The ideal horse riding saddle for eventing is designed to be lightweight and compact but robust enough for competition. Whether you are training for your first event or aiming for the Olympic Games, a specialised eventing saddle can help you achieve excellent balance and control during jumping and cross-country. An eventing saddle is designed to be extremely lightweight and offer a lower centre of gravity for more efficient jumping by sitting further back on the horse. This means less strain on the horse’s back, making it an ideal choice for endurance-based disciplines like eventing. There are many different types of riding saddle available, so it can be difficult to find one that’s ideal for eventing. However, there are a few features that are essential for a successful eventing ride.
The basics of an eventing saddle
When it comes to selecting an eventing saddle, you'll need to consider the following:- Size: You will ideally want a medium size for an eventing saddle; however, you can also get a large size as long as it has adjustable girth and stirrups. - Girth: The girth on an eventing saddle should be adjustable. This will help you achieve the perfect fit for your horse’s back and prevent the saddle from slipping.- Stirrup length: An eventing saddle will sit further back on a horse than a general riding saddle, so the stirrup length should be adjustable so that it is the same length as a cross-country saddle.
Lightweight & compact design
An eventing saddle should be lightweight and compact as well as adjustable to suit different horse heights. When trying out several saddles, look for one that is well-padded and lightweight enough that you don’t feel like you’re wearing a full suit of armour. The saddle should also be designed to prevent shifting, which can make it difficult to stay balanced and upright. Good eventing saddles will have lightweight padding that is well-balanced and well-positioned to prevent shifting. The saddle’s design should be such that it will not shift when you are in the middle of a jump. Additionally, the saddle should have gussets to prevent slipping during turns and jumping.
Full seat design for maximum stability
An eventing saddle is designed to sit further back on the horse than a general riding saddle. This is why it is important to select one with a full seat design. A full seat design allows the rider to sit deeper in the saddle for more control and balance during jumping and cross-country. A full seat design also prevents the rider from leaning too far forward in the saddle, which can be a safety hazard. Some full seat designs also feature a dropped front that sits lower than a flat-front design. A dropped front will help prevent the rider from slipping forward during a jump and is ideal for more advanced riders.
Comfortable fit for maximum performance
An eventing saddle should be designed to fit the rider’s specific riding position. This means the saddle should be adjustable to accommodate different heights of rider, different seat sizes, and different leg sizes. This will ensure that the saddle fits the rider comfortably with no pressure points and no irritation. An eventing saddle is made to fit the rider’s body and not vice versa. This means that the rider should be able to sit in the saddle comfortably and use the saddle’s adjustments to fine-tune the fit for their riding position.
Conclusion
Choosing the right eventing saddle can be a challenge. It is important to consider the size, girth, stirrup length, and full seat design. An eventing saddle is designed to be lightweight and compact for maximum performance during jumping and cross-country. It is important to remember that the ideal eventing saddle is one that is designed for the specific event. A general riding saddle is not ideal for jumping and cross-country events.