What was recalled
If you have ever purchased English horse-riding equipment, you may be familiar with the Collegiate brand, a line of saddles produced by Weatherbeeta USA. On December 14, 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Weatherbeeta has initiated a voluntary recall affecting nine specific models of these collegiate English saddles. This is not a broad recall of every saddle ever made by the company; rather, it targets a precise set of products that share a common manufacturing timeline and structural vulnerability. Understanding exactly which items are affected is the first step in ensuring your safety, so it is important to look at the specific model names and the manufacturing dates closely.
The recall encompasses nine distinct models: the Degree Mono Event, the Graduate Close Contact, the Honour Close Contact, the Integrity Mono Dressage, the Lectern Dressage, and the Warwick Close Contact. All of these saddles are branded with "Collegiate" and feature a distinctive Collegiate nail head on the head of the saddle, along with the Collegiate brand name printed on the stirrup keeper. While the saddles were available in black or brown leather or synthetic materials depending on the specific model, and came in sizes ranging from 15 to 18 inches, the material color is less important than the model name and production date for determining if your saddle is part of this recall.
The scope of the affected inventory depends heavily on when the saddle was manufactured. For the Lectern Dressage model, every single unit produced is included in this recall. However, for the other eight models listed above, only those manufactured between March 2019 and July 2023 are subject to the recall. To determine if your specific saddle falls into this window, you must locate the serial number stamped on the underflap of the saddle, just below the "Made in India" marking. The manufacturing date is encoded in the last six digits of that serial number in a MM-YYYY format. If your saddle was made before March 2019 or after July 2023, it is not part of this specific safety alert. While the recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold, the fact that there have been twelve reports of the rivet or stirrup bar breaking indicates a significant volume of products in use.
These saddles were widely distributed through various equestrian supply channels and online retailers during the specified manufacturing period. Because Collegiate is a well-known name in the horse-riding community, these items likely end up in many barns and private stables across the United States. The recall serves as a critical notification because the defect is internal to the saddle's construction and not immediately visible to the average rider. Therefore, checking your serial number against the date range is the only reliable way to know if you own one of the recalled items.
The hazard, explained
When you are riding a horse, your safety depends on a complex chain of trust between you, the animal, and the equipment connecting you to its back. In the case of the recalled Weatherbeeta Collegiate saddles, that chain is compromised by a specific mechanical failure involving the stirrup bar or the rivets that hold it in place. To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at what happens when you are in motion. When you ride, especially at a trot or canter, your body does not remain stationary. You bounce with the horse’s movement, and every time your foot lands in the stirrup, a significant amount of force travels from your leg, through the stirrup iron, and directly into the stirrup bar attached to the saddle.
The stirrup bar is essentially the anchor point that keeps the stirrup from swinging wildly or detaching completely. It is held in position by heavy-duty rivets—metal pins that are hammered or pressed through holes in the leather and metal components. Under normal conditions, these rivets are designed to withstand tremendous pressure. However, in the specific batch of Collegiate saddles involved in this recall, the rivets or the stirrup bar itself can break. This is not a gradual wear-and-tear issue that develops over years; it is a structural failure that can happen suddenly during use. When that metal component snaps or pulls out, the connection between your foot and the saddle is instantly severed.
What happens next is immediate and physical. If you are standing in your stirrups—a common position for jumping, eventing, or even just maintaining balance at a fast pace—losing that anchor point means you have no support to hold yourself upright. The horse may spook from the sudden shift in weight or the noise of the equipment failing, which can cause it to move unpredictably. Without the stirrup to brace against, the rider is very likely to be thrown forward over the horse’s neck or slide off sideways. This is not just a minor slip; it is a high-energy fall where the rider hits the ground with considerable force.
