Jumping in close contact means you need a saddle that keeps you balanced over fences without fighting your horse's shape. The wrong seat size or tree width pinches shoulders, tips you forward, or leaves you swimming in leather. With cantercurrent saddles saddle pads ranging from a $350 used English saddle to a $1,295 monoflap, the real decision is whether you prioritize a proven French fit, a budget-friendly medium tree, a large 18-inch platform, or a new build at a mid-range price.
Quick Take
- For the classic French feel in a smaller seat: The Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle 16" Seat Standard Tree at USD 1,000.00 offers supple leather, reflocked knee rolls and panels, and a 4" M tree with a flatter P seat - though the seat runs closer to 16.5-17".
- For the lowest entry price: The Cliff Barnsby English Close Contact Jump Saddle 16.5 Medium Tree at USD 350.00 is the most accessible way into a close contact jump saddle, with suede trim and a fit noted for flat-backed horses.
- For a larger rider needing forward flap and monoflap design: The Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18 at USD 1,295.00 brings a 14" long/forward flap, 5" dot-to-dot MW tree, and 10mm built-up panels under the pommel.
- For new condition without used wear: The PREMIUM DARK BROWN ENGLISH JUMPING SADDLE CLOSE CONTACT 16 INCH HORSE TACK at USD 479.48 is the only option listed as New, with genuine leather construction and a lightweight strong tree.
Listed Price Comparison
| Saddle | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Cliff Barnsby English Close Contact Jump Saddle 16.5 Medium Tree | USD 350.00 | |
| PREMIUM DARK BROWN ENGLISH JUMPING SADDLE CLOSE CONTACT 16 INCH HORSE TACK | USD 479.48 | |
| Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle 16\" Seat Standard Tree | USD 1,000.00 | |
| Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18 | USD 1,295.00 |
The spread from USD 350.00 to USD 1,295.00 is USD 945.00, so your budget directly determines whether you are shopping used heritage models or a new handmade build.
Decision Matrix
| If you need... | Consider... | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A 16" seat that fits like a larger size | Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle 16\" Seat Standard Tree | Description notes seat runs closer to 16.5-17" with standard tree and well-cared-for supple leather |
| The smallest cash outlay for a close contact jump saddle | Cliff Barnsby English Close Contact Jump Saddle 16.5 Medium Tree | USD 350.00 is the lowest listed price, with 16.5 in size and medium tree |
| An 18" seat with monoflap and forward flap | Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18 | Only option with 18 in size, monoflap feature, and 14" long/forward flap |
| New condition and dark brown genuine leather | PREMIUM DARK BROWN ENGLISH JUMPING SADDLE CLOSE CONTACT 16 INCH HORSE TACK | Listed as New, with padded seat, forward flap jumping design, and strong lightweight tree |
| Suede trim detail | Cliff Barnsby English Close Contact Jump Saddle 16.5 Medium Tree | Only model listing Suede Trim among features |
| Built-up panels for wither clearance | Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18 | Panels built up in front, under pommel, 10mm |
Product Notes
Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle 16" Seat Standard Tree
This Butet lists at USD 1,000.00 and is described as made in France with brown color and a standard tree. The description highlights gorgeous condition for an older model, with well flocked knee rolls and panels that have been reflocked, plus supple, well-cared-for leather and an included Butet cover. The 4" M tree and flatter P seat are noted, and the 16" seat is said to run closer to 16.5-17", which matters if you are between sizes. A good match if you want that close contact Butet balance and are comfortable with a used saddle that has had maintenance to the flocking. Limitation: The seat sizing runs large for a 16", so riders needing a true small 16" may find it roomy.
Cliff Barnsby English Close Contact Jump Saddle 16.5 Medium Tree
At USD 350.00, this Cliff Barnsby is the lowest-priced option and comes in brown with suede trim, made in the United Kingdom. The description emphasizes comfort and a fit that suited a thoroughbred with a flat back, while noting it began to pinch the shoulder as the horse muscled up for dressage - a useful clue about medium tree and shoulder clearance. The 16.5 in size sits between the 16" options and the 18" Antares. You might choose this if you ride a flat-backed horse and want an English close contact jump saddle without stretching to four figures. Limitation: As a used saddle with a medium tree, it may not suit horses needing a wider or more forward-cut shoulder relief.
Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18
Priced at USD 1,295.00, this Antares is the highest-priced and largest-seated option at 18 in, with a monoflap feature and jumping/close contact type. Details include a 5" dot-to-dot MW tree width, 14" long/forward flap profile, and panels built up 10mm in front under the pommel, plus an Antares microfleece lined cover. The description notes mid-2000s production, used for about a year and stored in a box, which explains the maintained condition. Ideal if you need the extra seat and flap length for a taller or longer-legged rider. Limitation: The 18" size and forward, long flap will overwhelm smaller riders and horses needing a more compact footprint.
PREMIUM DARK BROWN ENGLISH JUMPING SADDLE CLOSE CONTACT 16 INCH HORSE TACK
This option at USD 479.48 is the only one listed as New, with a 16 inch size and dark brown finish described as genuine leather with a padded seat and forward flap jumping design. Attributes list Color as Black while the title and description emphasize dark brown, and the model is T-131 with a traditional saddle design and lightweight strong tree. The description positions it for hunter jumping, eventing, training, and everyday riding, with supportive knee rolls and durable stitching. Choose this if you prefer new construction and a padded, balanced seat at a mid-range listed price rather than a used heritage saddle. Limitation: As a handmade new build from India, it lacks the long-term flocking and tree history notes provided for the used French and English models.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- Best for riders who want a proven French close contact feel and can work with a generous 16": Butet Close Contact Jump Saddle 16" Seat Standard Tree - the reflocked rolls, supple leather, and included cover support close contact riding, with the caveat that the seat fits like 16.5-17".
- Best for budget-conscious shoppers or flat-backed horses: Cliff Barnsby English Close Contact Jump Saddle 16.5 Medium Tree - USD 350.00 keeps cost down while delivering a 16.5 in medium-tree jump saddle with suede trim.
- Best for larger riders needing monoflap and forward flap: Antares close contact jumping saddle - size 18 - the 18 in seat, monoflap, and 14" forward flap with 10mm built-up panels are unmatched in this set.
- Best for buying new at a middle price: PREMIUM DARK BROWN ENGLISH JUMPING SADDLE CLOSE CONTACT 16 INCH HORSE TACK - USD 479.48 gets you new condition, genuine leather, and a padded forward-flap design without the wear considerations of used saddles.
If you are unsure between sizes, let the seat measurements guide you: the Butet and Premium both center on 16 inch, the Cliff Barnsby steps to 16.5 in, and the Antares jumps to 18 in. Match that to your inseam and your horse's wither and shoulder shape before weighing condition and price.
