A saddle that unites horse and rider
The Leson Carbon Competitor, custom built in Grants Pass, Oregon, by Donn Leson, saddle maker since 1966.
Donn Leson's first saddles, made for ranch hands and rodeo cowboys
Lighter carbon fiber tree than a traditional tree of like design
Lighter finished saddle
Closer seat, so the rider sits nearer the horse
The Leson Carbon Competitor
Built on the Leson carbon fiber tree, designed by Donn Leson, engineered in 3D and in development since 2007. Finished with basket tooling and six Leson branded conchas.
Noted equine sports medicine veterinarians agree the light weight and advanced bar design contribute to the performance of the horse.
Custom saddles by Donn Leson
From the Leson custom saddle catalog.
“Because of its symmetry and light weight, I'm convinced that when it comes to fit, for both myself and my horses, it has no equal.”Dr. Jim Morgan, DVM. NRHA Hall of Fame, NRHA Million Dollar Rider
Made at the bench in Grants Pass
Every Leson saddle is made in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Sixty years at the bench
- 1966
Ranch and rodeo
Donn Leson begins making saddles for ranch hands and rodeo cowboys.
- Mid 1970s
The first cowhorse saddle
One saddle for both the herd work and the reined work down the fence.
- Late 1970s
The Leson Cutter
The Perma-twist stirrup leather and the close contact skirt, now standard on every major western saddle brand.
- 1991
The road to carbon
Years at the NRHA Futurity lead to a tree 80 percent lighter.
Leson Lifetime Tack
Saddle pads, breast collars and headstalls from Leson.
From the bench
The story behind the saddle, in Donn's words.
Why saddle weight matters to the horse
What race horse handicapping taught Donn about static weight.
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Leson custom sizing
Four measurements that fit the saddle to the rider.
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Endorsed by equine sports medicine veterinarians
Meet the veterinarians who endorse the Carbon Competitor.
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