What Forestier sellier does

Forestier Sellier is a French custom saddle manufacturer founded in 1950 by Jean Forestier and headquartered in Bidart, France, operating as a brand of Groupe Voltaire SAS. The company designs, crafts, and sells bespoke saddles for equestrian disciplines including dressage, eventing, show jumping, and leisure riding, with a portfolio that spans the Gamme Sur-Mesure (custom range — including the Aachen, Séoul, Boekelo, and Badminton models), Gamme Loisir (entry-level), and Gamme Instruction (training), plus a full accessories line covering girths, bridles, stirrup leathers, breastplates, martingales, textiles, leather care, and packs.

The technical foundation centers on traditional leather craftsmanship augmented by proprietary F-Shock shock absorption technology integrated into all custom saddles and an optional Equisense Inside connected sensor module for performance and training analytics. Sizing runs 16 to 19.5 inches with 13 personalization options on leather, color, and hardware; fitting is delivered through a regional network of 'experts en selle' using both in-person static and dynamic assessments and a 9-photo remote photo-fitting protocol. Partnerships with Arçonnerie Française (saddle tree), Equisense (sensors), and SecuriHorse (warranty extension) underpin the supply and service stack.

Revenue is generated primarily through one-time custom saddle sales supplemented by 12-, 24-, and 36-month rental subscriptions (50–70% of retail price), a 7-day trial service, a used-saddle trade-in program, and recurring accessories purchases. Go-to-market combines an enterprise/mid-market field-sales motion via the saddle expert network with localized e-commerce storefronts and phone/email inside sales across four markets — France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States — supported by a community-led model built around Team Forestier sponsored riders, the Job de Rêve talent program, and event sponsorships at elite competitions.

Name

Forestier sellier

Legal name

Forestier SAS

Website

https://forestier.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Forestier Sellier is a French custom saddle manufacturer founded in 1950, designing and fitting bespoke saddles — equipped with proprietary F-Shock technology and an optional Equisense sensor module — for amateur and professional equestrian riders across France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with a regional saddle-expert fitting network and accessories trade.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Bidart

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Saddle Sales: The primary revenue stream from bespoke saddles crafted to individual specifications of horse and rider, including fitting services by regional saddle experts. Prices vary by model and customization level.
2. Saddle Rental Program: Rental of custom saddles for 12, 24, or 36 months with total cost representing 50-70% of retail price. Includes option to purchase at end of rental period, with pricing based on saddle value, duration, and customization.
3. Accessories: Sales of equestrian accessories including girths (sangles), rider tack, horse tack, bridles (briderie), stirrup leathers (étrivières), breastplates and martingales, leather care products, textiles for rider and horse, training equipment (enrênements), and Forestier packs.
4. Used Saddle Trade-in: Trade-in program accepting used saddles as partial payment for new custom saddles, with value assessed based on brand, model, year, and condition.
5. Trial Saddle Service: 7-day saddle trial program allowing customers to test saddles before purchase, with shipping provided free for up to two trials per year.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Forestier Sellier designs, manufactures, and sells custom-made and standard saddles for equestrian disciplines (dressage, eventing, show jumping, and leisure), with personalized static and dynamic fitting by regional saddle experts. The company complements its saddles with a full range of equestrian accessories (girths, bridles, textiles, leather care) and supports flexible ownership through 12-36 month rentals, a 7-day trial program, and a trade-in program for used saddles.

