Horse & Hound's buying guides feature the best kit on the market. This week we bring you 10 of the best jumping saddles
1. Hermès Cavale saddle
Designed to meet the needs of high-level showjumping, this saddle aims to achieve a perfect sensation over fences, as well as comfort and a very close contact with the horse.
RRP: £4,480
More information: www.hermes.com
2. Childéric single flap jump saddle
This saddle from the French brand can be built to the horse and rider’s requirements, including different girth strap positions, refined panel shapes with no pressure points, bigger knee blocks, and an airbag attachment on the pommel.
It is available in seat sizes 16 -19”, tree widths standard, medium and wide and colours black, master and Irish.
RRP: from £3,600
More information: www.childericsaddles.co.uk
3. Black Country Saddles Vinici Solare
As part of their finest British-made Vinici range, this saddle has a single/mono flap design with a slimline, one-piece tree. The girth is positioned between the cushioned sweat flap, so as to avoid discomfort.
The saddle is available in black, brown, havanna or oxblood in sizes 16 – 19″, in a range of width fittings.
RRP: £1,935
More information: www.blackcountrysaddles.com
4. Classique jumping saddle
The Classique jumping saddle is a traditional flocked saddle with a unique tree and panel system. The WOW patented tree with lateral flexion means that as the horse moves, the tree twists from side to side to allow freedom of movement.
The saddle’s pointless panel system provides a greater bearing surface. It is available in black or brown, in sizes 16 – 18”.
RRP: from £1,499
More information: www.classiquesaddles.com
5. Mark Todd Charisma Generation saddle
Manufactured in Walsall from English leather, this saddle has integrated knee rolls and thigh blocks for rider support, while the girthing system for the mono flap design allows the saddle to be fitted to a wide range of horses.
The saddle is available in sizes 16.5 – 18” in a choice of three widths in black or brown.
Price: £1,650
More information: www.wefi.co.uk
6. Albion Saddlemakers K2 jump
This saddle features a soft deep seat and an improved weight-bearing surface for the horse with a wider drop panel to provide extra support. The saddle has a contour stitch line on the saddle flaps and is available in two material options, standard or ultima leather.
The saddle is available in sizes 16 – 18.5″.
RRP: from £1,499
More information: www.albionsaddlemakers.co.uk
7. Amerigo DJ Pinerolo saddle
This saddle is built on a wooden spring tree and features wool flocked independant panels (individually crafted by hand), which can be adapted and changed to suit each horse. The saddle is available in black, brown, redbrown and newmarket with a choice of kneerolls.
A forward cut flap option as well as a monoflap are also available.
RRP: from £3,400
More information: www.zebraproducts.co.uk
8. Tonino Lamborghini GP1
This fully handmade saddle features a tree made from different kinds of evaporated wood. The arch of the tree is reinforced with stainless steel and the twist is reinforced with a special aluminium alloy to enhance flexibility and lightness.
RRP: £7,320
More information: www.arkaquipe.com
9. Monarch VSJ saddle
This saddle is a more forward cut GP suitable for jumping, hunting, hacking and cross-country. The saddle features Velcro front and rear flexi -blocks allowing the rider to adopt a number of positions and accommodating a range of leg lengths.
This saddle has an open head and front gusset in the panel, being suitable for a horse with an average height wither. The wide weight bearing panel suits a wide range of horses.
The saddle is available in 17 – 18” in havana brown and black.
RRP: £640
More information: www.gfsriding.co.uk
10. The Bates Momentum saddle
This saddle is suited to eventers and features a low narrow waist enabling the rider to sit into, rather than on the saddle and the forward cut flap allows for a variety of leg positions allowing the rider to ride shorter.
The adjustable Flexibloc system enables the rider to individually tailor their knee and thigh support providing a more secure position and the ergonomic stirrup bar enables closer contact. The saddle features an air panel system which evenly distributes weight across the entire length of the panel and the Easy-Change Gullet System allows on the spot adjusting of the saddle.
RRP: £1,599
More information: www.batessaddles.com/index.php/stockists/
Next week: don’t miss our pick of the best summer lightweight gloves
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