De Tomaso Saddle

Branding | Research | Rhino | 14 Weeks | 2023

A De Tomaso dressage saddle set to assist horse riders in pushing beyond their boundaries and conquering challenges. The set of horse riding equipment is intended to help riders satisfy their inner desires for control and success in horse racing.

BRANDBOOK

Team project for understanding De Tomaso. Click to see more details of brandbook.

Concept

Products in Set

Saddle

Girth

Stirrup

Horse Saddle History

Current Market

Forecast
Global horse riding equipment market is expected to account for USD 1,791.47 million by 2028

Summary
- Europe dominates the global horse riding equipment market
- Asia-Pacific will register the highest CAGR for the forecast period owingGlobal horse riding equipment market is expected to account for USD 1,791.47 million by 2028

Competitor Brands

Top 10 english horse riding equipment brands

Positioning Matrix

What can De Tomaso offer:

Other high-end saddle brands are not innovating the traditional dressage saddle market, which creates opportunities for De Tomaso to develop a high-performance and innovative saddle.

Design Direction

Dynamic Surface Transition

Lightweight Structure

Repetitive Patterns

The Saddle

New structure of saddle tree

A new carbon fiber saddle tree: lightweight yet supportive. Its innovative design offers stability without excess weight. The carbon fiber structure distributes weight evenly, enhancing comfort and agility.

Six panels support

A carbon fiber saddle tree system with 6 panels provides robust support, meanwhile maintains super lightweight.

Dynamic presure distribution

Various panel shapes have been designed to distribute pressure evenly.

Adjustable angle panels for custom-fit saddle support

Each panel of the saddle support system is equipped with screws that enable adjustment of the angle, allowing for a perfect fit to the shape of the horse's back.

Revolutionizing riding comfort

The saddle is connected with three springs, which absorb vibrations during riding for a smoother experience.

Enhanced protection and comfort

The saddle flap features two layers to prevent scratching from the buckle, protecting both the horse's skin and the rider's leg.

Unleash freedom and style

One piece saddle allows rider to move more freely, providing modern and sleek looking at the same time.

Design Process

2D Side View Sketches

Timeless speedy elegance

Craft a lightweight and dynamic saddle form that embodies De Tomaso's elegance, romance, and timeless design language. The design should evoke a sense of speed through sleek contours and aerodynamic elements, while subtle retro cues and refined chrome accents add a touch of nostalgia and sophistication. Aim for a lasting and emotive design that seamlessly complements De Tomaso's legacy.

Transfer 2D to 3D

Preserve the lightweight profile

Transitioning from 2D to 3D, our primary goal is to preserve the essence of the speedy and lightweight design profile. The focus is on seamlessly translating the sketch into the three-dimensional realm, ensuring that the dynamism and lightness remain prominent throughout the process. By staying true to the original vision, I aim to capture the sketch's energy and transfer it faithfully to the 3D model, resulting in a design that embodies the same sense of speed and agility while embracing the additional dimensions.

Detail refinement

The Girth

Next-to-skin airflow

The saddle's girth features a texture inspired by De Tomaso's grill, which promotes airflow next to the horse skin.

Innerside cushion for protection

A cushion is designed on the horse side of the girth to protect the horse and distribute pressure evenly.

Design Process

Side view sketch for girth

The Stirrup

Gradient grid texture

The gradient grid texture on the stirrup is inspired by De Tomaso's interior dial design, providing both aesthetic appeal and increased friction when rider stepping on the stirrup.

The Set

CMF Options

Green & rose gold

Purple & rose gold

Black

Dark blue & silver