Product overview

Forestier Sellier is a French saddle manufacturer founded in 1950, operating as part of Groupe Voltaire. The company offers a portfolio of custom-made and standard saddles with three core product lines: the Gamme Sur-Mesure (Custom Range) including Aachen, Séoul, Boekelo, and Badminton models; the Gamme Loisir (Leisure Range) for recreational riders; and the Gamme Instruction (Training Range) for training purposes. All custom saddles feature proprietary F-Shock technology for shock absorption and are available with Equisense Inside connected sensor option. The company also provides a complete accessories range including girths, bridles, textiles, and leather care products. Forestier offers complementary services including saddle rental (12-36 months), 7-day trial periods, and fitting by regional saddle experts. The company positions itself on artisan craftsmanship, horse welfare, and innovation in equestrian equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gamme Sur-Mesure (Custom Range) Custom-made saddles tailored to both horse and rider morphology, including static and dynamic fitting by saddle experts. Includes F-Shock technology for shock absorption and is available with the Equisense Inside connected sensor option. Sized 16 to 19.5 inches with 13 personalization choices for leather type, color, and hardware.
• Aachen Saddle Dressage saddle with extra-deep seat and narrow twist for precision and improved leg position, designed for riders seeking maximum sensation and precise aids.
• Séoul Saddle Versatile saddle with narrow twist for better contact with the horse, offering improved sensations and performance. Reference for rider-horse comfort.
• Boekelo Saddle Mono-quarter saddle with wide gutter to free the horse's spine and broad panels for perfect stability. Designed for versatility.
• Badminton Saddle Sport saddle designed for high-level competition, providing security and support on cross-country with ergonomic front and rear blocks.
• Gamme Loisir (Leisure Range) Entry-level saddles designed for recreational riders, offering comfort and quality at accessible price points.
• Gamme Instruction (Training Range) Saddles designed for training purposes, supported by expert Nadège Mallet, with 4-year tree warranty.
• Accessories Complete range of equestrian accessories including girths, stirrup leathers, bridles, breastplates, martingales, leather care products, rider textiles, horse textiles, training equipment, and saddle packs.
• Saddle Rental Service Flexible rental program for custom saddles offering 12, 24, or 36-month terms at 50%, 60%, or 70% of retail price respectively. Includes €162 file fees and 10% security deposit, with option to purchase at end of rental period. Allows riders to test before purchase or adapt to changing horses.
• Saddle Trial Service 7-day trial service for custom saddles within the EU, allowing riders to test fit before committing to purchase. Free shipping for up to two trials per year; €25 shipping fee thereafter. Retention of the saddle triggers full catalog price charge.

Quantifiable outcome

• All custom saddles include F-Shock technology for shock absorption
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• EquisensecoreTechnology or Integration · 24 April 2023Strategic collaboration to integrate Equisense sensor technology into Forestier custom saddles. The Equisense Inside option, available on all custom saddles, provides performance tracking and training analytics for riders through embedded sensors.
• Arçonnerie FrançaisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaddle tree (arçon) manufacturer producing trees for Forestier saddles in France. Forestier arçons are covered by 10-year warranty for custom range.
• SecuriHorseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWarranty extension partner offering customers the option to extend their saddle warranty beyond the standard coverage period.
• FEDEX / CHRONOPOSTminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partners for saddle shipments. FEDEX or CHRONOPOST contact customers prior to delivery to arrange delivery time slots and locations.
• OVHminorOthersWeb hosting provider for forestier.com website. Server infrastructure located in Roubaix, France.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hermès (saddlery): Luxury house with a long heritage in equestrian leatherwork and saddlery; competes at the very top of the premium segment where Forestier also operates, but as part of a much broader luxury portfolio rather than a saddle specialist.

Direct peers

• Stubben: Established German saddle maker producing dressage, jumping and eventing saddles with a global rider-sponsorship and dealer network; comparable mid-to-premium saddle offering to Forestier.
• Devoucoux: French maker of custom and semi-custom saddles for dressage, show jumping and eventing, with a global rider network; closely comparable product offering and distribution model to Forestier.
• CWD Sellier: French custom saddler specializing in bespoke dressage, jumping and eventing saddles for high-level riders; direct competitor to Forestier in the same premium bespoke segment with similar fitting-driven service model.
• Prestige Italia: Italian custom and standard saddle manufacturer serving dressage, jumping and eventing; comparable craftsmanship-led custom offering with international distribution that overlaps Forestier's geographic markets.
• Bates Australia: Long-running saddle manufacturer offering dressage, jumping and eventing saddles with innovation-focused features (e.g., adjustable fit systems); a comparable craft-plus-technology saddle maker competing in international markets.
• Marcel Toulouse (Pessoa): Mass-to-mid-market saddle maker with broader distribution and accessible price points; relevant as a value-tier alternative to Forestier's premium custom offering in the same equestrian equipment category.
• Butet: Premium French saddler producing handmade custom saddles for dressage and jumping, positioned at the high end of the market; a like-for-like competitor to Forestier's bespoke custom range.
• Antares Sellier: Long-established French custom saddler offering bespoke saddles across dressage, jumping and eventing with a network of saddle fitters; competes head-to-head with Forestier in the premium French saddlery category.

Emerging players

• Voltaire Design: Sister brand within the same Groupe Voltaire parent; offers custom saddles alongside stable design services, providing a useful intra-group benchmark for Forestier's saddle business model and economics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCOovvKk0UBjV11Jc5RGkzfQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/ForestierSellier
• Instagraminstagram.com/forestiersellier/?hl=fr

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Forestier sellier