Best Rated Jump Saddle for Stability

[thistlepop]

Hi All,

As above, I'm really looking for recommendations / reviews on the best jumping saddles you have tried. My boy is a 17h warmblood but is currently fitting quite nicely in a medium Albion GP saddle. I'm looking for a saddle that will help keep a secure position as I regain my confidence jumping. I do completely appreciate that the stability is achieved from the core and a good secure 2 point position but I really just need something to help me along with this whilst I work on my fitness and position. I'm a short rider (5ft1) on quite a big horse so this does unfortunately mean I have quite a short stirrup length. With my current GP saddle, this is pushing my knee over the knee block and I am losing balance.... and confidence.

Any recommendations would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks

 

[NiceNeverNaughty]

love my BC Wexford

 

[be positive]

I think what suits one person will not suit another and you have to add the horse into the equation, I would find a saddler who stocks different makes and see what works for you both, I had one horse here who changed his jump fairly dramatically when trying saddles so our plan of what we wanted went out of the window as he told us which one he liked and luckily it suited the rider, he ended up with an Amerigo.

 

[horsesforcourses]

Recommending jump saddles is so hard, as each to their own...but...

I am 5ft 2ish.(8 stone-ish) Ride a 16.2h WB. I started off in a BC Wexford, but found it too wide in the twist . Horse liked it, but gave me cronic hip pain. Tried Albion K2, similar style to Wexford with big knee and thigh rolls, and several other similar types. Eventually settled on Equipe Expression.......flat seat, tiny rolls, but so close contact i don't need them. Never felt so secure on him. So def try as may as you can, and don't be blinkered into thinking you need one type.

 

[Dubsie]

We're contemplating an Equipe close contact jump saddle (didn't make note of actual model as will get an Equipe saddler specialist out) having see how well it suits this type of horse (a friend's got one, and she does have short legs funnily enough), but I am balking at the price! It does allow a lot more freedom of movement of the shoulder as well as sitting the rider nicely. Will be sending daughter out to work!

 

[PetalPower]

I'm 5'8 on a 16.1 Irish sport horse (medium fit) and am another fan of the Equipe Expression - fits great, mega comfy and feel secure of a bouncy youngster! Bought it last October and although more than I intended to spend I thought it was worth the money tbh, it's very lightweight and the fit means that I can get away with a moderately slack girth on my very girthy mare as it doesn't budge at all.

Do agree that it's horses for courses with saddle though, find what fits you and your horse! Good luck!

 

[Asha]

I'm a big fan of equipe. Id never had a 'proper' jump saddle before. Tried a few, but didn't like them ( and neither did the horse).

Ive now got an equipe synergy, I feel so secure in it, and the horses jump better in it. So much more freedom on the shoulder. You don't have to buy brand new, try Polished saddles they always have them in.

 

[Goldenstar]

I only have patriots made by ideal for Stirlingshire saddlery .
They are the most fantastic saddles I have seven now !

 

[horsesforcourses]

Yes, second Polished Saddles....thats were i got mine from. x

 

[poiuytrewq]

Ideal are rather lovely!

Genuine question! I don't understand why being short on a big horse means you have to have your stirrups so short your knees are over the rolls?

 

[Goldenstar]

Ideal are rather lovely!

Genuine question! I don't understand why being short on a big horse means you have to have your stirrups so short your knees are over the rolls?

It doesn't .
Explain a bit more please .

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Stubben. It's impossible for me to fall out of it and has saved me many times when I know I'd have hit the deck in other saddles.

 

[spotty_pony]

Absolutely love my Exselle jumping saddle which has knee rolls on the outside. It is usually a mono flap saddle but I had it made specially with normal flaps. It's very comfortable and really helpful to keep your legs in the correct position and makes you feel very secure. Which has been very useful out Hunting!

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Genuine question! I don't understand why being short on a big horse means you have to have your stirrups so short your knees are over the rolls?

large horse = wider horse (wider than if it was smaller)? Short legs can't wrap round a wider horse so well hence shorter stirrups are more comfortable. I don't know the OP but also a larger rider with shorter legs exacerbates this problem. Think of small children on round ponies too big for them, they never look like they're sitting in a classical dressage seat do they. A lot of GP saddles are fairly straight cut these days so short stirrups can easily mean the riders leg is over the front of the saddle.

 

[sbloom]

I woudl recommend you chat to a good saddle fitter - some people love big blocky jump saddles like Albions, some people much prefer a softer fit for the rider and more close contact fit for the horse like the continental brands. You may find someone who has a good stock of second hand saddles, but most UK brands will have new saddles under the price point of the Equipes. And of course the most important thing is still to fit the horse, in the right jump saddle for the horse you'll be more comfortable straight off. Also don't be talked into too large a seat size, you will almost certainly want a 16.5 in most styles otherwise you'll be swimming and really lacking support. A large horse does not need a large saddle, just the right width and tree shape etc, the seat size must suit you, only if it's too LARGE does the horse dictate seat size.