The CPSC has documented twelve reports of these rivets or stirrup bars breaking, and tragically, one injury has already occurred from this mechanism. While we do not know the severity of that injury from the current records, the physics of falling from a moving animal make any impact potentially serious. The hazard is not just about losing your seat; it is about the lack of control you have once you are airborne or hitting the ground. Your legs, which should be your stabilizers, become liabilities because they are no longer anchored to the saddle. This sudden loss of stability is what turns a routine ride into a dangerous accident.
It is important to note that this failure is not visible to the naked eye until it happens. The leather may look pristine, and the saddle may feel solid when you are standing still. The weakness lies in the integrity of the metal connection points under dynamic load. Because the hazard is internal to the hardware, relying on how the saddle feels during a gentle walk will not reveal the danger. You must rely on the recall information to determine if your specific unit is part of this defective group.
Who is most at risk
The primary individuals at risk from this recall are the riders who own or frequently use the nine specific models of Collegiate English horse-riding saddles manufactured between March 2019 and July 2023. Because these saddles are designed for equestrian activities, the users range from young children taking their first riding lessons to experienced adult competitors participating in events such as dressage, eventing, or close-contact jumping. While any rider using a defective saddle faces danger, certain groups may be particularly vulnerable due to the nature of the equipment and the physical dynamics of horseback riding.
Children and adolescents are often at heightened risk when using compromised equipment like these recalled saddles. Younger riders typically have less physical strength and muscle mass compared to adults, which means they rely more heavily on the structural integrity of their tack for stability. If a rivet or stirrup bar breaks during a ride, a child may not have the upper body strength to maintain balance or control the horse independently. The sudden loss of support can lead to an uncontrolled fall, and because children are still developing physically, they are more susceptible to serious injury from impacts that might only cause minor bruises to an adult. Furthermore, younger riders may lack the experience to quickly recognize subtle signs of saddle failure before a catastrophic break occurs.
Adult riders, particularly those engaged in competitive or rigorous training, also face significant risks, though their vulnerability often stems from different factors. In disciplines like eventing or close-contact jumping, riders place substantial weight and force on the stirrups to maintain position during gallops and jumps. The recalled saddles are subject to immense stress during these activities. If the stirrup bar fails under this load, the rider is instantly deprived of a critical anchor point. Without that support, the rider can be thrown forward or sideways from the saddle with considerable force. While adults generally have stronger muscles to brace themselves, the unpredictability of a horse’s movement means that even strong riders can suffer severe injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, if they fall from a height or at speed.
Additionally, individuals with pre-existing physical limitations or those who are less physically robust may be disproportionately affected. The sudden jolt of a saddle failure requires quick reflexes and core strength to mitigate damage. Riders who may have balance issues, older adults, or those recovering from previous injuries might find it nearly impossible to recover from such an unexpected mechanical failure. The hazard is not just about the fall itself but the inability to control the situation in that critical moment of equipment failure. Therefore, any person who has purchased one of the nine affected Collegiate models—Degree Mono Event, Graduate Close Contact, Honour Close Contact, Integrity Mono Dressage, Lectern Dressage, or Warwick Close Contact—and used it for riding during the specified manufacturing window should consider themselves part of this at-risk group until they have verified their saddle’s status and obtained a replacement.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm whether your specific saddle is part of this recall. The recall affects nine distinct models of Collegiate English horse-riding saddles manufactured by Weatherbeeta USA. Because these saddles come in various styles and sizes, you cannot rely on appearance alone to determine if yours is affected. Instead, you need to verify three key pieces of information: the brand markings, the manufacturing date, and the specific model name.
First, ensure your saddle is branded as "Collegiate." All recalled units will feature a Collegiate nail head located in the head of the saddle, and the word "Collegiate" will be printed on the stirrup keeper. If your saddle does not bear these specific brand identifiers, it is likely not part of this recall. Next, identify the model name. The recall covers the Degree Mono Event, Graduate Close Contact, Honour Close Contact, Integrity Mono Dressage, Lectern Dressage, and Warwick Close Contact models. Additionally, all Lectern saddles are included in the recall regardless of when they were made. For any of the other six models mentioned above, only those manufactured between March 2019 and July 2023 are subject to this recall.
