The showjumping saddle buyer's guide: fit, function and finding the right match

The saddle is your most important piece of equipment, the vital connection between you and your horse. In a discipline where precision, balance, and freedom of movement decide the outcome, understanding what makes an effective showjumping saddle is essential. 

Precision fit and balance are crucial in a jumping saddle. Every stride, turn, take-off and landing depends on it. Showjumpers require saddles that stabilise the rider in a light, balanced position, facilitate quick movement into and out of two‑point, and give the horse the freedom to stretch, arc smoothly over the fence, and land with athletic ease.

What makes a jumping saddle different?

Bates jump saddles are engineered specifically for dynamic movement, with:

• a forward-cut flap to support short stirrup lengths,
• a more open seat to allow the rider to move freely over fences,
• blocks that stabilise the leg without restricting adjustability,
• a design that encourages soft, elastic contact, essential for tight turns, adjusting stride length, and rebalancing between complex combinations.

Modern tree designs incorporate ergonomic flex, allowing the saddle to move dynamically with your horse. Panel technology is equally crucial, advanced systems are emerging which adapt to your horse's unique back shape. Bates Saddles has long incorporated these advanced innovations, known as Horse and Rider Technology. 

The technology that makes up HART has been proven to be transformative for both horse and rider:

• Protective cushioning: CAIR Cushion System.
• Precision custom fit: EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution.
• Ergonomic flex: Elastiflex Tree.
• Free movement: Performance panel technology.
• Superior rider performance: Comfort seat technology.

Monoflap or traditional double-flap design?

Bates Saddles are designed for both horse and rider. So how can the design of a saddle flap affect the riders performance and comfort? Monoflap saddles feature a single flap for maximum closeness, with external support blocks. In the Bates Saddles range feature FlexiContourblocs, a revolutionary addition, designed for your optimal position. The FlexiContourbloc is anatomically contoured to allow your leg to fit in and behind the bloc. This bloc design provides unparalleled support tailored to your individual riding position for maximised comfort and security. The FlexiContourbloc can be effortlessly adjusted forwards, backwards, or on a precise angle to mirror your individual riding position. Once you’ve found the perfect placement, simply tighten the two screws under the flap to lock the FlexiContourbloc securely into place. This can be found on the Bates Advanta. 

Image Two: FlexiContourblocs adjustment demonstration. 

Traditional double flap saddles feature support blocks under the flap, which should also ideally be movable. The choice is entirely personal. The Bates Victrix and the Bates Apex both offer the Adjustable Flexibloc system, a revolutionary system that enables you to fine-tune the support offered for your unique riding position. The Adjustable Flexibloc System provides exceptional flexibility, allowing you to customise your saddle’s support to precisely match your individual needs.

Image Three: Adjustable Flexibloc demonstration. 

Fit for the horse: performance, comfort and welfare

Correct saddle fit is foundational to any showjumper’s performance. A poorly fitted saddle can affect everything from scope and straightness to willingness to make tight turns or land evenly.

Finding the optimal saddle platform

The optimal saddle platform sits behind the shoulder blade and in front of the last rib. The saddle should rest within this weight-bearing area of your horse’s back and allow your horse complete freedom through the shoulder. A saddle placed too far forward restricts shoulder rotation—directly impacting the horse’s ability to lift the forehand, bascule correctly, and jump freely.

Tree width and panel contact

The tree width (also called the saddle width or gullet width) must match your horse's conformation. The panels should have an even, soft feel and be symmetrical, with a wide channel providing clearance along the spine. Look for adjustable systems for maximum suitability and longevity. Systems like Bates Saddles' EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution offer exceptional flexibility without requiring the use of expensive or specialist equipment to make adjustments.

Image four: EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution, gullet and riser adjustment. 

Recognising when your horse needs help

Watch for these signs: your position isn't improving despite lessons, you feel insecure or unbalanced, your horse becomes difficult to ride or reluctant to work, the saddle slips during work, changes in muscle development, or your horse performs differently in one saddle versus the other.

Supporting your horse through change

Your horse's shape changes constantly. Contact your local saddle fitter when purchasing a saddle, and schedule regular fittings, at least every six months, or more frequently if you notice changes in your horse's age, fitness, work programme, or any signs mentioned above.

Fit for the rider: empowering your performance

Showjumping demands a highly adjustable rider position—effortlessly light over a fence, balanced in the turn, and stable on landing.

Achieving effortless alignment

Proper rider alignment, that ear-shoulder-hip-heel line–is essential. When you struggle to maintain alignment, it's often the saddle holding you back, not your riding ability. A saddle too low behind and too high in front creates an armchair effect, pushing your foot forward. When attempting two-point, you must throw yourself forward. Upon sitting back, you land heavily, uncomfortable and ineffective. 

Conversely, when a saddle is higher behind and lower at the pommel, it tips you out the front door, leaving you vulnerable and easily pulled out of balance. The right balance allows a rider to stay soft, reactive, and precise.

Finding what works for you

Every rider is different. Sit in several saddles to find what works best for your individual biomechanics. Bates Saddles' high-performance range have innovations such as Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bars which empower you to customise stirrup bar position for complete control. Block configuration is crucial. Whether you choose monoflap saddles with external movable blocks or traditional designs with movable blocks under the flap, adjustable systems let you customise support to match your needs.

Image six: Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar

Modern adjustability and the saddle fitting process

Modern adjustability means your saddle can adapt as you both develop. It is peace of mind to both saddle fitters and riders that the saddle holds a solution for any changes within a horse and rider partnership throughout their journey.

Adjustable tree width systems allow modification within a matter of minutes. As your horse develops muscle or changes shape, the technology within the saddles allows the saddle to continue to provide optimal comfort.

Contact your local saddle fitter for expert advice. Working with a qualified fitter for initial fitting and regular reassessment is ideal. These professionals ensure correct tree width selection for you saddle, appropriate panel adjustment, proper rider alignment positioning, and identification of potential issues before they become problems. 

Between professional fittings, perform basic checks. With your horse standing square and the saddle girthed up (without a saddle cloth, if safe to do so with your horse), check: saddle position (behind shoulder blade, in front of last rib), saddle balance (lowest part of seat should be level when viewed from two metres), the channel has sufficient clearance, and even bearing by sliding your hand between saddle and horse.

Bates Saddles: Top showjumping choices

• Bates Apex jump saddle: The ultimate jump-off weapon. Angular. Predatory. Built for speed and height over elite-level fences. The Bates Apex is the flagship jump saddle from Bates Saddles—engineered for riders who hunt perfection, not wait for it. Patented FlapLock Technology delivers efficiency you'll feel from the first stride. Monochrome luxury that whispers its power. Innovation forward, steeped in luxury, engineered to bring a win. Jump higher. Turn tighter. Ride bolder.

Image seven: FlapLock Technology exclusively featured on the Bates Apex. 

• Bates Victrix jump saddle: Lightweight and compact, the ultra-close Bates Victrix offers your horse complete comfort and freedom in every stride. Featuring double flap saddle, movable Flexiblocs under the flap, Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar, close-contact Bates SynergyPanel.

• Bates Advanta jump saddle: Engineered for perfect connection. The saddle all but disappears. Patented FlexiContourbloc technology (movable external blocks) works with a SweetSpot for effortless balance. Featuring forward-cut monoflap, Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar, close-contact Bates SynergyPanel. 

For more information on saddle fit, care and technology, follow @batessaddles on social media and explore educational articles here at batessaddles.com

Learn more about the Bates Apex and its patented Flaplock Technology.