Collection: Jumping Saddles

Jumping saddles are specifically designed to support the rider's position over fences while allowing the horse complete freedom through the shoulders and back. Several key features distinguish them from dressage and general purpose saddles.

Forward-Cut Flap

Jumping saddles feature a forward-cut flap that accommodates the rider's shorter stirrup length and more bent knee position. This allows the leg to remain comfortably supported when riding in a light seat or two-point position over fences.

Knee and Thigh Blocks

Most modern jumping saddles incorporate knee blocks, and many also feature thigh blocks, to help stabilise the rider's leg without restricting movement. The size and position of the blocks vary considerably between models, ranging from close-contact designs with minimal support through to larger blocks designed for greater security in eventing and cross-country.

Flatter Seat

Compared with a dressage saddle, a jumping saddle has a flatter, more open seat. This allows the rider to move freely out of the saddle over fences while maintaining balance throughout the jump.

Billet and Girth Arrangement

Most jumping saddles use short billets that are paired with a standard long girth. The girth buckles sit beneath the saddle flap, providing a neat profile under the rider's leg while allowing easy adjustment.

Choosing the Right Jumping Saddle

Selecting the right jumping saddle involves much more than choosing a brand. The correct saddle should suit your riding discipline, your horse's shape and your own riding position.

Choose the Saddle for Your Discipline

Different jumping disciplines place different demands on both horse and rider.

• Showjumping riders often prefer close-contact saddles with a flatter seat and greater freedom of movement.
• Event riders frequently choose saddles offering additional support, such as a slightly deeper seat, larger knee blocks or monoflap construction for enhanced communication.
• Hunter riders generally favour a more traditional cut with a flatter seat and understated knee blocks that promote an elegant position.

Gullet Width and Channel Width

Correct saddle fit begins with choosing the appropriate gullet width and channel width.

The gullet width determines how the saddle fits over your horse's withers and shoulders. Many modern jumping saddles, including selected Bates, Wintec and Thorowgood models, feature adjustable gullet systems that allow the saddle width to be altered as your horse changes shape.

The channel width is the space running between the panels from front to back. It should provide adequate clearance over the spine while distributing the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back.

Different horses also suit different tree shapes. Some require a flatter profile, while others are better suited to a more curved or hoop tree. Selecting the correct combination is one of the most important aspects of saddle fitting.

Seat Shape and Rider Support

Jumping saddles are available with varying seat depths and block configurations.

Traditional close-contact saddles offer a flatter seat with minimal blocks, allowing maximum freedom of movement. Modern competition saddles often feature a moderately deeper seat with more supportive knee blocks, while many eventing saddles provide additional security for cross-country riding.

The best choice depends on your riding style, experience and personal preference. Sitting in several different models is the easiest way to determine which design feels most natural.

