How do you choose a saddle to suit your discipline and your horse?
The tree and the flaps determine how secure your leg is and how freely your pelvis can move. For all-round riding, a general-purpose saddle such as the Norton EK Clarino general-purpose saddle or the Éric Thomas Hybrid-EK-Confortch general-purpose saddle gives a balanced seat between flatwork and jumping.
For ponies, the saddle needs to steady the rider while keeping clear of the withers:
- Beginner pony saddles: the QHP Shetland saddle or the HARRY'S HORSE Bambino saddle gives young riders a secure seat.
- Riding school pony saddles: to progress in lessons, a pony saddle such as the Guy Cantin Évolution Éducative or Jumping saddle supports technical work without restricting the back.
- General-purpose horse saddles: versatile, they let you alternate between flatwork sessions and jumping courses.
Which girth should you choose to suit your horse's conformation?
The girth affects breathing and the freedom of the forelegs. To free the elbows and spread pressure across the sternum, the Norton anatomic comfort gel girth has a shaped cut designed for daily work. For Western riding, the Westride synthetic sheepskin girth helps prevent rubbing on sensitive areas.
Depending on use, several types of girth meet different needs:
- Anatomic girths: curved to clear the backs of the elbows and keep the saddle stable.
- Apron girths: recommended for jumping, to protect the belly from the front shoes.
- Working equitation tack: if you use a Camargue saddle girth or traditional working tack, items such as the NORTON PRO crupper for RANDOL'S Stock saddles complete the fit.
Which stirrups and accessories should you choose for your saddle?
The link between your foot and the saddle shapes your overall balance. If you are looking for Freejump stirrups, the Freejump Classic + stirrups encourage good leg position. If you already know the Freejump Soft Up Classic stirrups or the Compositi Premium stirrup, our catalogue offers the Compositi Reflex stirrups, as well as the Jockey Training and Barbette models.
Adjustment and personalisation complete the set-up:
- Stirrup leathers: even if you ride with a Freejump stirrup leather on another saddle, check that the leather is compatible with the eye of your stirrups.
- Trail riding: if you use Norton fenders on a Stock saddle, adding QHP saddle bags makes hacking out easier.
- Style: fitting a saddle jewel on the cantle, such as the QHP Verveine or Macey models, gives a polished finish.