Close Contact Saddles

The Close Contact saddle is specifically designed for the shortened jumping position of the rider to enable him/her to get off the horse’s back whilst the horse is in flight.  It has a very forward cut saddle flap, a less deep seat for the rider, (who’s center of gravity is normally further back than a dressage rider’s), is normally more square cut at the back of the saddle (cantle) and incorporates both knee and thigh rolls/blocks for rider stability.  It has short billet straps.  A CLOSE CONTACT saddle can also be called an event saddle or jumping saddle.  Close contact also means to have less ‘saddle’ between horse and rider – ie the monoflap saddle.