Seeking advice on jump saddles

[NealyCath]

Hi, I am new to this site but I thought there might be some people here that know a whole lot more about saddles than I do. I need to get a new jump saddle for my little thoroughbred mare.

I am jumping around 80cm - 1m at the moment so nothing huge but would like to progress further. I used jump in a bates elevation when I was a kid but that is the extent of my jump saddle knowledge unfortunately. I have been reading about lots of brands and types I would like to try however I would love some advice on which types/ brands I should try to get a test ride in that might suit my horse.

Hope this link works -http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?"]http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=eed8dfe02c6173e1c7e45aad1e0cdff4#141 4406606145"]http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?

[jaybird660]

I’m unable to view. It requires an email/username and password.

[NealyCath]

Hmm okay well give this one a go:http://instagram.com/p/urNho8i8Rx/

Otherwise is it possible to post the photo straight into the thread somehow?

[RiverBendPol]

Try Black Country. I LOVE mine…

[ivy62]

Try L’Apogee, fit both of my Tbs great! and the service is awesome

[FolsomBlues]

Another vote for Black Country. Truthfully, it’s going to be individual for every horse and rider. Best bet is to find an independent saddle fitter (meaning they do not rep for any one brand like County, CWD, etc) and have them come look at you and your horse and give you some recommendations.

[Buckskin]

Ugh, saddle shopping. I had a hard time finding the right saddle. It doesn’t help that I’m shaped like a t-rex with a short thigh and narrow hip angle. I would first figure out what you need as a rider from your saddle. (For example: twist, flap length, how forward the flap is, seat size, etc). Then determine the tree size your horse needs. After that do some research on what brands of saddles offer what you are looking for.

FolsomBlues has a great idea for using a saddle fitter for help. I also found it helpful to go to a consignment shop and just sit in saddles. You get a good idea of what you like and don’t like.

I started out liking the M. Toulouse saddles for their price but the twist was too wide. I found out I need a narrow twist and after a few months found an Amerigo saddle that fit me and my horse perfectly. I’ve heard good things about county and Devoucoux saddles (I’m not sure what your budget is like). Good luck in your search!

[jaybird660]

Although I would also like a view looking down on the back, it would appear that your adorable horse has a little dip, (light background makes it hard to be sure), and a moderate wither. You will likely need some panel support in the front of the saddle such as K, trapezius or skid row panels and maybe wither gussets but because I can’t see the lateral profile it is hard to know for sure if an A shape or hoop shape would be better.
Saddles that offer some or all of those options include Black Country, Baines, Fairfax, Kent and Masters, THorowgood, County, etc.