Devoucoux Inc. began as one man’s dream to create custom saddles that combined function and comfort with the highest standards of quality. In less then 15 years Jean-Michel Devoucoux has taken his company from a small workshop in Sare, France to a world leader in luxury saddles and tack. This year Devoucoux Inc., introduces the equine world to a new generation in jumping saddles, the Oldara.
“The idea for the Oldara came about after we began hearing the same thing over and over again from professional jumper riders,” explains Brice Goguet, general manager of Devoucoux. “When the horse is making a big effort over a high jump he tucks his legs tight and contracts the muscles under the saddle which causes the saddle to slip back.
This slip then positions the rider behind the motion of the shoulder and interferes with the connection to the horse. After hearing this we began to develop a new approach to fitting saddles which is specifically for jumper horses and professional riders.”


The Oldara features a narrower, flatter tree and integrated underflaps which provide riders with an unparalleled sense of closeness and contact with their horse. This new streamlined design makes it easier for riders to use their aids and put the horse at ease when jumping. It also ensures that riders are well positioned and can remain poised in all circumstances. The new girth straps, equipped with a pair of captive buckle guards which perfectly cover the girth fasteners, provide complete comfort and balance.
“Unbelievable,” says Brice. “They all used the same word to describe the Oldara; unbelievable. It was amazing how many riders said that. After riding in the Oldara, Joie Gatlin replaced all her saddles with the Oldara and Jeffery Welles said it’s the saddle he always dreamed of.”
In the beginning of 2006 Devoucoux designed a special saddle for Welles to fit his Grand Prix horse, Armani. Armani was particularly hard to fit because of his especially high and long wither. In July 2006, riding in his Devoucoux saddle, Welles and Armani became the first horse and rider team to win both Grand Prix at Lake Placid (the $25,000 Hidden Creek Challenge).
With the input of top jumper riders like Welles, Devoucoux craftsmen have also designed a line of quality accessories to go with the Oldara; the Kolibri Jumping breastplate and a special bellyguard girth. The Kolibri Jumping breastplate features five points of attachments to maintain perfect saddle stability during the most demanding of rounds without restriciting the horse’s movement. The bellyguard girth has extra padding to better protect jumper horses and a convenient snap in the middle for attachments.
Devoucoux designs each saddle upon special order to fit both the rider and the horse. They have 65 items available online for jumper, hunter, dressage and event riders with more than 2000 different sizes, colors and lining possibilities.
A Partner With Champions
Amy Tryon, Laura Kraut and Mandy Porter are just a few of the well known riders Devoucoux partners with. Devoucoux values its long term relationships with these great champions and in addition to sponsoring Olympic and professional riders, they often employ them in developing new equipment. In December 2006, two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton and Devoucoux teamed up to launch a new website, www. PhillipDutton-Devoucoux.com.
“Phillip Dutton has been riding in Devoucoux for years and we felt it was time to strengthen our relationship,” says Brice. “A couple of years ago, we decided to design a blue and yellow saddle for Phillip and it became the most photographed saddle ever! Even the United States Eventing Association uses it to promote the sport of eventing on its website.”
The website will feature a full line of Devoucoux’s products used by Dutton and enable riders to buy the same equipment Dutton uses every day. Some of the products will also include Phillip Dutton’s personal reviews.
“Having the website is an ideal venue to showcase and make easily available the range of Devoucoux products that I rely on in my day to day training and competitions” says the rider.
According to Brice, this is the first time a high-end saddle maker and a top rider have partnered to create a website that makes elite tack available to everyone.
Devoucoux craftsman saddlers are devoted to manufacturing beautiful products made from the finest French leathers. They feel that their spectacular rise to success is tied closely with their strong relationship with riders. This relationship allows them to understand the needs of riders and design innovative and durable products.
For more information about Devoucoux or to view their complete line of products visit www.devoucoux.com or call 800-847-7785. For more information on Phillip Dutton and his line of Devoucoux products visit www.PhillipDutton-Devoucoux.com.