I know you hate these but...jump saddle recommendations please!

frannieuk

frannieuk

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First off, let me emphasise that I am NOT planning to go off and buy a saddle without it being fitted to the horse. What I'm hoping to do is get some recommendations for brands / models that might be worth considering, so that I can try and pin down a supplier to come and try a few.

Horse is a 16hh 7yo KWPN. She's very much a 'modern' type in that she has long legs, a small round barrel and socking great shoulders but not a lot of bone. She tends to be weak over the back, but has a huge extravagant jump and lots of shoulder movement on the flat. Currently in a Prestige Paris D Shoulder free version, but this isn't fitting as well as it might (it's not horrific, but horse clearly not happy, and her word is law!) as she's getting a bit broncy into canter and there is evidence of friction either side of the withers, so it's clearly moving. In the pic below from August (me in a bright blue jacket) you can see where the back of the saddle has lifted.

She won't take more than a 17" and is wide withered and flat backed. I am 5'10 with long thighs, and I like a flat seat with small blocks. I also like a lightweight fairly CC saddle.

I've been looking at Prestige, Devocoux, Equipe and possibly Butet, but I would really appreciate any feedback, suggestions or comments you may have!

Also any recomendations for fitters in Dorset/Hants gratefully received please.

Links to give an example of her jump.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154788395658054&set=pcb.10154788413358054&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?....429449178053.215645.681658053&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154536521238054&set=rpd.681658053&type=3&theater



Very many thanks in advance!
Frannie
 
I have a TB x KWPN, who is fairly similar in build to your mare by the sounds of it. And it sounds as though I am fairly similarly built too - 5'10 with the longest hip to knee the saddler had ever seen!!

I was really worried about getting a saddle, as I also though he would need a 17" whilst I needed an 18"!

However after recommendation on here and elsewhere I tried an Ideal Impala Pro jump CC. It is 17.5 but because of the back panels it actually fitted him, and because of the seat/knee rolls I fit in it too. It's very comfortable.

I tried a few different things before it, everything from a Bates up to Prestige/devocoux a Barnsby Xtreem... this was the best suited to his shape without me spending thousands having made to measure.
 
I would try a few different ones - the ideal impala is a lovely saddle

I would also get a demo / trial ride in a Wow
 
I got a wow for that very reason. Horse couldnt take anymore than 17" and I am quite tall so needed at least 17.5". You can put larger seats on smaller panels.
Very comfy and secure to ride in. Try and get a demo in one as you need to find the right combo.
I have an equipe on my mare and although it is a lovely jump saddle to go xc in, it isnt very kind to the bottom!
 
Llee94 said:
I got a wow for that very reason. Horse couldnt take anymore than 17" and I am quite tall so needed at least 17.5". You can put larger seats on smaller panels.
Very comfy and secure to ride in. Try and get a demo in one as you need to find the right combo.
I have an equipe on my mare and although it is a lovely jump saddle to go xc in, it isnt very kind to the bottom!
Click to expand...

agree with this ^^

we have an equipe synergy, the horse loves it. I feel very secure in it, but wouldn't want to spend hours rambling around the countryside in it
 
I've got a 15.2 warmblood who has a big shoulder and wide withers and flat back. I'm also tall with a long thigh and have just had fitted and very pleased with my Jeffries Falcon F1. The saddler tried on about 15 saddles and only 3 fitted horse him and I was only comfy in the Falcon.
 
I have a horse v similar sounding shape to yours and I'm currently in the market for a saddle.
I have tried Sue Carson, she has a few different types of jump saddle and I quite like their mono flap one, although I must admit when I landed over a fence because it is fitted with flair the saddle sort of came up to meet me when I landed so I felt like it hit me on landing.
I tried an equipe last week and loved how soft the leather was on the 'evolution' saddle. I'm going to try a few more namely amerigo and fairfax but for now that is what I have found.
 
dixie said:
I've got a 15.2 warmblood who has a big shoulder and wide withers and flat back. I'm also tall with a long thigh and have just had fitted and very pleased with my Jeffries Falcon F1. The saddler tried on about 15 saddles and only 3 fitted horse him and I was only comfy in the Falcon.
Click to expand...


Thanks Dixie, I hadn't considered a Jeffries! Who did you use to fit please, given I see you're SW too :)
 
blackhor2e said:
I have a horse v similar sounding shape to yours and I'm currently in the market for a saddle.
I have tried Sue Carson, she has a few different types of jump saddle and I quite like their mono flap one, although I must admit when I landed over a fence because it is fitted with flair the saddle sort of came up to meet me when I landed so I felt like it hit me on landing.
I tried an equipe last week and loved how soft the leather was on the 'evolution' saddle. I'm going to try a few more namely amerigo and fairfax but for now that is what I have found.
Click to expand...

