Searching out the best jump saddles to find one that fits and works for you as well as your horse isn’t something you can do solely on the internet, but it’s a good place to start. Unlike most purchasing decisions you make, this one really has to strike the balance between getting the best one for you and the perfect fit for your horse – if it’s not quite right for either of you, the chances are you won’t get as many clear rounds as you potentially could. H&H recommends consulting a qualified saddle fitter prior to purchase and following up with regular checks to tailor the fit to your horse’s changing shape. The links below should help direct you to local stockists of the best jump saddles.
You can, however, spend as much time as you like before this stage freely lusting after the latest releases and the returning models from brands that make the best jump saddles. With a range of colours, leathers, shapes and personalisation options, as well as adjustable features, there’s plenty to consider. You might also want to check out what stirrup leathers, technical stirrups, girths and jump saddle pads are on offer, too.
What’s the difference between a GP and a jump saddle?
A GP (general purpose) saddle is designed for riders who enjoy doing a bit of everything. They typically have a fairly deep seat and short flaps, which offers balance and a good range of movement for you and your horse. A jump saddle tends to be more forward cut, have a much flatter seat and give you a closer contact with your horse. They also have knee and/or thigh blocks to offer security and help you achieve the right position while showjumping.
What’s a monoflap saddle?
A traditional (or dual flap) saddle has two flaps that sit under your leg, and the girth straps lie between them, while the stirrup leathers lay on top. A monoflap saddle is designed to offer you a closer contact with your horse – it has a single flap and the girth straps emerge from underneath it.
Best jump saddles
Crosby Monoflap Covered Leather Event Saddle
Colours: Black, brown or oiled cognac | Seat sizes: 16–18in | RRP: £2,899 |
Handcrafted from European double leather that provides grip, comfort and support, this saddle has a classic medium/deep seat that aids rider stability and security. The French-inspired close contact moulded foam panels help to provide a comfortable and seamless bridge between horse and rider, while the panel has a broad bearing surface to offer weight distribution without interfering with movement. The generous channel width ensures good spine clearance and the slimline stirrup bar offers closer contact. The adjustable gullet system allows you to easily alter the width, plus each saddle comes with a 10-year warranty on the tree and a two-year warranty on materials and workmanship.
More info and stockists at collegiatesaddlery.co.uk
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at equestriancollections.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.com
Collegiate Degree Mono Event
Colours: Black or brown | Seat sizes: 16–18in | RRP: £1,199 |
This monoflap saddle is made from high quality, naturally tanned pigmented leather, while the thigh blocks are covered with supple grained leather. The semi-deep seat and square cantle provide a secure and comfortable ride. The saddle also includes long front gussets, contrast stitching, and a leather wear patch. It features a changeable gullet system combined with synthetic wool panels allows for an improved fit.
More info and stockists at collegiatesaddlery.co.uk
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at smartpakequine.com or statelinetack.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.com
Whitaker Overton
Colours: Black or Havana | Seat sizes: 16–18in | RRP: £995 |
Part of the Whitaker Demands collection, this saddle is described as low maintenance, with a forward cut and interchangeable gullet. It has a large padded knee roll that is staggered to encourage proper leg positioning. The leather flap also features a padded section at the skirt to stop creasing and aid comfort. The underpanels are made from a synthetic leather and memory foam core that moulds to the shape of your horse, but there are also felt slits should you require additional flocking.
More info and stockists at johnwhitaker.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Bates Victrix
Colours: Black or Havana with coloured highlights | Seat sizes: 16½–17½in | RRP: £3,099
This jump saddle is lightweight, compact and ultra-close contact offering your horse complete freedom in every stride. It has an adjustable ergonomic stirrup bar and adjustable blocks that aid balance and allow you to fine tune your position for your perfect natural alignment.
More info and stockists at batessaddles.com.au
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Albion K3 Sport Jump
Colours: Black or brown | Seat sizes: 16½–18in, N–T | RRP: From £2,270 |
The monoflap design helps to create a closer contact and a lighter weight design. The K3 benefits from modern styling, a super-soft half deep seat and a pure wool flock and felt-lined panel to allow for minor adjustments. Like the K2, this saddle is built on the Adjusta-Tree and it can be customised with new Glitz fabric on block coverings and at the back of the cantle, coloured welts and more.
More info and stockists at albionengland.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Amerigo DJ Saddle
Colours: Black, brown, Newmarket or red brown | Seat sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: £4,595 |
This saddle is designed for horses with an average length of withers to the deepest point and a straighter topline, but it’s also great for short backed horses and bigger warmbloods. There are four flap lengths available and you can choose between grip leather, pinerolo leather and traditional leather. Customisation is available in nameplates, coloured stitching and coloured welting,
More info and stockists at amerigo-saddles.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Equipe Expression Special
Colours: Black, brown, Newmarket or red brown | Seat sizes: 15½–18in, M–W | RRP: £2,550 |
Made from luxurious calfskin, this saddle has a synthetic tree and deep seat, with anatomically shaped front and rear blocks and padded knee rolls. Also available as a monoflap.
