Features of Jumping Saddles for Horse Riding

To enable horse riders to jump in the correct jumping position both for comfort of the horse and for efficient transfer of momentum, jumpers should use the correct kind of saddle: jumping saddles. Jumping saddles are designed specifically for activities that involve the horse jumping over obstacles. This includes show jumping, hunt seat equitation, foxhunting, and the stadium and cross-country phases of eventing.

• Jumping saddles have a forward-cut flap that allows for a shorter stirrup length. This makes it easier for the rider to rise up and over the saddles to the correct jumping position, allowing the horse freedom of movement during the jump. Sometimes, the knee flaps are padded for additional comfort ad support.
• The jumping seat is balanced further back and is comparatively flat, allowing the rider to move forward easily and providing a sufficient level of counterbalance.
• The position of the cantle and pommel are low down so that they do not interfere with the rider's jumping position.
• The jumping saddle normally has three short billets. Some of the newer styles, like monoflap jumping saddles, have billets that are longer, mirroring the dressage saddle. This means that riders do not then have to ride with any extra bulk under their legs.

It is important that the rider's leg fit appropriately into the flap of the jumping saddle when the stirrups are shortened. If the knee is too far forward or back, the rider's balance will be incorrect and the saddle becomes a hindrance rather than an advantage while jumping obstacles.