Deep seat versus flat seat?

[Scribbler]

I was wondering how a deeper versus a flatter seat works in a jump saddle? I currently have an older County ProFit that has a flatter, more open seat and minimal knee rolls. I’ve mostly just done flat work in it, a little bit of cross poles on this horse but not for a while. Horse has outgrown the saddle which has me thinking another jump saddle.

I liked the saddle for flatwork and practising two point. It felt ok on the very small jumps we tried, it wasnt getting in the way, but I don’t think it gave me any real help.

I think I like more open minimal saddles (my dressage saddle is not highly built up either) but that might just be because I am used to them!

Anyhow my question is, how does a deeper seat affect comfort position and security in a jump saddle? Is it easier to fit a flatter saddle to the rider? If the pommel as well as the cantle is higher are you more forced into one place in the saddle? If so what’s the chance that will be behind the stirrup bars and force you into a chair seat? Is a chair seat on the flat a trade off to having a saddle that lets you get up in the air in half seat more easily? Etc.

[ladyj79]

Even at the top of the sport you’ll see flat butets and deep cwds. It is very much up to rider preference and style.

[Madison]

Some deeper seats can make you feel more secure and help your position, and some are too deep - it is all personal preference and what fits you well. You have to try them, it will be too flat, too deep, and “ahhh just right” when you sit in the right one for you! If it is too deep, it can sometimes be harder to lighten your seat and get off their backs, so it is a matter of finding what works best for you personally.

[Scribbler]

@Madison

Some deeper seats can make you feel more secure and help your position, and some are too deep - it is all personal preference and what fits you well. You have to try them, it will be too flat, too deep, and “ahhh just right” when you sit in the right one for you! If it is too deep, it can sometimes be harder to lighten your seat and get off their backs, so it is a matter of finding what works best for you personally.

What about the deep seat makes it hard to get up? Does the pommel get in the way? Does the saddle put your center of gravity too far back?

I have no trouble getting into two point in the ProFit but there also isn’t much keeping me there either other than thigh power. Which yes is what’s needed

[findeight]

I never had an issue lightening my seat but find the deeper seats more comfy these days. There’s a big middle ground too, lots if options in seats and padding and blocks depending on rider preference. You’ll know when you sit it one what’s going to work best for you.

JMO but this is something most saddle fitters aren’t very good at. And they can’t tell you what feels best to you.

[Madison]

@Scribbler

What about the deep seat makes it hard to get up? Does the pommel get in the way? Does the saddle put your center of gravity too far back?

I have no trouble getting into two point in the ProFit but there also isn’t much keeping me there either other than thigh power. Which yes is what’s needed

For me, if it was too deep, I felt a little “stuck” and it took more effort to adjust to a lighter seat. But it really is all about what feels good to you personally, and works with your position. For me as soon as I sat in the saddle I have now, I knew it was what I wanted, it just felt right - comfortable and secure but easy to adjust. I do wish I’d ordered the lower-pommel option but again that’s just personal preference.

[HopefulHunter45]

It really depends, however, I prefer deep seats as it keeps my position still over the jump. Also, if you have to sit the canter I would recommend a deep seat because it’s easier to stay still whilst cantering.

[Scribbler]

Thanks! I guess I ll just have to try them myself!