, not a catalogue factory.
Dove Saddles grew from traditional saddlery training into practical New Zealand manufacturing and custom work.
Dove Saddles was established by Graham Turner in 1976. In 1971, I spent some time as an apprentice in Masterton, New Zealand, and then moved to W. Wiggins Ltd, where I worked for four years. I then decided to go to Sydney, Australia, where I worked for Bexley Saddlery. After that, I decided to return to New Zealand, where I continued to work for W. Wiggins Ltd until June 1976. I then went into business, setting up at my parents' place in Wellington. I worked there for seven years before moving to Raumati on the Kāpiti Coast, where I shared a workshop for three years with boot and shoemaker Tex Bell.
In 1986, I moved to my own building in Reikorangi, Waikanae, where we built a workshop showroom on our property and enjoy the rural lifestyle. During my time, I have trained three apprentices.
Read the full storyMilestones & older updates
A selection of past milestones, product notes and photographs from Dove Saddles.
Saddle #1000 — December 2015
Saddle #1000 now sold!
Finally made it, folks. December 2015—my one-thousandth saddle before the year was out. Thank you for all the support for all the ones that went before this one.
This one was a bit special. It is a 15 1/2'' converted cutter on a rawhide wood tree, with a deep seat, high front, 5'' cantle with front binding, semi-to-standard Quarter Horse fit, red-tan colour with a plait border, old-style fenders, hand-sewn cantle binder, double-Dee SS rigging with a back angled Dee to Y-rig, and sewn-down back housing (jockey) shaped hard seat. The Pelican horn is not for roping, sorry. Copper-finish longhorn conchos with SS dees underneath, four saddle ties, and easy-grip barrel stirrups. Yours for $2800.00. Now sold, sorry; it was a one-off.
Older “What’s New?” notes
Saddle Seat Reducer
2010-11-12 - Saddle Seat Reducer
Having trouble with a sloppy seat, or perhaps your child wants to ride your saddle and the seat is just too big for them? This will fix it and shorten the seat for a better fit. The elastic web simply stretches over the seat into place—no ties, buckles or domes to fiddle with. Leather top. Price $78-00.
Adjustable Saddle Pad
2010-11-12 - Adjustable Saddle Pad
Comes with or without a non-slip underside. Simply Velcro it open and adjust where you want the padding. It has a cutaway wither, central ventilation holes and wear leathers. Priced from $175.
Photo archive