More info and stockists at selleriaequipe.it/en
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Harry Dabbs Pro Jump
Colours: Black, Havana or tan | Seat sizes: 16–18½in | RRP: From £2,700 |
The flat seat and forward cut flaps gives the rider room for movement whilst the soft seat and air cushioned knee pads provide comfort and support. The Pro Jump is on a traditional English spring tree and features a wool-flocked performance panel that is designed to reduce the pressure beyond the last rib to free up the hindquarters. The head design gives more freedom at the shoulder. It is available in a choice of flap lengths.
More info and stockists at harrydabbs.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Fairfax Spirit Jump
Colours: Black or brown | Seat sizes: 17–17½in | RRP: From £2,600 |
This wool-flocked English leather saddle benefits from Fairfax’s Performance Panel, which de-restricts the shoulder and knee apparatus in flight, allowing the horse greater freedom of movement. This saddle was designed and tested using pressure mapping and gait analysis. It features adjustable knee blocks at the front and thigh blocks at the back to provide customised rider support, while the slimline design improves the sense of connectivity and a closer leg contact. The gullet bar has seven changeable widths and there are three adjustable girthing options, too.
More info and stockists at fairfaxsaddles.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
GFS Transition GX Jump
Colours: Black or brown | Seat sizes: 17–17½in, N–XXXW | RRP: £1,450 |
This saddle is aimed at the slightly more serious rider than the Transition Jump saddle as it has less depth of seat. It features moveable blocks so that you can fine-tune your leg position, as well as removable girth straps to keep the saddle balanced and stable. It also has an adjustable gullet plate system.
More info and stockists at gfsriding.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Jeffries Liberty Jump
Colours: Black or Havana | Seat sizes: 16½–18in, M–XXW | RRP: £2,280 |
The Liberty tree has flatter rails and an open head that make it ideal for warmbloods and heavier horse types.The wool-flocked panel has a good depth and bearing surface. The saddle has an open head, generous gullet and soft dual density seat. Other features include substantial knee and thigh blocks and stitched knee pads. Also available as a monoflap.
For more info, stockists or to buy, visit ejeffries.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Pessoa Gen-X Elite
Colours: Black, oak or brown | Seat sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: £2,450 |
This saddle has a square cantle to helps the rider develop a perfect jumping position, while double adjustable rubber knee rolls offer comfort, security and stability. It is particularly suited to the modern day sports horse and has interchangeable gullet plates so you can change the width of the saddle if your horse changes shape.
More info and stockists at pessoa-saddlesuk.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Stübben Portos
Colours: Black, Havana, ebony or tobacco | Seat sizes: 16½–19in | RRP: From £2,750 |
This close-contact jump saddle has a narrow twist and flat panel with a short rib, which reduces the distance between you and your horse. The saddle is made of full grain, soft leather and has eye-catching decorative stitching. There are plenty of customisation options available with this saddle.
For more info, stockists or to buy, visit stuebben.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Wow DMK Peak
Colours: Wide range of combinations and customisation options | Seat sizes: 16–19in, N–XXW | RRP: From £4,288 |
This saddle has an exceptionally close contact seat as well as a new adjustable seatbone support system that helps the rider sit level and and distribute their weight equally. An adjustable under flap leg support can be moved creating maximum lower leg stability. Interchangeable panels and headplates ensure a perfect fit for every horse, even after shape changes. The panel choices include the new BBS panel with its massive bearing surface encouraging the horse to lift through its back.
More info and stockists at wowsaddles.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Voltaire Design Lexington
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 16–21in | RRP: From £3,950 |
This fully customisable lightweight, mono flap jump saddle offers a half deep seat and multiple flap possibilities to accommodate the rider. The anatomical panels are custom made for each horse to ensure support, comfort and freedom of movement.
More info and stockists at voltairedesign.com
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.com
Wintec 500 Close Contact
Colours: Black | Sizes: 16½–17½in | RRP: £679 |
This leather-look, easy-care saddle has an open seat with a low cantle. The super-soft panels are designed to mould in and around your horse.
More info and stockists at wintec-saddles.co.uk
Find this saddle second hand on ebay.co.uk
Arena Jump
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 15–18in | RRP: £999 |
This saddle has been designed to allow your horse to move freely on the flat and over fences. It’s shaped to help you maintain the correct position and is now available in smaller seat sizes, too.
More info and stockists at arenasaddles.co.uk
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Bliss Sportiva Jump Mono
Colours: Black, cocoa, claret or cognac | Sizes: 14–19in | RRP: £3,450 |
Produced for professional riders looking for a close contact saddle that delivers on both style and performance. It has an engineered tree, high-tech leatherwork and a sleek sports finish. It’s available in luxurious French calf leather or nubuck hide for extra grip. It’s also wool flocked and can be built on a wide choice of wooden tree and panel options to suit all types of profiles.
