Jumping Saddles For Long Legs?

GinaGem

GinaGem

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 February 2006
Messages
4,030
Location
Kent
Visit site
Any there any particular makes/models/styles that suit a rider with long legs?

I have a leather gp thorowgood at the mo but at jumping length my knees sit over the front of the saddle so i'm having to ride long and i feel insecure. I've got the saddler coming out next week to bring jumping saddles but would like a idea of what i need!
 
something properly forward cut! tbh all the big makes do saddles that suit those of us with long legs - Ideal, Butet, Amerigo etc would be my top choices. think about whether you want a flattish seat (and a low square cantle) too, as this can make a huge difference.
 
Great thank you. To be honest i have done very little jumping as i'm quiet rider and the horses i have had have either took advantage or been green so i've avoided it. However Prince has got a fab jump and i'm really enjoying it so i want to do it more - especially hunter trials next year. I really don't know what shape saddle i like or the advantages. Guess i will see how they feel and what fits?
 
yes, see how it feels - when it's right, it is very easy for you to stay in balance when floating out of the saddle at canter (this is due to position of the stirrup bars, if you struggle they're v probably in the wrong place for you!), and your position will be secure over a jump.
make sure you have a good ride in all the ones that feel promising, that you jump a jump or two, and that you don't get fobbed off with a g.p., as these are especially hopeless if you have long legs!
 
Baileys similar in size and build to your boy and K is long from hip to knee and he is very compact and can only take a 17" saddle, we ended up with a 2nd hand Albion Kontrol which accomodates her long thigh comfortably allowing for a good short stirrup, the points seem set far enough back to not afect his shoulder which many of the saddles we tried restricted.
 
Albion Kontact
smile.gif
 
i have very long legs and go over the front of every saddle i have ever sat in when at xc length- Butet, Albion, Devoucoux, Jaguar, Ideal; nothing takes up my leg!

(Mark Todd has the same problem which makes me feel better- just wish i could ride like him!)

all of my jumping saddles are Pessoas- they have a very flat seat and barely have any knee roll at all so my knee doesn't feel pushed out of its natural position.
they are the best saddles i have found to accomodate my lanky legs!
 
i have super long thighs - could not fit in even an 18"albion withoutmoving my bum back or my legs oer the front. Same with jaguar.
The passier and amerigos are the ponly ones i've found fit me - 17.5's
 
Have found the Bates Momentum firs my lanky thighs admirably. However the Bates Caprilli CC is hopeless as my knee is way over the kneeroll. Both 17½" seats so really is a matter of trying a variety to see what suits. FWIW I don't find the Albion jump saddles suit me as I really dislike the big fixed blocks, the only time I've ever been bucked off was in an Albion normally I stick on like glue should the need arise!
 
[ QUOTE ]
i have super long thighs - could not fit in even an 18"albion withoutmoving my bum back or my legs oer the front. Same with jaguar.
The passier and amerigos are the ponly ones i've found fit me - 17.5's

[/ QUOTE ]

As above.
smile.gif
At one tack shop the saddle fitter actually measured my thigh then went off to get his mates to marvel at what a freak I am.
smile.gif


I'm very fond of my Passier and it's the only saddle I brought with me when I moved. I'm not sure they're the best saddles for someone who wants a fairly secure seat though, as they're very flat and have small blocks relative to many jumping saddles here.

I've also - gasp - been comfortable in a few Stubbens over the years. I know there is a crowd on here that hates them on account of their supposed horribleness to horse's backs but that hasn't been my experience and I have it on good authority that at least one HHOer went around Badminton in one on a horse that then went on to hunt into his 20s so he couldn't have been too damaged.
wink.gif


I think you will struggle to find a "cheap" saddle to fit. Large expanses of unmarked leather are expensive because they're rare, especially in cheaper leather sources. So flap size is often where money gets saved. More expensive saddles also usually offer more customising options and you may find you need an extra forward/long flap in some makes. But a good saddle that fits will make all the difference to your success and security. You might find trolling for a used one is the way to go if you're on a budget.
 
Thanks everyone, i will let you know how i get on. Looks like my budget might have to rise a bit though (new windows for my house may have to wait till next year again!!) Saying that i'm not ridiuclously tall (5'8), just leggy so i may get away with some models that some of you have not fitted.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top