To check the manufacturing date, you must look at the serial number stamped on the underflap of the saddle, specifically below the "Made in India" marking. The last six digits of this serial number represent the manufacturing date in a MM-YYYY format (Month-Year). For example, a serial number ending in 032019 indicates a March 2019 manufacture date. If your non-Lectern saddle was made before March 2019 or after July 2023, it is not part of this recall. The recalled saddles range in size from 15 to 18 inches and were sold in black or brown leather or synthetic materials, depending on the specific model.
If you are unsure whether your saddle falls into one of these categories, do not guess. The safest course of action is to contact Weatherbeeta USA directly using the recall hotline at 800-526-6310 (available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET) or via email at collegiaterecallusa@weatherbeeta.com. You can also visit www.weatherbeeta.com/collegiate-recall or click on "Saddle Recall Information" at www.Collegiatesaddlery.com for further assistance in identifying your product.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Collegiate English horse-riding saddles, your immediate safety is the absolute priority. The recall notice from Weatherbeeta USA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear: you must stop using these saddles right away. Do not wait for an inspection or a response to come in the mail before taking action. The hazard involves the saddle’s rivet or stirrup bar potentially breaking, which can cause a rider to fall unexpectedly. Even if the saddle looks fine on the outside, internal structural failures are not always visible until it is too late. By removing the product from use immediately, you eliminate the risk of injury to yourself or your animal partner while the issue is resolved. Once you have secured the saddle in a safe location where it cannot be accidentally used, your next step is to initiate the return process. Weatherbeeta has established a dedicated remedy for this specific recall. They are offering free replacement saddles that are similar to the ones you purchased. This includes all shipping costs, meaning you should not have to pay anything to get your new equipment. To start this process, you need to contact Weatherbeeta USA directly. You can reach them by calling 800-526-6310 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you can email them at collegiaterecallusa@weatherbeeta.com. Alternatively, you can visit their dedicated recall pages at www.weatherbeeta.com/collegiate-recall or www.Collegiatesaddlery.com and click on "Saddle Recall Information" for detailed instructions. When you contact Weatherbeeta, have your saddle’s serial number ready. As noted in the recall details, this number is stamped on the underflap of the saddle, below the "Made in India" text. The last six digits represent the manufacturing date in MM-YYYY format. Having this information will help Customer Service verify that your specific unit is part of the recall batch and expedite your replacement order. They are also contacting all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye out for their communication, but do not rely on it exclusively to take action. If you have not heard from them, proactively reaching out ensures your safety concern is addressed promptly. After you receive instructions from Weatherbeeta, follow their specific packaging guidelines for returning the defective saddle. Typically, this involves placing the original item in a sturdy box with adequate padding to prevent further damage during transit. Include any reference numbers or case IDs provided by their support team so they can track your return correctly. Once they receive the returned item, they will ship out your free replacement. This process is designed to be seamless and cost-free for consumers. By following these steps precisely, you ensure that you are both compliant with the safety recall and protected from the potential dangers of a broken stirrup bar or rivet.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your saddle is part of this recall, the first thing to know is that Weatherbeeta USA has established a straightforward and fully supported remedy plan designed to remove the risk from your hands without costing you a dime. The core of this solution is not a partial refund or a repair kit, but rather a complete replacement. Consumers are instructed to immediately stop using the recalled saddles and contact Weatherbeeta to initiate the return process. In exchange for returning the defective item, you will receive a free replacement saddle that is similar to your original model. This approach prioritizes your ability to continue riding safely without the financial burden of purchasing a new piece of equipment due to a manufacturing defect.
The logistics of this exchange have been handled with care by the manufacturer to ensure there are no hidden costs. Weatherbeeta has committed to covering all expenses associated with this remedy. Specifically, they will provide free shipping for both sending your recalled saddle back and receiving your new one. This is a significant benefit, as returning large, heavy leather or synthetic goods can often be costly and logistically difficult. By absorbing these shipping fees, the company ensures that the process remains accessible and convenient for every affected owner.
