Re: Saddle Inquiry

["Tracey" <tracey@tbt.co.za>]

I am looking for info on a close contact English style saddle to compete on.

Is there any particular reason why you are wanting a close contact saddle?  And what style are you looking for?  Jumping, dressage or General purpose?

I ride in a Kieffer Munchen which, although not close contact, gives me sufficient contact to do a decent dressage test (equine foibles notwithstanding) and to jump cross country / stadium jumping). 

As far as decent English Style saddles go, I don't particularly like Stubbens.  They're heavy, hard and I feel that they pitch me forwards.  I swear by my Kieffer, and also adore Counties, particularly the County dressage saddle.  Barnsby makes a nice close contact jumping saddle (I believe John Whittaker uses it), and the Albion saddles are heavenly.

I have used a Wintec before, but wasn't mad on it.  I felt that, after a while, it spread.  The only jumping saddle I've ever owned was a Legend.  Unbelieably comfortable, excellent for jumping, but not that great over XC fences, where you need to ride a little longer.

Hope this helps.

 

Tracey