Hey all! So I’m looking for a saddle for myself and I always know this is the best place to get advice! I finally found a dressage saddle that works so now it’s time to hunt for a jumper saddle! So I need a bigger seat like 17.5-18in but I have a 27” inseam so tiny little legs! Suggestions on saddles that might work for this?
Rule of thumb…take measurement from hip bone straight to knee. That number is the seat but if you need to go up, go up. I’m 5’ and ride in a 16.5"
Hard to throw out a saddle brand when it’s a mix of what works you and what works for your horse. Find an experienced saddle fitter to help you.
I’m 5’2 and I find a short, forward flap suits me best. I currently have a 16.5 CWD with a 1C flap, which is their short and forward. The equivalent in a Devoucoux is probably a 0A (I used to have one of those as a monoflap and LOVED it but then switched out of jumpers to hunters and eq, woops). I find monoflaps for jumping gave me the best contact for my short legs with the horses side.
I think saddles are a bit like bras, if you go up in the seat size, you can go down in flap size. If you find a smaller seat, a bigger flap can help. The forwardness helps a lot for me I struggle in anything that does not have a forward flap.
All of the high-end saddles have short flap options. I have a CWD 1L, a Voltaire 1A, and an Antares 1N. Butet makes a 0 flap, Devoucoux has a different code that I don’t know.
You can find short flap option saddles used on FB if you don’t want to pay new prices. Sit in some different saddle brands to see what is comfortable for you, even if the flap is too long. Then look for that saddle brand/options but with a short flap.
I have extremely short legs (5’1 with 27" inseam) and I find a short/straighter flap works best for me. I also love the second skin option on the Voltaire saddles. It just minimizes bulk under your leg, and with short legs, that makes a huge difference.