Thank you! Equipe is definitely on my list, and I think I'll take a look at Amerigo now too. Let me know how your trials go please...we can compare notes!
 
If the Impala Pro is on your list also look at the Patriots made for Stirlingshire Saddle Fitters by Ideal. They are cc and lightweight, not the prettiest saddle but very functional. I've not known a horse who didn't like them! The only problem might be getting it fitted although you could probably send templates to Stirlingshire.
 
frannieuk said:
Thanks Dixie, I hadn't considered a Jeffries! Who did you use to fit please, given I see you're SW too :)
Click to expand...

It was Karen from Leonard Coombe, Newton Abcbot.
She also stocks Black Country, various models, Kent and Masters and she had a few second hand too including a Fairfax which went nowhere near him. But a nice selection.

The Jeffries is Very comfy saddle and takes up my leg well and has movable blocks,
 
Last edited:
dixie said:
It was Karen from Leonard Coombe, Newton Abcbot.
She also stocks Black Country, various models, Kent and Masters and she had a few second hand too including a Fairfax which went nowhere near him. But a nice selection.

The Jeffries is Very comfy saddle and takes up my leg well and has movable blocks,
Click to expand...

Thank you - I'll have a google :)

EventingMum said:
If the Impala Pro is on your list also look at the Patriots made for Stirlingshire Saddle Fitters by Ideal. They are cc and lightweight, not the prettiest saddle but very functional. I've not known a horse who didn't like them! The only problem might be getting it fitted although you could probably send templates to Stirlingshire.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I'll do some more investigation :)
 
frannieuk said:
First off, let me emphasise that I am NOT planning to go off and buy a saddle without it being fitted to the horse. What I'm hoping to do is get some recommendations for brands / models that might be worth considering, so that I can try and pin down a supplier to come and try a few.

Horse is a 16hh 7yo KWPN. She's very much a 'modern' type in that she has long legs, a small round barrel and socking great shoulders but not a lot of bone. She tends to be weak over the back, but has a huge extravagant jump and lots of shoulder movement on the flat. Currently in a Prestige Paris D Shoulder free version, but this isn't fitting as well as it might (it's not horrific, but horse clearly not happy, and her word is law!) as she's getting a bit broncy into canter and there is evidence of friction either side of the withers, so it's clearly moving. In the pic below from August (me in a bright blue jacket) you can see where the back of the saddle has lifted.

She won't take more than a 17" and is wide withered and flat backed. I am 5'10 with long thighs, and I like a flat seat with small blocks. I also like a lightweight fairly CC saddle.

I've been looking at Prestige, Devocoux, Equipe and possibly Butet, but I would really appreciate any feedback, suggestions or comments you may have!

Also any recomendations for fitters in Dorset/Hants gratefully received please.

Links to give an example of her jump.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154788395658054&set=pcb.10154788413358054&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?....429449178053.215645.681658053&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154536521238054&set=rpd.681658053&type=3&theater



Very many thanks in advance!
Frannie
Click to expand...


You say she's a little weak over her back. It may be worth getting her stronger through her back before looking to spend on a new saddle, as she will probably change shape again.
 
TheCurlyPony said:
You say she's a little weak over her back. It may be worth getting her stronger through her back before looking to spend on a new saddle, as she will probably change shape again.
Click to expand...

Yes, I agree - I doubt that this next one will be her 'final' saddle, but unfortunately she's not happy in the one she's got so I need to change in the meantime :(
 
Just a quick update for you frannieuk. Tried the amerigo and the equipe today. I think dressage wise I am personally going to go for the Amerigo Classic, it is petite enough not to drown my horse and also the tree was originally made to suit Dutch horses and fits mine to a T.
To jump I tried the Amerigo Bossa (something like that) and to be honest couldn't feel much of a difference between that and the Equipe Evolution, so thought I would save myself a £1000 and go for the Equipe.
 
blackhor2e said:
Just a quick update for you frannieuk. Tried the amerigo and the equipe today. I think dressage wise I am personally going to go for the Amerigo Classic, it is petite enough not to drown my horse and also the tree was originally made to suit Dutch horses and fits mine to a T.
To jump I tried the Amerigo Bossa (something like that) and to be honest couldn't feel much of a difference between that and the Equipe Evolution, so thought I would save myself a £1000 and go for the Equipe.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for this - I'm going to try a Butet shortly but will shift to Equipe if that's no good! Anything that saves a little cash is always welcome....! x
 
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