So, am I the only one who dislikes close contact saddles?

VioletStripe

VioletStripe

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So, had saddler out today for my boy as I currently have no saddle! :rolleyes:

A bit skittish as he hasn't been ridden in over a week, but I wanted plenty of settling in time. So, guy comes out and puts on a close contact saddle, never ridden in one before, and I found it horrible!! The guy warned me it was different but said most people preferred them and found them comfier, I felt really insecure as I like to have knee rolls! Plus I didn't feel like there was much seat underneath me, so allround a very weird experience :eek: What do you lot think of them? I felt all over the place, which didn't help with my rather excited bubba! Still, he's coming out tomorrow with some more saddles which I should like better, so wish me luck! What are your views? xx
 
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From what I gather ( I am prepared to be corrected!!) close contact saddles are not designed for everyday use.
I have known 2 people who have had close contact saddles and ridden in them everyday and they have caused pressure points on the horses backs.
Horses that never used to think about bucking were bucking.
Saddles are a bloody minefield!
 
I love close contact saddles.

Its bull about them not ment to be used every day - so long as they fit & are kept clean (like any saddle should) then they are no different.

I've always disliked heavily blocked saddles, but hate them even more after two CCs. I find a CC helps develop an independent seat & lower leg far better than anything that is blocked.
 
I've never heard that they are not meant for every day use and I've been riding in one everyday for the last ten years! I adore mine...actually hate non close contact saddles
 
I hate them too. But them I am into probably the most anti-close contact type of saddle there is, made by Balance. Close contact saddles are made for the convenience of the rider, with little thought for the horse. Again, Balance are the polar opposite of this, and horses love them.
 
Hmm, Considering I spend all of my time in either race saddles or show saddles I have to say I much prefer them. EVerytime I ride in a GP or a jumping saddle I feel locked in and unable to move properly and thus can't ride properly.

Everyone is different and I personally don't like riding in "normal" saddles.
 
soloequestrian said:
I hate them too. But them I am into probably the most anti-close contact type of saddle there is, made by Balance. Close contact saddles are made for the convenience of the rider, with little thought for the horse. Again, Balance are the polar opposite of this, and horses love them.
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! Did "Balance" tell you this?! How are mahoosive blocks and rolls for the horse's convenience?!

OP both my GP and dressage are close contact and I love them. Just sounds like you sat on one that didn't fit either you or the horse. I like to be able to feel my horse and as poster said above you will develop a stronger position in one.
 
skewby said:
! Did "Balance" tell you this?! How are mahoosive blocks and rolls for the horse's convenience?!

OP both my GP and dressage are close contact and I love them. Just sounds like you sat on one that didn't fit either you or the horse. I like to be able to feel my horse and as poster said above you will develop a stronger position in one.
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Strangely enough, I did feel like I was a bit too big for it. My stirrups felt too long, even though they weren't and I just didn't feel secure at all! And I'm certainly not too big for the horse - I'm 5'5 and he's 15.1-15.2, and I tried him in his old home in a normal GP saddle which felt fine to ride in, and he went nicely in it. I like the idea of developing an independent seat and lower leg and gaining a stronger position, but it did not feel possible in this one! xx
 
I just got a monoflap close contact saddle and it's fab!!

It felt wierd at first however now I hate to ride in anything else

It was a little uncomfy at first but now it's lovely !!

It has thigh and knee blocks on top of the flap so I can "wedge" my thighs underneath them and it's super secure

With regard to the comment about not riding everyday in one

This is only for latex panels, not wool flocked, wool flocked are fine
I had an ex 4* eventer fit it and she never mentioned anything about not being able to ride in it everyday!!
What would I be supposed to do !! It's the only saddle that fits and it was bloody expensive !! Im not buying another that probably won't fit as he only goes well in cc saddles
 
I love love close contact saddles!!! This is what I learned to ride in Canada in (most English riders ride in a cc saddle) and I HATE deep seated saddles or anything that forces me to sit a certain way like those dressage saddles with massive knee blocks.

When I'm not side saddling, I have a cc saddle for Hattie as they are the only saddles (apart from my ss), that don't shoot forward onto her shoulders. She seems to prefer that style of astride saddle too as she doesn't buck in them. I've given up on getting a Kent & Masters GPD saddle as too many problems with the tack shop ordering it for me so decided to stick to my cc saddle since that is what she likes. Mine is a latex panel and I use a sheepskin half pad with a square numnah underneath.
 
skewby said:
! Did "Balance" tell you this?! How are mahoosive blocks and rolls for the horse's convenience?!
Click to expand...

Sorry, I don't understand - what 'blocks' and what are 'rolls'? Are you thinking of some other make of saddle? I've ridden in Balance saddles for about 12 years now, so I know them quite well! They are definitely not made to hold you in position - quite the opposite. I did hear of some research, I've no idea how formal or by whom, but which seemed to point to the types of saddles which wedge you into place being part of the problem in rotational falls - if the rider is wedged into the saddle, they don't get thrown clear quite so early and the fractions of seconds difference this makes can lead to them ending up under the horse.
 
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