Choosing between two equestrian saddles & pads is a fit-and-use decision. The practical split is whether the smaller English setup or the larger, differently constructed jumping setup better matches the horse-and-rider combination. Start with seat and tree details before weighing the price difference.
Quick verdict
Cliff Barnsby is the lower-priced choice at $350; Antares is $1,295, creating a $945 spread. Cliff is the more direct match for a shopper seeking the English jump format at a lower outlay. Antares is for a shopper seeking a more specifically described jumping construction brief. Prioritize the fit profile first, then decide whether Antares's extra outlay matters for the setup you want.
Listed-price comparison
| Saddle | Listed price | Shared details |
|---|---|---|
| Cliff Barnsby English Close Contact Jump Saddle | $350 | Brown; used |
| Antares close contact jumping saddle | $1,295 | Brown; used |
Where each saddle wins
Cliff Barnsby wins for a specific smaller-seat brief. Its 16.5-inch seat, Medium Tree, English close-contact wording, and suede trim give it a clear configuration for a rider looking for those details together. The product title also identifies it as a jump saddle, keeping the intended discipline visible.
Antares wins for a larger-seat, construction-specific brief. Its 18-inch seat and monoflap design distinguish its setup, while the close-contact jumping title points directly to the intended use. The 14-inch long/forward flap and panels built up in front under the pommel add further concrete details to weigh.
Product notes
Cliff Barnsby English Close Contact Jump Saddle 16.5 Medium Tree
Cliff Barnsby is appealing when a flat-backed horse is central to the fit conversation: it is described as comfortable and as fitting a flat-backed horse particularly well. That is a concrete reason to consider this English saddle for that profile, rather than treating the title alone as a universal fit promise. Stirrups and stirrup leathers can also be included, which could make the setup more convenient. The limitation is the reported fit change: after a horse's shoulder became more muscled, the saddle began to pinch that horse's shoulder. This is a specific fit history, not a prediction for every horse, but it makes shoulder shape an important consideration.
Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18
Antares gives a shopper a specifically described jumping configuration: the flap is 14 inches, long and forward, and the panels are built up in front under the pommel, with a 10 mm measurement also specified. The included Antares microfleece-lined saddle cover is another concrete reason to choose it when that accessory matters. The limitation is equally specific: a saddle pad does not come with the saddle; the pad shown is for display purposes only. The piece is identified as mid-2000s, a useful part of the buying context without implying a performance result. Choose Antares for these named construction details and cover, not because a shared category label automatically makes it the better fit.
Final choice by use case
- Choose Cliff Barnsby when the 16.5-inch English close-contact setup and Medium Tree are the target. Its flat-backed-horse fit context and possible stirrups-and-leathers inclusion add practical reasons to focus on it, while the shoulder-pinch history is the concrete limitation.
- Choose Antares when an 18-inch close-contact jumping setup and monoflap construction match the intended ride. Its named jumping construction supports that choice, while the saddle pad is not included.
- Bottom line: Cliff Barnsby is the targeted choice for the smaller English close-contact brief. Antares is the targeted choice for the larger jumping configuration. Use the $945 spread as the tiebreaker only after the fit profile is clear.
