Jumping Saddle And All-Purpose Saddle - What’s The Difference?
All-Purpose Saddle
When you are starting out, it often makes sense not to buy a jumping saddle but to settle initially for an all-purpose saddle.
This is simply because you may not know what kind of discipline on which you will be concentrating in the future. All-purpose saddles are designed and made to be a saddle that you can use for cross country, dressage, hunter and english flat classes but all at low level, such as small local shows. They have more substantial kneerolls, a rounded cantle and often have a deeper seat.
The point is, that when you become better and know in which area you want to specialise, you will want to get a saddle for that particular discipline. Until you have decided this, you may not want to buy and maintain two saddles, this is why it is probably better to start out with an all-purpose one.
Close contact/Jumping saddle
You need a close contact or jumping saddle when you want to specialise more and particularly in hunter jumper discipline. It is designed to place you with your center of gravity in the best position for jumping. They have minimal kneerolls, a square cantle, the saddle flap is moved proportionately forward and shortened. Also the seat is moved further back and is shallower, giving a better contact with your horse.
Join forums and ask questions
At this stage, it is probably a good idea to join one or two of the better equestrian forums and read the posts there. It will get you familiar with the how the particular forums work and you will be able to ask the other members any questions you may have.