Whether you’re jumping in shows, fox hunting or any other type of riding that requires your horse to jump, a saddle designed specifically for jumping and a saddle that fits you and the horse well is a must.
Jumping saddles are designed to put you in the center of gravity, with small knee rolls or knee blocks to minimize weight, be out of the way, and maximize balance. The seat on a jumping saddle is farther back and deeper than the seat on other types of saddles, giving you even more balance. A proper jumping saddle allows direct contact with its short stirrup length and a shortened flap that is cut forward. Although the stirrups are not as short as racing stirrups, they will still allow a good sense of contact with the horse. The short flap should be supportive of the rider’s legs and not throw one off balance or cause stress on the leg muscles.
A good sense of contact with the horse is very important because when you’re jumping, you should, more than ever, strive to be at one with your mount. The saddle must be fitted carefully because a poorly fitted saddle will cause problems for both horse and rider and will disturb the synergy of working together with the horse. You may pay more for a good fitting, but if you don’t, you and your horse will very probably suffer.
If you want to jump, do your homework and study saddles made for jumping before deciding which one you want. While they all have the attributes above, there are differences in manufacturers. Choose a reputable dealer or crafter and follow their directions for fitting and you’ll be happy with the results.
Jumping a horse can be a unique and heady experience if you have the right saddle with the right fit. Take a look at Equestrian horse saddles or Stubben jumping saddle.
