Monoflap vs dual flap? ... And some other silly saddle questions

[Kafairia]

*Vast amount of blabber ahead* Sorry!

Well, I thought my saddle questions would have ceased after I finally saved enough for a on sale Tekna on eBay at £289. Wrong - it seems I have been scammed / annoyingly time wasted (I've been refunded, but the refund hasn't appeared yet, I'm giving it a chance, but to be honest I'm dubious and a lot isn't adding up... Well, we will see I guess!)

Seriously disheartened after this was supposed to be part of my Christmas present, and after getting excited to start jumping again (currently have a dressage saddle as that's what fitted and was what I could afford) my lovely parents decided to take me to a saddlery today and it was beautiful, I've never seen so many saddles collectively. My father told me as a joint Christmas / 16th birthday present him and my mother were going to get me a jump saddle - I'm completely shocked knowing how much these kinds of new saddles costs and him not always supporting my horsey interests. My mother wanted to get me diamond jewellery for my 16th birthday but really it's not me (I'd be terrified to wear it!!), so they proposed a saddle. (And after having many issues with secondhand saddles, they just want to go new or very very lightly used, which is exciting. I've been told that I better keep it forever like a diamond ring, which I'm very sure I will!!)

Anyway it dawned on me - I don't know what I'm really looking for. I want to event - and therefore I need something that can go XC & SJ.

I sat in an Albion K2 & Kontrol really really nice, not my favourite, but I certainly wouldn't complain! I really loved the Exselle Integra, felt really comfy & I equally loved (actually maybe a little more!) the Prestige Passion. I clicked in both however this is all stationary - very very different to being on a fast horse heading at jumps, and it could obviously depend on which he went well in. I can comfortably say I hated the John Whitaker I sat in. It felt strange and awkward, and so did the Equipe (Expression??) I tried.

Anyway, I have some questions:
- What is the disadvantages & advantages of monoflap & dual flaps? Currently I have only have and had dual, and it does scare me if the monoflap billets came clean off... But I do get there is probably a risk of it happenening to dual too.

-Any brands to avoid?

-What are your preferences in monoflap & dual and why??


Sorry if I'm being silly. Hopefully getting the pony out to be fitted as soon as I can get the day off (I work Saturdays, and saddlery is only open Saturday's on weekends, and I'm at school until Easter after new year.) I'm pretty excited. Thank you all and I apologise for the horrific amount of blabber!

-Fleur

 

[helenchat]

Ooh how exciting!! Can't really offer much advice, just wanted to express my jealousy haha! I'm sure you will find something lovely- enjoy the shopping experience
Also- (not to add to your confusion!) but I rode in my friends Black Country monoflap jumping saddle- she used hers for novice eventing and showjumping - just in case you're looking for any other options!

 

[EventingMum]

A lot of it's personal preference - with a monoflap you have less bulk under your leg obviously and so feel closer to the horse. A lot but not all monoflap saddles are close contact and have latex pannels and so can't be adjusted like flocked or flaired saddles can be. With a monoflap you need a short girth with dual flap you need a long girth. Some saddlers make the same saddles in a mono or dual flap option - I think Ideal give the option on some of theirs. My advice would be find something both you and your horse like that fits you both and go from there.

 

[blitznbobs]

Monoflap tend to be closer fitting and lighter - an advantage across country , they also seem to be more expensive tho (another advantage is there is less to clean!) I'm a monoflap convert tbh but try both and see which you like the best.

 

[Shay]

My daughter really wanted a mono flap when we bought her new XC saddle - but they just didn't suit her or the horse. They felt secure for her stationary, but once moving she just didn't feel the support and grip she needed. Plus the horse seemed distracted by the closer contact and it seems to interfere with his ability to make his own judgements XC. (But she does have a monoflap for dressage so he is used to it.) We went for a dual flap pessoa which has been great. Modern saddles are so light now anyway there isn't an significant weight difference IMO. The only way to find out is to ride in them!

If you want one saddle for XC and SJ the choose a slightly forward cut SJ saddle, rather than a classic XC. You'll find the tight turns in a jump off more difficult in a true XC saddle.

 

[milliepops]

A lot of it's personal preference - with a monoflap you have less bulk under your leg obviously and so feel closer to the horse. A lot but not all monoflap saddles are close contact and have latex pannels and so can't be adjusted like flocked or flaired saddles can be. With a monoflap you need a short girth with dual flap you need a long girth. Some saddlers make the same saddles in a mono or dual flap option - I think Ideal give the option on some of theirs. My advice would be find something both you and your horse like that fits you both and go from there.

^^ this.

I much prefer monoflap as I hate feeling the girth buckles under my leg...I have one with latex panels which is not adjustable at all, and 2 with flair which are very adjustable (Wow) and also have flexible girthing options. but in your case I'd put more thought into picking something that is a good fit and enables you to be effective. Happy shopping

 

[rosiesowner]

My mare has a Black Country monoflap in brown. It's an older style more forward cut GP. However their newer ones are lovely too. Great saddle; very comfortable and lightweight. I like only having the one flap and the girth is attached in an almost 'overgirth' style which makes the saddle feel very secure. Nice big knee rolls keep my leg secure during fast work.
Good luck!