catalyst
A next-gen performance jumping saddle, driven by technology.
equestrian innovation
Designing for Athletes
Horses are riders are athletes. They often suffer from pain and injury due to the impact of the sport. Success as an equestrian depends on the ability to communicate with the horse. Equipment can make or break this connection, especially saddles. Being a lifelong equestrian, I designed a saddle that leverages modern technology for improved performance.
pain points
Difficult to Manufacture
Requiring specialized artisan craftsmen, saddles today are difficult to make and making adjustments is challenging.
Heavy, Outdated Materials
Saddles have been made with the same materials for centuries, and they typically feel heavy and bulky. In the Middle Ages, saddle structures were made of wood and steel, which is how many companies still make them today.
Ineffective Fitting Methods
Saddle fitting today is reliant on trained representatives, making it costly for the companies and subject to human error. Saddles are typically made in Europe, and the process of getting a saddle fit and made is long and challenging.
impact
Performance, Communication & Comfort
When a saddle doesn’t fit, it leads to a cycle of discomfort between horse and rider, creating communication issues.
“[saddle fit] contributes to sourness and other stress. It can affect the quality of the movement and ultimately can affect [the horse’s] interest in jumping.” - Kalli Smith, Pro
In a scientific study, modified saddles reduced pressures, resulting in greater shoulder and carpal flexion and higher fetlock height during jumps.
market position
Opportunity for Innovation
Though there have been modern innovations in jumping saddles, the industry is largely stuck in the past. This creates an opportunity to innovate.
Saddle Market
The saddle market reached 4.31 billion dollars in 2024 and is expected to reach 6 billion by 2032, growing at a rate of 4.23% from 2024 to 2032. Catalyst is at the peak of innovative form and technology in today’s saddle market.
what sets catalyst apart?
Precise Custom Fit
Using 3D scanning technology, Catalyst is modeled for the horse.
Technology-Driven Performance
Catalyst has a lattice structure be flexible, lightweight, and shock absorbent. Angled panels allow for free shoulder movement in jumping
Cutting-Edge Aesthetics
Catalyst has an exposed structure and bold CMF.
Sustainable, Streamlined Manufacturing
Made using laser cutting and 3D printing technology, Catalyst has minimal parts that are fastened together with rivets rather than synthetic adhesives.
crafted for the individual
Technology
Using a lidar 3D scanner, each horse is brought into CAD. The curves of the tree and the cushioning are modeled for the specific horse. The same technology can be applied to the rider.
Benefits
Saddle fit is very important for communication and comfort for horse and rider. This method of fitting saddles offers more precision than current hand-measuring methods.
performance-driven design
Structure
Silhouette highlighting exposed parametric structure
Top Flap
Integrated stirrup bar, perforated leather knee roll, cutout for excess stirrup leather
Bottom Flap
Position supporting leg blocks, two-layer color panel for durability and aesthetics
color, material, finish
3D Printed Carbon Fiber
Absorbs pollutants and odors and reduces bacteria in the air
High Quality Cow Leather
Traditionally used to make saddles, leather is durable and ages beautifully. It is a sustainable material, being a byproduct of the beef industry.
Color
Traditional saddles are brown and black, but Catalyst would be made in a range of bold color palettes, such as this soft blue and deep red combination.
a new way to make saddles
Sustainable, Streamlined Manufacturing
Catalyst is made with few parts that blend traditional craft with new technology. With rivets used rather than synthetic adhesives, Catalyst is sustainable and can be easily disassembled.
leather craftsman
Alexa Chepolis
achepolis1@gmail.com
supporters
Leather Sponsor Tuscan Bull Leathergoods
Professor Paul McGroary
Support SCAD, SCAD Equestrian
media
Studio Photography Sam Murray
Equestrian Photography & Videography Matteo Bariana
Models Belle Cohen & Lexie Kern