Choosing between equestrian saddles & pads can feel like a fit decision and a budget decision at once: the Butet is a 16-inch close-contact jump saddle at USD 1,000, while the Antares is an 18-inch close-contact jumping saddle at USD 1,295. The practical question is whether your priority is the 16-inch seat and standard tree, or the 18-inch seat and monoflap feature.
Quick verdict
Butet is the straightforward pick when the brief calls for a 16-inch seat, standard tree, and lower listed price. Antares is the more direct match when an 18-inch seat and monoflap are the requirements. The absolute price spread is $295, so the saddle specification matters more than treating either size as universally better.
At a glance
| Detail | Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle | Antares Close Contact Jumping Saddle |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 1,000.00 | USD 1,295.00 |
| Saddle size | 16 in | 18 in |
| Notable detail | Standard tree | Monoflap |
| Saddle type | Jumping/Close Contact | Jumping/Close Contact |
| Condition | Used | Used |
Where each saddle wins
Butet wins the price comparison by $295 and gives shoppers seeking a 16-inch seat a clear starting point. Its title also specifies a standard tree, making that detail part of the selection brief.
Antares wins for a brief that specifically names an 18-inch seat or monoflap. Both details are directly associated with the saddle, while its Jumping/Close Contact type keeps it in the same broad riding category as the Butet. Since both saddles are used and intended for jumping or close-contact riding, those shared points do not create an advantage for either one.
Product notes
Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle 16" Seat Standard Tree
The Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle 16" Seat Standard Tree is the lower-priced choice at USD 1,000 and centers the decision on a 16-inch seat, standard tree, and Jumping/Close Contact type. That combination makes it the natural match for a shopper whose brief includes those exact details. Its brown color and French origin are also specified, but neither changes the head-to-head choice as much as seat and tree. The concrete limitation is that it is a used saddle with a 16-inch size, so it is not the match for someone specifically seeking the Antares's 18-inch seat. A Butet cover is included, adding a named accessory to the package.
Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18
The Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18 is the clearer match when an 18-inch seat is the target. Its specified monoflap feature adds a distinct design detail to the comparison, while the Jumping/Close Contact type keeps it aligned with the Butet's intended category. The practical limitation is the $295 gap over the Butet, which matters when the brief is centered on the lower listed price. Antares is also a used saddle, and the package explicitly says a saddle pad does not come with it; a cover is included. Choose it for the 18-inch seat and monoflap requirement, not simply because its price is higher.
Final choice by use case
- Choose Butet for the 16-inch seat, standard tree, and USD 1,000 price.
- Choose Antares when an 18-inch seat or monoflap is the non-negotiable detail.
- For jumping or close-contact riding generally, both saddles carry that same type designation, so the decision comes down to the seat specification, named design detail, and $295 price difference.
Bottom line: Butet is the practical match for the lower listed price and standard-tree brief. Antares earns the nod where the 18-inch seat or monoflap feature is the reason for buying.
