XC/Jump saddles - a minefield. any info/experience appreciated.

it's a total nightmare. and i've had one made to measure before without sitting in a sample, and it was awful.
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I have an excelle saddle and love it but it's shortly for sale, only 3 months old due to horse taking year out to be a mum
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I've had loads of different jumping saddles but the excelle tops them all for me, I love it, plus it's comfortable enough to hack all day in, unlike most of them!
 
i used to have a K2 jump which was fab but now have a Humphries and Swain jump saddle with serge lining which i LOVE... plus ned goes fab in it..
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Hope you don't mind a newbie putting in my 2pworth!.

Just to add something else to the mix - I got one of these in October, and I love it. Touchwood can now sit B's dirty stops & spins. Recommend suede seat - you stick like a limpit!

NB - I also hack and school in it, only cc I have found where you don't feel like you are sitting on the bones of your asre!

http://www.idealsaddle.com/catalogue/saddle/38

Fi x
 
i would just say ensure it fits your horse this is the most important thing, my preference would be a flocked panel nice and big and a nice wide gullet, at least you can adjust flock, also not sure about weight distibution of insert panels.
i would throw caution to the wind with the 'continental' close contact types as the pressure loads from them aren't all that great, the rider may feel 'close' the horse but this sometimes has consequences the tree is fixed into the back, the rails being tight across spinal process and the stirrup bars causing pressure points......
Also remember Ideal and Exselle can alter models to suit you ie more forward cut, not sure about other manufacturers though.....
hope that helps
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Hi sorry been folding uniform!

My saddle is blackcountry one. Its fab and would reccommend it. I had to try loads as my legs are a problem and I always felt scrunched up. Amerigo and pessoa were no good. Didnt try excelle but have heard good things.

I paid £1500 made to measure which is the same as alot of others. It can be sent away to be altered too. I cant afford another new one so went for my bates second hand (but like new)
I hate buying a new saddle so dont envy you`!
 
Another vote for Black Country Saddles. I have an older model monoflap Vinici and it is brilliant. Good service from the company too. If I was replacing it now I would go for the one they do for extra long legs. I'm 5'11" with a 36" inside leg and I like to ride short!!!
 
I have a prestige event and so does a mate of mine....... we SWEAR by ours ..... love love love love them!! lol!

also have a barnsby orginal milton (for another horse) and I really like that also! poss more suited to sj imo tho but i still love it!!
 
I used to have an Amerigo Pinerolo close contact jumping saddle until my horse changed shape and we stick to the dressage now!!- absolutely loved it, and Amerigo saddles really help you keep your position too. My horse also went nicely in it. In my opinion although they are v expensive they're worth every penny!!
 
I have an antares and love it so much!
I work at an event yard so ride in many different makes of saddle and as yet I have not found one which even matches the comfort, quality or secuirity of the Antares.
They are expensive but i have to say they are worth it
 
Hi,

Gosh there is so much personal preference in saddle selection. Just to mention two that haven't been yet (I think) Jaguar and Jeffries Flyover.

Am thinking about getting a Jaguar myself, currently use a Devoucoux or stubben for jumping.

Not that familiar with the makes you mentioned but have ridden in various prestiges, quite liked them however I have known quite a few people who don't find the sturrip bar satisfactory in that their leather flys off over jumps. This has happened to three different people I know so doubt it is just down to jumping position/style. Prestige even sponcered a trip to teh factory and a new saddle for one after it led to a fall xc in a CCI. The biggest saddler in my area will no longer sell them. Just something to watch out for perhaps.
 
ah, that's very interesting, thanks so much. hmm. the last time i had (both) stirrups come off a saddle in mid-air, i was about 15 and the fence was 2' high... oh, the shame! the people you know who it happened to... what do their lower legs do in mid-air? seems very odd for them to come off easily.
the Jeffries Flyover hasn't been as popular as i'd expected, don't know why. haven't heard great things about Jaguar re: horses' backs, so they're not on my list.
hmm, Prestige was one of my potential top choices. aaarrrrgggghhh.
having borrowed Miller's lovely Barnsby Schockemohle yesterday, and have it bring the mystery lump up on the mare's back again (hasn't reappeared since the WOW saddle), and then tried a Swaine serge-lined GP on her today with no lump appearing, it is looking as if only serge-lined saddles might work... so Swaine or Black Country, by the looks of it. the choices seem to be narrowing already! i am already dreading tomorrow...
thanks SO much for all the replies and info, everyone. very very grateful. SO don't want to make another £1500 mistake...
 
One you really must try if you get the chance is the jeffries elite close contact, it is a truly wonderful saddle, really makes you part of the horse, and all wool flocked for ultimate comfort for the horse, retails around £1,100. Fantastic for jumping in.
 
I too have a jeffries Elite CC and it is the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden in. It is one of the few CC saddles that you can use effectively for all disciplines.
After having no brakes on my mare, the day I put this saddle on was a total revelation - it has a super secure seat and places you in a fabulous position - gives me more braking ability than a pelham!
I will only replace it when I have the money (to burn) on either an Antares/ Bruno Delgrange or somehting else French. These saddles really are works of art and beautifully crafted for their purpose; streets ahead of anything on the market here, IMHO.
 
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