More info and stockists at bliss-of-london.com
Premier Equine Chamonix Leather Close Contact Jump Saddle
Colours: Black or brown | Seat sizes: 16½–17½in, N–XL | RRP: £1,320 |
This saddle has an interchangeable gullet so that it can be tweaked to fit your horse as he changes. It also features safety flick stirrup bars that allow for quick and easy application and removal of your stirrup leathers. The leather flap features dynamic style lines, which add textural dimension to this jump saddle, while the girth straps offer options for comfort and the synthetic fibre wool flocking provides balanced pressure distribution.
More info and stockists at premierequine.co.uk
AMZ Platinum jump saddle
Colours: Black, brown, tan or chestnut | Seat sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: From £2,095 |
This dual-flap, forward-cut saddle is designed to offer stability and security over a fence yet the freedom to move with your horse. It has a chunkier knee roll for a secure leg position and is crafted in the UK from high quality British leather selected for its durability and longevity. The saddle is fully customisable with coloured welting, stitching and an array of personalisation.
More info and stockists at amzsaddles.co.uk
Equiline Challenge
Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: 16–18in | RRP: £3,500 |
This jump saddle has been designed with a shallow seat to offer great contact and balance. The flap design features a grip system giving you additional lower leg security and engagement even at high speed. It is a available in a range of flap projections and lengths, and has a moveable front block.
More info and stockists at equiline.it/uk
Cuomo Jump Pro Saddle
Colours: Black, brown, tan, rodeo red or two tone | Sizes: 16½–18in | RRP: From £2,270 |
This calfskin monoflap jump saddle is built to support you without getting in the way. The tree allows room for the trapezius and comes in three designs to suit horses of all shapes. The addle colour, rider blocks and seat shapes can be made bespoke to each rider’s needs.
More info and stockists at louisamariacuomosaddles.com
Childéric FSC
Colours: Black, Irish, master or chataigne | Seat sizes: 15–19in | RRP: From £4,500 |
Offering a bespoke cut and twist, this saddle aims to brig you closer to your horse and give you the feel and position you want. It offers a slightly deeper seat than other Childéric jump saddles. The open head enables the saddle to be shared between horses more easily. All saddles are fully bespoke and therefore available in single or double flap, and with options for integrated panels and customisable flap design. Stitching and piping colour is also fully bespoke.
More info and stockists at childericsaddles.co.uk
Comfort Elite Elevation
Colours: Black, dark brown or custom | Seat sizes: 16½–18.5in | RRP: £2,495 |
The tree used in this saddle is described as being able to ‘fit a large range of horses and ponies, and great for really wide horses. It has a deep, contoured seat, large adjustable knee blocks and fixed exteral thigh blocks. The monoflap saddle comes with special wide gullet, large weight-bearing panels in gel foam or flocking, and four girthing straps. Custom options are available, knee blocks, twist, flap length or suede or doeskin seat or knee rolls.
More info and stockists at comfort-saddles.com
Smart Elite Jump Saddle
Colours: Black or Havana | Seat sizes: Available in 4 seat sizes | RRP: From £3,495 |
This close contact saddle has a narrow twist and recessed thigh support, which enables the rider to make controlled postural adjustments and precise aids. The open seat profile offers the rider more manoeuvrability, while the fully flexible saddle also allows your horse’s jumping to be unimpeded.
It has deep panels with a larger surface area, to support and lift the saddle on a wide range of back shapes, and a contoured shape that creates clearance around a prominent wither.
More info and stockists at smartsaddles.com
Erreplus Eventing Mono Saddle
Colours: Black, cocoa or dark brown | Sizes: 16–18in | RRP: £3,250 |
This saddle is made on a heat-adjustable tree with a wide variety of panel and flap options to ensure the optimum fit and comfort for both horse and rider, while the rider is in a balanced position closer to the horse’s back. Choose from flaps that are forward (for more freedom to the knee and thigh support), standard, or drawback (for greater support and knee contact). The option of SL (Shoulder Liberty) panels avoid pressure being placed on the scapula. Customisation of colour and trim is also available.
More info and stockists at erreplus.com
Tech 1 Jumping Saddle
Colours: Black or tan | Sizes: 17–18in | RRP: £2,429
Developed by the founder of Erreplus to meet the needs of customers looking for a less expensive but good quality saddle. It uses the Erreplus heat-adjustable fibre tree guaranteed for life, the panels are hand-flocked with British wool, and there’s a choice of large or small front Velcro blocks.
More info and stockists at tech-1.be/en
You might also like:
8 saddle pads worth pairing with your jump saddle
20 excellent GP saddles – ideal for the rider who does a bit of everything
11 stud girths to protect your horse while jumping
Protective tendon boots for jumping and flatwork
24 dressage saddles to dream about
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