A close contact saddle is designed with a forward cut flap to help the rider get out of the tack and into jump position. Although flat work is possible in a close contact saddle, they are primarily used for stadium jumping or cross-country.Are close contact saddles good for jumping?
Close Contact Saddles
The close contact saddle typically has a narrow twist, low-set pommel, forward flap and a shallower seat than other types of English saddles, allowing for jumping.
What does a close contact saddle do?
Close contact saddles are used for hunt seat events such as hunt seat equitation, hunter under saddle, fox hunting, and both hunters and jump- ers. These saddles accommodate a bent knee, shorter stirrup leathers and a rider in a half-seat or two-point position.
What type of saddle is best for jumping?
A jump saddle has a more forward cut, close contact design with a flatter seat to allow greater freedom of movement for the rider in the jumping position. The seat will naturally encourage you to sit in a relaxed two-point seat with forward soft hands allowing the horse to move freely.
Is a close contact saddle the same as all-purpose?
Close contact seats generally have a more shallow seat than a dressage saddle or an all-purpose saddle in order for the rider to easily stand up for the correct half seat position over the fence. One will see these in the jumper ring, hunter/jumper ring and in eventing.
Top 10 Most Popular Jump Saddles!
What makes a jumping saddle?
Jumping saddles typically have a very forward cut, close contact design and a flatter seat to allow greater freedom of movement for the rider when in the jumping position.
Can you jump in a GP saddle?
A GP saddle refers to a General Purpose saddle (sometimes called All Purpose) and is the most commonly used and popular saddle among horse owners. They are designed for riders who like to do a bit of everything. The flaps are forward cut enough for jumping and also suitable for schooling and hacking.
Can a dressage saddle be used for jumping?
You simply will not have the necessary support in a dressage saddle to work with the horse over a jump; you simply will not be able to do proper dressage in a close contact jumping saddle which does not allow the rider to sit properly balanced with a shoulder-hip-heel straight line.
Can you event in an all-purpose saddle?
Steer clear of the so-called “all-purpose” saddles. These hybrids offer a straight flap that, although useful for dressage, prevents the closed hip-to-knee angle you need for cross-country jumping, since you'll ride with a shorter stirrup for this phase.
Can you ride dressage in an all purpose saddle?
Here in the states, we list it as “all-purpose” because it has a deep secure seat and longer flaps than many jump saddles. This saddle is supportive enough for a rider to do lower level dressage, trail ride, fox hunt or jump with equal success. Many riders are not looking to advance up the levels of any one discipline.
Do you need a dressage saddle for British Eventing?
But for riders taking part in British Eventing competitions and where riding is a serious hobby a specific dressage and jumping saddle will help overall performance when every mark counts. Ideally most riders would prefer to have specialist saddles and bridles for each phase.
What is an event saddle?
The Event saddle is designed more for cross country riding and jumping on a medium seated tree. Like the jumping saddle it is a forward cut with Velcro knee blocks.
What is the difference between a jump and dressage saddle pad?
The only difference between the dressage and jumping version is the shape, which was especially designed for the different types of saddles to offer the best possible fit and functionality. The pad works exactly the same way no matter which shape it has.
What is a dressage saddle used for?
The Dressage Saddle is designed to help the dressage rider adopt the most centrally balanced seat while performing the movements of a Dressage test. Uniquely positioned stirrup bars ensure the rider sits in the correct dressage position.
Can you jump in a working hunter saddle?
Working Hunter Saddles are used for riders in hunting conditions such as fields. They are designed to show the horse while providing security for the rider when jumping. A working hunter saddle is not as forward cut as general purpose saddle and not as straight as a dressage saddle.
What does VSD saddle mean?
The VSD saddle designed to sit between a dressage saddle and a GP saddle. VSD is a German term for a multi-purpose saddle. Multi purpose (Vielzweck) Jumping (Springen) and dressage (Dressage). This saddle is distinguishable for it's thigh pad in the back of the flap.
What is a straight cut saddle?
If you want to show off your horses shoulder, you may wish to pick a more straight cut saddle, such as a working hunter saddle or a VSD. These saddles have flaps that are more forward than a dressage saddle but slightly straight than a GP.
Can you use a dressage saddle pad with a GP saddle?
They're best used not on their own they are best used, in fact, with plane cotton squares - either a jumping square or a dressage square - because one of the great flexible points of our pads is that they can be used with any types of saddle whether it be a dressage saddle, jumping, forward cart jumping saddle or a GP ...
What kind of saddle pad should I use?
Felt saddle pads are an excellent all-around choice for moisture absorption and breathability, so they are preferred by many riders. Saddle pads can be shaped or square. A Western saddle blanket is a square, woven, blanket-style pad that comes in many colors and is highly durable.
How long do impact gel saddle pads last?
Impact Gel is unaffected by extreme temperatures. Between -40⁰F and 250⁰F Impact Gel retains its energy absorbing properties. Our unique wool blend wicks moisture and is incredibly durable. Heavy duty wear leathers are made with fresh-prepared hides which can maintain their properties at least 50 years.
Where are collegiate saddles made?
Collegiate has a rich British and American heritage, born in America the home of equitation classes where the perfect rider position and balance is everything and developed in Walsall, England, the home of English saddle making.
Are Hackamores allowed in eventing?
Gags or hackamores are allowed. In the interest of safety, the stirrup iron and stirrup leathers must hang free from the bar of the saddle and outside the flap. There must be no other restrictions or attachments of any kind.
Can you wear spurs in British eventing?
Spurs are optional at all levels. Spurs must be made of smooth metal, blunt and incapable of wounding a horse. Metal spurs with round plastic, metal or rubber knobs are allowed.
