After searching and trying to educate my self on these two saddles for what seems like weeks I still am not sure of the difference between the two. I am looking at a used saddle that is being marketed as a Flyover but looks more like the pictures i’ve seen of the JMX with the pillowed knee pad. I have also read that they run super small. Is that everyone’s experience? Lastly, are these saddles too minimalist for someone looking to redevelop their seat/leg after years of competing in a different discipline? I have been through a few saddles now and haven’t found one that didn’t turn my knee out or didn’t make me feel super perched on top of my horse. Thought this saddle might be the ticket and put me in the correct position rather than something super deep seated with blocks that forces me into a position that isn’t right.
There’s a huge difference between the Flyover and the JMX. The Flyover is more of a true xc saddle with a very forward flap an as such, puts you in more of a chair seat. It does run about an inch smaller than normal. Most of the Flyovers also have foam panels although it’s possible to find them with wool flocking
I love the JMX so much that I bought one for each of my horses. (If you are looking, I’m selling the one I bought for my TB who I retired last fall). I find it to be a very balanced saddle that gives you a close contact feel without putting you behind the motion. I’ve used mine to foxhunt and they are supremely comfortable. My saddle fitter also loved it and said it was as nice as saddles that cost 2-3x. I have the upgraded leather, which is nice and grippy. I believe the JMX saddles are all wool flocked.
Here’s my write up of the saddle. Feel free to ask me any questions.
Haha I have actually read your blog in my research on these saddles as well as seen your posts/comments here on the forums through my extensive search. I have truly scoured the internet trying to educate myself a bit. The saddle i’m looking at looks exactly like the pictures of your saddle in your write up except it is black, which I prefer considering all of my tack is currently black, however is advertised as a Flyover. I’ll try to attach a picture below. I’m most comfortable in a 17.5 with a forward flap in most everything so was hesitant to give this a shot given it is a 17.5 and everything I have read that the Flyover sits small. So i’m trying to determine if this is in fact a Flyover or is it actually a JMX and does the JMX also sit smaller?
That is a Flyover. I tried the Flyover years ago and found it ran small. I tried and 18" and thought I’d probably need to go up to a 19" to be comfortable. The JMX does not run small. Mine is a 17.5" and it fits me great. I ride in either a 17.5 or 18" depending on the flap and the seat depth. I also have very long femurs which impact saddle fit.
Well darn. Thought I might have found a diamond in my price range, but I had better keep looking I guess. On to the next, as they say. Thank you for your time and for commenting!
Just to chime in on Jeffries sizing on a different model - I have two Jeffries Elite saddles and I would say the seat size is as expected.
Sizing for the flyover must have changed over the years. Mine is one of the original flyovers. My ran a bit wide and the seat was as advertised. Mine is also wool flocked. The early flyovers sold in the US were foam but mine had a defect and they replaced it with a wool flocked. I loved that saddle but it doesn’t my current horses.
Thanks, FitToBeTied. I couldn’t access your link, but appreciate the info. I may trial this saddle just for grins, otherwise i’ll wish I had later when whatever I buy I don’t like. haha
Thanks, Mango. I have a Jeffries Falcon Hawk right now and it is a boat. Comfy and secure to ride in but man it’s just huge. Wanting something a little sleeker and smarter looking.
