The Pros and Cons of a close contact saddle

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e.michaud

New Member
Dec 11, 2007
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I was recently considering buying a close contact saddle and selling my all purpose one in its place. Then I got to thinking. My all purpose is nice for its security in flat work, when schooling. What would be the pros of a close contact? I am just doing flat work right now, heading into jumping with my horse.

What does everyone think?
 
The close contact I ride in is lovely for jumping - it puts me in a fab position, really secure. It's very difficult to do flatwork in though because it pushes my lower leg forward & it's an absolute @rse cracker for sitting trot! In your shoes I'd get a dressage saddle & a close contact if you want something more specialised than a GP. Trying to use a close contact for flatwork is going to be tough!
 
Agree with Iron Maiden whole heartedly! I have a particularly forward cut GP and its making life really really difficult in flatwork. It continually pushes my lower leg forwards and up into the knee roll.....for a long time I thought I was just a terrible rider!! Then along comes brilliant RI who pointed out the saddle, popped her dressage saddle on and hey presto...no more lower leg problems!!

If your only just heading into jumping with your horse (sorry, I'm not sure if you meant because your a beginner at jumping or your horse is!), I'd stick with the GP as these saddles tend to be fine for anything other than huge jumps!! Or a dressage and close contact as IM suggested....

S
 
I am quite short and stuggled to get a jumping saddle which didnt interfere too much pushing my lower leg too far forward to do anything else but jump, those blocks which were supposed to be behind the knee acted as calf blocks for me :o(

Any hows, I now have the best saddle ever - have a look at the patriot on the stirlingshire saddlery website. It's so fantastic, it's a monoflap and so gives you a really close secure leg, but also has a comfy seat, I hack, school and jump in mine and absolutely love it. in comparison, my pal's JW close contact felt like you are sitting on the bones of your a**e. If you need something for all purposes, but erring towards jumping the patriot is my recommendation.

NB, not that we are endorsing them or anything, but 5 people on my yard now have them!

Fi x
 
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