• Jumping Saddle Brands
• At Ascot Saddlery, we stock jumping saddles from many of the world's leading manufacturers, giving riders the opportunity to compare different fits, features and price points.
• Pessoa Jumping Saddles
• Designed for riders who demand close contact and exceptional balance, Pessoa jumping saddles are trusted by riders from Pony Club through to international competition. With premium leather construction, forward-cut flaps and a variety of seat and block configurations, Pessoa saddles are renowned for their feel over a fence and freedom of movement.
• Bates Jumping Saddles
• Australian-designed from premium leather, Bates jumping saddles combine innovative technology with rider comfort. Featuring the Easy-Change Gullet System and CAIR Cushion System, models such as the Apex, Advanta Caprilli, Elevation and Pony saddles offer adjustable fit, excellent balance and versatility for riders progressing from Pony Club through to serious competition.
• Wintec Jumping Saddles
• Wintec jumping saddles are lightweight, durable and easy to maintain, making them ideal for everyday riding, Pony Club and riders looking for outstanding value. Featuring the same Easy-Change Gullet System and CAIR technology found in Bates saddles, models such as the Wintec Pro Jump and Wintec 500 Jump provide adjustable fit with the practicality of high-quality synthetic materials.
• Thorowgood T8 Jump Saddles
• Designed in the United Kingdom, the Thorowgood T8 Jump combines leather and synthetic materials to deliver comfort, durability and excellent value. With adjustable gullet options and models suited to a wide variety of horse shapes—including ponies and broader horses—the T8 is a popular choice for Pony Club, adult riding clubs and grassroots competition.
• Arena Jumping Saddles
• Arena jumping saddles provide many of the fitting advantages of premium saddles at an accessible price point. Featuring adjustable gullet systems and thoughtfully designed panel shapes, they offer excellent comfort and value for riders competing in showjumping, eventing and Pony Club.
• Jumping Saddle Brands
• At Ascot Saddlery, we stock jumping saddles from many of the world's leading manufacturers, giving riders the opportunity to compare different fits, features and price points.
• Pessoa Jumping Saddles
• Designed for riders who demand close contact and exceptional balance, Pessoa jumping saddles are trusted by riders from Pony Club through to international competition. With premium leather construction, forward-cut flaps and a variety of seat and block configurations, Pessoa saddles are renowned for their feel over a fence and freedom of movement.
• Bates Jumping Saddles
• Australian-designed from premium leather, Bates jumping saddles combine innovative technology with rider comfort. Featuring the Easy-Change Gullet System and CAIR Cushion System, models such as the Apex, Advanta Caprilli, Elevation and Pony saddles offer adjustable fit, excellent balance and versatility for riders progressing from Pony Club through to serious competition.
• Wintec Jumping Saddles
• Wintec jumping saddles are lightweight, durable and easy to maintain, making them ideal for everyday riding, Pony Club and riders looking for outstanding value. Featuring the same Easy-Change Gullet System and CAIR technology found in Bates saddles, models such as the Wintec Pro Jump and Wintec 500 Jump provide adjustable fit with the practicality of high-quality synthetic materials.
• Thorowgood T8 Jump Saddles
• Designed in the United Kingdom, the Thorowgood T8 Jump combines leather and synthetic materials to deliver comfort, durability and excellent value. With adjustable gullet options and models suited to a wide variety of horse shapes—including ponies and broader horses—the T8 is a popular choice for Pony Club, adult riding clubs and grassroots competition.
• Arena Jumping Saddles
• Arena jumping saddles provide many of the fitting advantages of premium saddles at an accessible price point. Featuring adjustable gullet systems and thoughtfully designed panel shapes, they offer excellent comfort and value for riders competing in showjumping, eventing and Pony Club.

Position, Two-Point and Why the Saddle Matters

A well-fitted jumping saddle should support your position without restricting your movement. It should allow you to maintain a balanced, secure lower leg on the approach, remain centred over the fence, and return smoothly to the saddle on landing.

Your knee should sit comfortably against the knee block, the flap should accommodate your leg position without interference, and the saddle should provide enough freedom for you to move naturally between a seated position and a light two-point position throughout your round.

Common signs that your saddle may not be fitting correctly include:

• Your knee consistently slips in front of or below the knee block.
• You feel pushed forward or backwards during the jump.
• Your lower leg becomes unstable over fences.
• The saddle shifts, rocks or slips during work.
• Your horse becomes reluctant to jump, hollows through the back or begins refusing fences despite otherwise consistent training.

If you notice any of these signs, it's worth having your saddle professionally assessed. An incorrectly fitted saddle can affect rider position, restrict your horse's movement and reduce performance. Identifying and correcting fit issues early can improve comfort, confidence and overall performance for both horse and rider.

Why Trust Ascot Saddlery for Your Jumping Saddle?

At Ascot Saddlery, we've been helping Australian riders choose the right jumping saddle since 1977. Nearly 50 years of practical saddle fitting experience means we understand that every horse and rider combination is unique.

Our achievements include:

• Saddleworld Store of the Year – 2007 and 2010.
• PDS, Pessoa & Trainers Dealer of the Year – 2024 (Inaugural Award) and 2025.

Our team has fitted jumping saddles for everyone from Pony Club riders jumping their first cross rails through to experienced competitors at FEI level. We understand how different brands, flap designs, block configurations and tree shapes influence rider position and horse comfort, allowing us to recommend the saddle that best suits your individual needs.

Visit our Flemington showroom to compare multiple jumping saddles side by side, or if you're buying online, send us photographs of your horse, a few measurements and a short riding video. We'll recommend the models most likely to provide the best fit for both horse and rider.

Buying a Jumping Saddle Online

Buying a jumping saddle online is easy when you have experienced saddle fitting advice before you order.

When you purchase from Ascot Saddlery you'll enjoy:

• Free Australia-wide shipping on almost all saddles.
• Flexible finance options available.
• Detailed product descriptions, specifications and photographs.
• Advice from our experienced saddle fitting team—not a call centre.
• Returns and exchanges in accordance with our published policy.

Complete your jumping setup with our extensive range of jump saddlecloths, girths, stirrup irons, stirrup leathers, breastplates, martingales, protective boots, body protectors and premium leather care products.

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