What Is a Close Contact Saddle? Features, Benefits & Buying Tips
Learn about What Is a Close Contact Saddle. Discover the Henri de Rivel Advantage Close Contact Saddle—ergonomic, durable, and versatile, perfect for riders seeking comfort, performance, and enhanced horse communication.
Introduction to Henri de Rivel
Henri de Rivel (HDR) is a brand well known in the equestrian scene, made up only of saddles and equipment, characterized by innovative, stylish, and comfortable products that have contributed to its success. HDR enjoys decades of experience in developing products that enhance the rider’s performance and the horse’s well-being.
The Advantage Close Contact Saddle belongs to their high-performance product line, which is designed to suit riders who require accuracy, freedom, and a close interaction with their horse.
What Is a Close Contact Saddle?
A close contact saddle, which is also called a jumping or forward seat saddle, is a saddle that is molded specifically to allow the rider to be in the best position of balance, control, and contact with the horse.
Contrasting with the deep seat dressage saddles, where the rider has to passively sit back and the long leg riding posture, close contact saddles permit the rider to sit more forward in a leaning position, best suited for:
- Jumping
- Cross-country riding
- Eventing
- Miscellaneous English equestrianism.
The Henri de Rivel Advantage Close Contact Saddle is an example of these features, which make it comfortable and effective in all cases.
Overview of the Henri de Rivel Advantage Saddle
The Advantage Close Contact Saddle is designed to serve those riders looking to have the classic hunter style and as well as comfort and utility. It is renowned in terms of durability, lightweight construction, and a balanced design.
Key Features of the Henri de Rivel Advantage Close Contact Saddle
The HDR Advantage Close Contact Saddle is a well-designed saddle that puts the contemporary rider into consideration. The outstanding features are as follows:
1. Ergonomic Seat Design
The saddle has an extremely cushioned seat that offers comfort during extended rides and still has a forward balance to aid in jumping or cross country. Its seat is comfortable and promotes an angle of natural alignment between the back, hips, and legs of the rider.
2. Adjustable Knee and Thigh Blocks
Riders will have the advantage of using adjustable knee and thigh blocks, which stabilize the leg but do not limit movement. Such blocks may be adjusted to the style of riding that increases the security during the jumps and high-speed riding.
3. High-Quality Leather
Henri de Rivel Saddle employs the highest quality leather in order to be durable and pretty to look at. The leather is soft but has strength that will enable the rider to have an easy ride, and at the same time, the saddle to survive the years of use.
4. Lightweight Construction
The HDR Advantage Close Contact Saddle is much lighter than traditional leather saddles, and this means that the rider and the horse can move more easily. This light design decreases the workload on the horse’s back, coupled with better performance.
5. Adjustable Gullet System
The adjustable gullet system is one of the most innovative features, as it enables the saddle to be fitted to all shapes of horses. This system facilitates even weight distribution, pressure point reduction, and enhances the comfort of horses.
6. Versatile Flap Design
The forward-cut flaps are also versatile for riders whose leg length and riding preferences differ. You can use the saddle in a variety of disciplines, whether you want a shorter stirrup length to jump over fences or a longer stirrup length to go over fences in flatwork.
Benefits of the Henri de Rivel Advantage Saddle
Rider Benefits:
- Close contact design provides better position and balance.
- Increased interaction with the horse.
- The seat is comfortable to ride long distances, alleviating fatigue.
- Lightweight to be easily handled and mounted.
Horse Benefits:
- Proper panels transfer the weight of riders evenly.
- Lessens pressure spots, resulting in limited chances of soreness.
- Allows the horse to move naturally, the shoulders and back.
- Increases performance on either jumping or training.
Who Should Use the Henri de Rivel Advantage Saddle?
This saddle is ideal for:
- The medium to advanced riders who engage in jumping/eventing.
- Riders that require an all-purpose saddle.
- Horses where the back is unique and must be fitted with customization.
- All those looking for high-end and durable tack in case of frequent riding.
It is suitable for beginners, although its higher capabilities should be enjoyed by those already acquainted with close-contact saddle dynamics.
Saddle Maintenance
To make your Advantage saddle last longer:
- Wash with light saddle soap to get the sweat and dirt out.
- Condition sometimes to keep leather supple.
- Keep in a cool, dry place without being subject to the sun.
- Check on billings and seating before rides.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Classic design that would suit hunters and horseback riding.
- A lifetime warranty polymer tree that is durable.
- Rider stability, padded flaps, and knee rolls.
- Large selection of tree and seat sizes.
Cons:
- Foam panels cannot be easily personalized as compared to wool-flock panels.
- No adjustable gullet system.
- A flatter saddle may not be appropriate for riders who prefer deep-seated saddles.
Where to Buy
The Henri de Rivel Advantage Close Contact Saddle is a product that should be bought at Horsesaddledeals.com. They are also competitive, have a variety of seat and tree sizes, and trusted customer service, which makes it a convenient and reliable product among riders who want to have one saddle, stable, and comfortable.
Sizing and Fit
The proper saddle fit is essential for both horse and rider. The HDR Advantage Saddle is available in different sizes to satisfy different needs.
Seat Sizes
- Generally, it is from 16.5 inches to 18 inches.
- Medium-deep seat perfectly fits the different shapes and lengths of the legs of the riders.
- The right seat size will bring comfort and a correct posture while riding
Tree Widths
- Wide, medium, and standard tree choices.Makes sure that they fit well into horses of other breeds and shapes of backs.
- The correct width of the trees allows the horse to be free of pinching and makes the trees provide freedom of movement.
Tips for Proper Fit
- The saddle must be even-resting and not wavy.
- Check clearing on the withers to avoid discomfort and pressure.
- Optimize the girth and stirrup length.
- Get a professional saddle fitter to check fit.
Price and Availability
The HDR Advantage Saddle costs less than the conventional leather saddle, thus affordable to beginners and riders with a tight budget. The prices can be different based on the size, the width of the trees, and the retailer.
- It is normally sold online at equestrian stores or authorized HDR distributors.
- At horse shows, riding clubs, and tack stores that specialize in them.
- Other retailers provide warranty or satisfaction guarantees.
FAQs
Is the HDR Advantage Saddle beginner-friendly?
The lightweight and comfortable seat are all reasons why it is perfect for riders who are new to equestrian sports.
Can it fit different horse breeds?
Yes, the several tree widths allow for different horse conformation and sizes to fit properly.
Can it be used for long rides?
Of course, the orthopedic seat and the padded panels keep the rider comfortable even during long hours of riding.
Conclusion
The Henri de Rivel Advantage Close Contact Saddle is, thus, a gentle, versatile, and durable saddle that literally fulfills all the demands of those riders who seek performance and style at the same time. Its ergonomics and ability to fit also make sure that the rider and the horse enjoy optimum balance, communication, and prolonged satisfaction.