Cross country saddle or jumping saddle?

I'm at a bit of a dilemma here. A couple months ago I purchased my first dressage saddle! I love it but I really need to get a saddle fitter out because it slides back a tad as I ride. Oh and... pretty embarrassing but I bought the saddle w/o even knowing the brand! It is quite nice, but does anyone know what brand DM is? It has a little horse head and a DM on the button on each side.. lol.

ANYWAY for my real question.. what are your thoughts on saddles for jumping if I am going to do lower level eventing for a few years and do not want to buy 3 different saddles. I mean, I know almost everyone except the pros do not own 3 saddles, but that is basically ideal, right?

SO. I'm in need of a new jumping saddle and need suggestions.
Should I get a cross country specific saddle or just a close contact jumping saddle? Differences? Pros/Cons for SJ and CC?

And then obviously let me know what saddles you love! (That are moderately priced!... Up to $1,000 I'd say.)

Thanks!!

Srry can't help you with the DM but for the saddle my coach uses her jumping saddle for cross- country. I believe there's not much of a difference really I mean I use a universul saddle to event and its awesome no need for 2 or 3 different saddles :)

I would go with a jumping saddle honestly. I don't know anyone competing under preliminary who have a jump saddle and a XC saddle. They either have a jump saddle for both or have a XC saddle for both. My trainer who competes Intermediate, does have both but her XC saddle is for one horse, both phases and her jump saddle is for her other horse, both phases. If you get a XC saddle, you'll look a little weird if you ever want to try or switch to hunters or jumpers or something. Jumping saddle is good for everything.

My sister is soon going intermediate and this is the saddle she has:
http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2...oduct_Code=PES
It's a good saddle for both phases. Not as forward as a XC saddle but little different from a jumping, close contact saddle.

thanks for the reply. I'll definitely not be switching to h/j or anything! I loooove eventing. So I think i'm safe if I get a event saddle... I think im leaning towards an event saddle, like you said. I absolutely love the prestige and I saw it at rolex last year... I wanted it so bad ahaah but WAY out of our price range. $3k is too much right now.. we need to be sticking around $1k tops. :)

Thanks though!

Just get a jump saddle.

To be quite honest, if you get a jump saddle that properly fits you there isn't a whole lot of need for a separate cross country saddle. My coach competed at the advanced and *** level with just one jump saddle, and her stepdaughter competes intermediate and ** with just one jump saddle. However they both have custom jump saddles made by either Antares or D.G. Stackhouse. That means they, obviously, fit each of them ideally. If you're just doing the lower levels, for now at least, there's no need for an XC saddle. I still say just get a regular jump saddle.

I would go with a jumping saddle.. it is suitable for both lower level stadium and xc.
A xc saddle is fit with a more forward flap for galloping and a long scooped-esque seat for banks and such. A jumping saddle will still have a forward flap.. just not as forward.. and will have a flatter seat and lower cantle. Especially if you lean towards more of the close contact type.

What saddles I love? Hmm.. well I'm a cheapy and have a phased out (but super comfy) HDR. But, with your price range.. I am sure you will be able to find a lovely saddle.

Good luck ;) E

Thanks for your replies. I feel like jumping saddle it is!

I have an HDR right now, and I really like it... though I'm pretty sure it's a pony saddle... had it since I was 11! Lol... time for a new saddle indeed.

I know a lot of people don't like them, but I love, love, love my Wintec Pro Jumper saddle. It's incredibly well balanced, love the CAIR panels, however they don't fit all horses well, regardless of the changeable gullet system. I was somewhat surprised to find that it fit my gelding really well, but if it fits your horse well and you like it as well, then it's a good buy. They're inexpensive and they last forever. Plus the upkeep is minimal.

I would just get a jump saddle. I personally really like prestige and county saddles [they are super expensive tho !] I have an m toulouse that I love a lot. They are good saddles because they are 'knock-offs' of really expensive saddles, but are still made with nice leather.

I agree re: a cc/jump saddle - that is what I event in.