Close Contact Saddles

Have you heard the term “close contact saddle” and wondered what it meant?

The basic goal of a close contact saddle is to eliminate the bulk under a rider’s thighs in order to position his legs closer to the horse. This provides more feel, better leg control, and a more natural leg position.

Training and reining saddles are examples of saddles that are typically designed to be close contact.The design of the tree, ground seat, rigging and skirts each contribute to creating a close contact style saddle.

You may wonder why all saddles aren’t designed to be close contact saddles. The reason is that there are definitely trade-offs involved. Close contact saddles are typically lighter and less durable. They aren’t designed as working saddles for hard use and roping off of.

But many makers are finding ways to incorporate elements of close contact saddles into standard saddles. Examples include in-skirt rigging and half-stirrup leathers.