Jumping Saddle Information
A jumping saddle is built with a forward-cut flap, shaped knee rolls and a shallower seat that allows the rider to fold over the fence and stay in balance through take-off, flight and landing. Compared to a dressage saddle, the flap angle is more forward, the seat is flatter and the panels are designed to give the horse freedom through the shoulder. Whether you compete at grand prix level or jump a course of 80 cm at your local show, the right jumping saddle should keep you secure without locking you into a fixed position. We stock new jumping saddles from leading Italian and European brands, each offering a different approach to tree technology, contact and rider support.
Equipe Jumping Saddles
Equipe is our flagship saddle brand and Trail Race is the exclusive Australian distributor. Some of Australia's top-ranked showjumpers ride in Equipe saddles, and the range covers everything from the entry-level Emporio through to the high-performance E-Carbon. Equipe offers multiple tree technologies including synthetic, Theoreme, Platinum and E-Carbon, each designed for a different level of flex, contact and rider positioning. The Synergy Special features a forward seat with a narrow twist for close contact and freedom of movement, while the Emporio is an affordable option for young riders or those entering the sport.
- Emporio – affordable entry point with a synthetic tree, well suited to young and competitive riders on a budget.
- Synergy Special – Theoreme tree with a forward seat, narrow twist and anatomically shaped knee rolls for close contact.
- E-Carbon – top of the range with a carbon fibre tree for maximum performance and responsiveness.
Amerigo Jumping Saddles
Amerigo saddles are handmade in Italy with a focus on balance, craftsmanship and a refined feel between horse and rider. Their jumping models offer monoflap and dual-flap configurations, giving riders a choice between maximum closeness to the horse and the traditional construction some riders prefer. Amerigo saddles sit in the mid to premium price range and are a strong option for riders who want Italian quality with a classic aesthetic.
Prestige Jumping Saddles
Prestige is one of Italy's most established saddle manufacturers, with decades of experience building for both professional and amateur riders. Their jumping range covers entry-level through to high-end custom options, making Prestige a practical choice for riders at different stages and budgets. The close-contact feel and clean lines that Italian saddles are known for run through the entire Prestige jumping lineup.
Close Contact vs Deep Seat Jumping Saddles
One of the key decisions when choosing a jumping saddle is how much seat you want. A close-contact (or flat-seat) jumping saddle gives the rider maximum feel and freedom to move with the horse, which suits experienced riders who want precise communication over fences. A deeper-seat jumping saddle provides more security through the seat bones and thigh, making it a popular choice for riders who are building confidence over bigger courses, those who event across disciplines, or anyone who prefers a more locked-in feel. Both options are available across our Italian brands.
Jumping Saddle Fit and Knee Rolls
Knee roll size and placement affect how secure you feel in the saddle and how freely your leg can move. Larger, more forward knee rolls suit riders who want maximum support, particularly over bigger fences. Smaller or flatter rolls allow a quieter, more independent leg position for riders with an established seat. Thigh blocks on the rear of the flap add further stability for riders who tend to slide back on landing. When choosing a jumping saddle, try different knee roll configurations to find the balance between security and freedom that works for your riding.
Saddle Fitting for Jumping
A jumping saddle needs to give the horse full freedom through the shoulder, sit level on the back and distribute the rider's weight evenly through the panels. A saddle that tips forward will put the rider ahead of the movement, while one that bridges or sits unevenly will cause pressure points and soreness. We offer professional saddle fitting consultations to ensure the tree width, panel shape and overall balance are right for your horse before you commit. Contact us to arrange a fitting or to discuss which brand and model would suit your combination.
Common Questions About Jumping Saddles
Check out the questions and answers below.
What is the difference between a jumping saddle and a dressage saddle?
A jumping saddle has a more forward-cut flap, a shallower seat and shaped knee rolls that allow the rider to fold over the fence and absorb the horse's movement through take-off and landing. A dressage saddle has a straighter flap, a deeper seat and longer billets designed to support an upright position with a long leg. The two saddles serve fundamentally different riding positions. Browse our dressage saddles collection if you need a saddle for flatwork.
Can I use a jumping saddle for flatwork?
Yes. Most riders school on the flat in their jumping saddle regularly. The forward-cut flap makes it harder to achieve a very long, classical dressage leg, but for everyday flatwork, lessons and hacking, a jumping saddle works well. If you compete in dressage above introductory level, a dedicated dressage saddle will give you a better position for that discipline.
What size jumping saddle do I need?
Jumping saddle seat sizes are measured in inches, typically from 16.5" to 18". The right size depends on your build, leg length and how much room you want in the seat. A saddle that's too small will push you against the cantle over fences, while one that's too large won't give enough support. We recommend a professional fitting to determine the best seat size for your body alongside the correct tree width for your horse.
Do you offer saddle fitting for jumping saddles?
Yes. Trail Race has experienced saddle fitters who work with riders and horses to find the right brand, model, tree width and seat size. We recommend booking a fitting before purchasing, especially for jumping saddles where shoulder freedom and balance over fences are critical to performance.
Are Equipe jumping saddles good?
Equipe is one of Italy's leading saddle brands and is used by several of Australia's top-ranked showjumpers. The range spans from the affordable Emporio to the high-performance E-Carbon, so there's a model for different levels and budgets. Trail Race is the exclusive Australian distributor, meaning we can offer full fitting support, aftercare and access to the complete Equipe jumping range.
