Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Which saddle to buy?

From: Tammy

I find your newsletter enjoyable and informative, keep up the good work. I have ridden english/hunt seat for about 8 years now. I used a friends All Purpose Saddle for a period of time and currently I am attending college for Equine Science and Management and have continued to ride English/Hunt Seat.

I am currently looking into purchasing my own English Saddle since, but I am confused as to the difference between All Purpose and Close Contact. I ride mostly towards Hunter Under Saddle, but also enjoying jumping occassionally. What does each type of saddle do, and how should I go about determining which would be better for what i like to do.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Tammy

Hi Tammy! If your riding is going to be aimed at shows, with the focus on Hunter Under Saddle classes and/or Hunter Over Fences classes, a close-contact saddle will probably be your best bet. These saddles are the preferred tack for hunter shows, and they're designed for riders who spend most of their riding time in a half-seat (two-point position).

If your riding interests change and you find that you are more intrigued by eventing or hunter trials (or hunting), you and your horse would probably be happier with a good all-purpose model. These saddles are designed to allow the rider to sit correctly in a full seat (three-point) for long periods, as well as to jump fences in the arena and on cross-country. All-purpose saddles tend to be a little heavier and bulkier, and usually feature knee rolls (which can be any size from small to quite large) to help the rider retain balance when jumping on slopes and over uneven terrain.

Whichever you choose, be sure that it fits both your horse and you. A good-quality, well-fitting saddle will make all of your rides much more pleasant. ;-)

Jessica

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