. Modern saddles are made from maritime plywood for extra flexibility. The tree has a low to medium arch depending upon the saddle maker and curves up the lower back. The original saddles had a back slightly higher than the majority of saddles today. However, today's modern saddles have a better "give" ration should the rider need to exit quickly. Traditional Portuguese saddles are made from velour pigskin. Some of these saddles have had their exterior augmented with other fabrics and leathers for style and comfort. Show saddles for the ring will oftentimes be colorfulblue or red, with silver studs and made from exotic skins such as ostrich or skate.
These saddles were designed with the horse and rider in mind. While some saddles are designed for appearances, the Portuguese versions were created to provide comfort to the horse (hence the padding on the lower side) and rider (padding on the back and arch).
Purchasing a one of these beautiful saddles is often a bit more difficult than other saddles of its kind as it has to be imported, and as they are all handmade the production rate of these saddles is rather low. Lusitano saddles are still made by the same family and in the traditional high backed styles of the past. The quality of these saddles is impeccable and they are used by champion equestrians the world over.