What to look for/feel (please help me choose my jump saddle)

[EdenEventer88]

I’m a former Western rider that wants to get into eventing. I have been taking dressage lessons for several years and have a nice, comfortable dressage saddle. I want to buy a jump saddle (for now, something that will work both for jumping and CC). However, I do not have any real experience jumping and I am not sure how to tell what would fit well.

I’ve been reading so many comments on the forum and elsewhere: “I loved such-and-such saddle on the flat, but it put me behind/jumped me out of the saddle when going over jumps;” or “I did not care for this-and-such aspect of the saddle.” How do I know if it’s the saddle or my own inexperience? I struggled in an AP saddle for months (before the dressage saddle I have now) and my trainer finally rode in it after I pestered her and said “wow, I can’t believe you rode as well as you did. I can barely keep my leg back! This saddle is terribly unbalanced.” But I didn’t know it was the saddle, not me!

So my question is, can you explain some aspects of saddle fitting that I would need to know, and how to tell if it’s me or the saddle? Using dressage and Western references/terminology is welcome! Also, I know that it must fit the horse, and of course will keep those considerations in mind, but I’m specifically wanting advice for a harmonious fit that puts me in a good jumping position.

I have a budget of about 1200, so nothing custom right this second, but I’d be interested in hearing what you all would suggest for a first-time jumper on a budget. I have a OTTB with shark fin withers. I’m 5’7" with normal proportions.

Sorry for my novella! Thanks in advance!

[Twigster]

I’m not sure about the availability in Texas, but if you can find a good independent saddle fitter that can come evaluate you and your horse, I think you will end up miles ahead than if you try and go at this alone. The best option would be someone who either some used inventory, and second best would be getting some recommendations for brands, sizes and features to look for in your used saddle search.

I would be inclined to look for a well made used saddle, versus a less expensive new saddle at your budget.

[EdenEventer88]

I think it’d be a good idea to have someone out, but I also want to have some ideas in mind and know what to look for. The saddle that I was first riding in was recommended by a “fitter” type person and I found out later that it fit the horse perfectly, just not me.

So even if there are experts out there who know the ropes (OR are just trying to sell me their most expensive saddle…) I want to have my own “red flags” to look out for. Just so I feel more comfortable! And yes, I definitely want to go the “used” route–one of the best dressage saddles I sat in was a used French something-or-other that made me feel super secure!

[Ryde_XC]

Some things we look for when lesson kids are buying their first school/lease horse saddles (usually their first one with a small budget.)

What’s your immediate thought you sit in saddle. Are you fidgeting around to find the deepest part of saddle, are you having to place your leg where you want it or does it just fall into place? You should feel you can stand up in your stirrups and not feel that you will fall forward and back. Make sure when you are posting and in 2 point that you aren’t hitting the pommel or cantle. Can you two point easily or are you feeling tipped forward or back? Can you move easily between sitting/rising/2pt. If you lean back as if you are going to drop off a bank is there enough room or are you hitting back of saddle. Is the twist comfortable? I had one saddle that though I thought the twist was okay I was always subconsciously pushing myself away from the pommel because the way it rose up was not very comfortable!

Will you have your trainer around to help you with looking for saddles? I’ve worked with a lot of great saddle fitters for the horses- but many of them are not going to necessarily tell you what you should feel in the saddle or how you should sit. If you go the route of having a saddle fitter come out I would organize it with your trainer that they can watch and give input too. That way too they can help tell you what is just say weakness in your general riding position and what is saddle.

Anyhow, those are a few of the things that I consider for the rider and saddles.

[Auburn]

I jumped/evented in a custom made saddle. It, supposedly, was made to fit me and my horse. It fit my horse, but I always fought it, especially to maintain my galloping position. Because the flap was not forward enough for my long thigh, I had to ride with my stirrups longer, than I wanted. If I put them up where they should have been, my knee was in front of the flap.

When I bought my OTTB mare, I just wanted an eventing saddle that fit her and was comfortable for me. I bought a Pessoa Legacy Monoflap saddle, with the changeable gullet. The balance point in that saddle was awesome. I never had to struggle to find my galloping position or my half seat to jump. Unfortunately, it does not fit my new horse, so I am having a custom made saddle for him, by a saddle fitter that I trust.

Saddle quests are not fun. If you can find a fitter, who is not affiliated with just one company, I would have them bring out some saddles for you to try.

[kcmel]

Since you are new to jumping you might want a saddle that is more supportive, with bigger blocks, such as the Black Country Wexford. This saddle is also very comfortable–like sitting on a couch! I loved this saddle up to about 3’; after that it started to feel restrictive.

Of course your trainer may have the complete opposite opinion lol!

[jaybird660]

First, I would suggest you contact various saddle fitters and submit your info. They, as I would do, request particular photos, info and tracings if you have them. I offer consultation which is not necessarily associated with our inventory or you could work with our inventory. Most charge for consultation. We charge for that but not for working with our inventory. Either way, you will get an idea of what to look for and ideally have suggestions to try and someone to evaluate fit as well.

[Mombie]

Ask to borrow others’ saddles and at least w/t/c over poles in 2 pt. That’ll at least give you some idea of what is comfortable. Ask your trainer for recommendations, she probably has SOME idea of what might work for you.
A basic test is to stand straight up in your stirrups. You should be able to comfortably have your lower leg underneath you to stand for a bit (longer depending on skill and strength) without “positioning” your leg forward or backward.
Good luck! Saddle shopping sucks.
PS- you will probably only ever need one jump saddle (assuming you are only riding the one horse). Most lower level or even mid level eventers have one saddle for show jumping and xc. (I am super cheap and have one saddle for all three phases:))