D1

The story of the D1 is one of innovation, persistence, and breakthrough success. In 2005, Carsten Engelke began developing a revolutionary saddle unlike anything the equestrian world had seen before. Manufactured exclusively for him from 2006, the D1 immediately faced resistance from traditional saddle makers. It was radically different – a “wobble saddle” with cutouts in the panels for the moving shoulder cartilage and an elastic front billet strap designed to guide, not restrict. Even with its premium price point, it required an additional Trapez Pad for the perfect fit, which went against the conventional thinking of the time.

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Back then, the prevailing wisdom was: “A well-fitting saddle doesn’t need a pad,” and long wedge panels were seen as the best solution for pressure distribution. Saddles with split French panels were rare and often difficult to fit, and no German or English manufacturer wanted to take on such an unconventional project.

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Determined to bring his vision to life, Carsten turned to Italy, where he found an open-minded partner in Prestige Italia. Free from tradition-bound thinking, Prestige embraced the project. This collaboration has since led to many groundbreaking innovations, such as the X-D2, RP Girth, X-Technology, Unisex Saddle Tree, and the revolutionary Secret Saddle.

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At first, the D1 was produced in small numbers and sold exclusively by Carsten Engelke. It quickly became a go-to solution for horses with shoulder issues, known only among insiders. The global breakthrough came in 2008 when Hinrich Romeike won double Olympic gold with his horse Marius, a powerful gray with asymmetrical shoulders. Thanks to the D1’s unique design, Marius could finally move freely and perform at his absolute best.

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Over time, the D1 evolved through several redesigns, leading to the D1 X-Zero – still one of the most comfortable and modern saddles available today. Its exceptional craftsmanship and adaptability make it a favorite not only for top-level competition horses but also for leisure riders and robust breeds.

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Even on the used saddle market, the D1 remains a highly valued model. Its stable resale value is a testament to its enduring quality and success – a true indicator of its lasting impact on the world of saddle design.

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