You do not need to worry about whether you have kept your original receipt or proof of purchase. Weatherbeeta is taking the proactive step of contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the hazard and guide them through the replacement process. However, if you are unsure whether they have reached out to you, or if you simply want to take charge of the situation yourself, you can initiate the process independently. The company has set up multiple channels for you to get in touch, including a dedicated toll-free phone number, an email address, and specific online portals dedicated solely to this recall.
To ensure you receive the correct replacement, it is helpful to have your original saddle details ready when you contact them. Because the recall covers nine different models of Collegiate English horse-riding saddles—including the Degree Mono Event, Graduate Close Contact, Honour Close Contact, Integrity Mono Dressage, Lectern Dressage, and Warwick Close Contact—you will need to identify which specific model you own. The replacement will be similar to yours, so having the original serial number (which contains the manufacturing date) and knowing whether your saddle is black or brown leather or synthetic will help Weatherbeeta match your needs as closely as possible.
If you prefer to speak with a representative directly, you can call Weatherbeeta USA at 800-526-6310. Their customer service team is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. For those who prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you can email collegiaterecallusa@weatherbeeta.com. Additionally, detailed instructions and further information are available online at www.weatherbeeta.com/collegiate-recall or by visiting www.Collegiatesaddlery.com and clicking on the "Saddle Recall Information" link. These resources are designed to walk you through every step of the return and replacement process, ensuring that you feel supported from start to finish.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about stopping your riding routine or dealing with the logistics of returning a piece of equipment. Perhaps you are deep into training for an upcoming event, or maybe you simply do not want to deal with the hassle of shipping and waiting. However, continuing to use these recalled Weatherbeeta Collegiate saddles is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct gamble with your physical safety that you should not take lightly.
The core danger lies in the structural integrity of the saddle’s support system. The recall specifically identifies that the rivets or the stirrup bars—which are critical for holding the weight and leverage of both you and your horse—can break unexpectedly. This is not a minor wear-and-tear issue that develops gradually; it is a sudden, catastrophic failure. When a stirrup bar breaks while you are mounted, the immediate result is a complete loss of stability. Your foot can slip out of the stirrup or become trapped in a broken mechanism, and your center of gravity shifts violently. In the context of horseback riding, where balance is everything, this sudden instability almost invariably leads to a fall.
The consequences of such a fall are rarely trivial. Horses are large, powerful animals that can weigh over a thousand pounds. Falling from even a moderate height at speed creates significant risk for serious injury. You could suffer fractures in your wrists, arms, or collarbone as you instinctively try to break your fall. More severely, head injuries, spinal trauma, or internal bruising are real possibilities. The CPSC has already documented one reported fall injury linked to this specific defect. While that number may seem small, it represents a human being who experienced pain and potential long-term health impacts because of a preventable equipment failure. There have also been twelve reports of the hardware breaking; each instance was a close call that could have easily resulted in more severe harm depending on the speed of the horse, the terrain, or the rider's position at the moment of failure.
Beyond the immediate physical danger, ignoring the recall creates a lingering psychological burden. Every time you sit in the saddle, you might find yourself subconsciously worrying about whether the rivet will hold. This anxiety can distract you from focusing on your horse and your riding technique, which ironically makes the situation more dangerous by reducing your situational awareness. You cannot ride safely if part of your mind is fixed on the potential for equipment failure.
Finally, consider the broader implication of inaction. By continuing to use a known defective product, you are relying on luck rather than safety standards. The manufacturer has acknowledged the flaw and provided a clear, free remedy. Choosing not to act means accepting that your safety is secondary to the temporary ease of keeping the saddle. Given that the replacement process involves free shipping and a similar model at no cost, there is virtually no financial reason to risk your health for the sake of avoiding a phone call or an email.