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What saddle is best for me?
I'm looking for a saddle that's good for everyday pleasure riding but will still be fit for jumping, and I thought an all-purpose would fill these categories. But I've been told by a few people that an all-purpose isn't very good for all of what I've listed, apparently. They've suggested an actual jumping saddle, but I'm not too sure. Would an all-purpose be good for jumping, and will a jumping be good for pleasure? I probably won't jump much though, it's just something I'd like to get into every now and then. I'm going for a second hand leather saddle, is that best? I know that leather lasts longer and a second hand is a little cheaper. Is Baites a good brand or maybe something different? I am an english rider. Thanks
2 Answers
- sazzyLv 78 years agoFavorite Answer
A good general purpose will be fine for jumping, it's aimed at being a good compromise between the two and I've never had any problems jumping in one.
That said, I do have a jumping saddle on my horse at the moment, for no other reason than she outgrew her old one and it was the best fit within my budget out of a choice of second hand ones. I use it for all sorts of general riding, flat work, hacking out and it's been fine and really comfortable. The only issue I had to begin with was the lack of support to get your leg under you, I often found my leg would just woosh forward from under me and that took a bit of getting used to but now I think it's actually really helped me find my own proper centre of balance and work to get my leg under me properly.
But if you're looking for something with more support for flatwork then I'd think a good general purpose would do you good.
I do prefer leather over synthetic, simply because it lasts longer and doesn't go shabby very quickly if you look after it. Second hand is fine, so long as it fits properly - I used a saddle fitter that specialised in second hand saddles for my recent saddle and wound up with a nice saddle that was only a year old but had halved in value.
I've heard good things about Baites, but never ridden in one myself so no idea how they ride.
- BeauLv 58 years ago
Saddles vary a lot between brands. My Olney is apparently a 'jumping' saddle, but looks more dressage/GP.
I wouldn't get a jumping saddle for what you want. They're obviously made for jumping, and may end up affecting your general position or be uncomfortably to do flatwork in. If you're not going to do a specific thing like jumping or dressage, don't get a specific saddle.
Second hand saddles can be both good and bad. While they're cheaper and the leather is more likely to be supple and comfortable, you could end up having a completely ill-fitting saddle for your horse.
I recommend getting a saddle fitter out, and after measuring your horse they will look for a suitable second-hand saddle. In the long run, this will save you a lot of money and time (buying new saddles, fixing your horse's back if the saddle doesn't fit etc).
Bates make lovely saddles, I wish I had one!
Stubben and Albion are also good, but expensive.
