Can I use a close contact jumping saddle

For general riding as well?

Findlay requires just a close contact jumping saddle- and I want to start purchasing general supplies (like tack etc) now, instead of next year, so as money comes in, I buy things I'll need.

What brands are best?

A Friend Suggested http://horseloverz.com/KINCADE-Close...pr-181121.html

I don't like those saddles because some have been a little off balance. I like the Dover Saddlery Circuit saddles and the Stubbens. You can't beat a Stubben.

I like bates!! There is also Wintec, which are the same saddles, made by the same company, but arn't leather, and are alot cheaper. But I still like bates!!
There is also crosby and collegiate. It all depends how much you want to spend.
The first link is crosby- https://www.horseland.com.au/crosby/Saddles/Intro.asp
Second is collegiate - https://www.horseland.com.au/shop/mainmenu.asp
3rd is bates- http://www.batesaustralia.com.au/
4th is wintec-http://www.wintec.net.au/products/jumpCrossCountry/closeContact.html

I beg to differ, I've ridden in that exact kincade saddle and liked it.

I would highly suggest contacting Findlay and seeing what the trainer recommends. Some trainers out there are very particular about brands. I'd also say to avoid the WinTec unless you know the trainer is ok with them. The most important thing is that it puts your leg in the correct position and is comfortable for your horse. I've never ridden in a Kincade but I know the bridles fall apart faster then some of the more expensive brands. I assume if you're going to Findlay that you're pretty serious about riding? If this is going to be something that you pursue I would invest in a higher end saddle that's going to last.

Oh and yes, you can use a close contact saddle for anything. I love trail riding in my Delgrange!

A big NO NO NO on Kincade saddles. They are cheaply made in India and will not last. Since this is for a college situation, where you will be riding lots of different horses, I would recommend a Wintec CC or Pro-Jump. They are both well made, sturdy, look great, and have the changable gullets that will fit a wide variety of horses.

If you have to get leather, try and find a Collegiate or Bates wth the changable gullet in your price range, or go for a Courbette that has their flex tree.
http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/in...&productId=144
http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/in...&productId=117
http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/in...&productId=115
The flex tree courbettes fit medium-narrow to medium-wide horses well, which is likely the size range you'll find at college.

You really do not want to get a fixed tree saddle in your situation, unless it's one of those magic 30-31cm Stubbens or medium or medium-wide Passiers that seems to fit everything, lol. Just keep in mind that if you need a riser pad, it doesn't fit the horse through the shoulders.

I'll add some more big NO NO NO's on Kincade saddles.

A friend of mine was at Findlay and she was in a program where each student got a young horse, broke and trained it, and eventually sold it for a fund raiser. If you're going this route, you may want an adjustable gullet saddle to adjust with your horse's growth. Bates' are good and I believe there is a Collegiate "Convertible" now too. I personally don't like Wintecs. If you'll be riding a variety of horses, you may want an adjustable gullet as well. Heck, just win at IHSA Nationals and you'll win a Collegiate saddle!

Another brand that I've come to like are the older Pessoa A/Os. The ones with "NPessoa" script on the flap, not just "Pessoa." These were made in Europe and not Argentina like today's Pessoas. And I've always been a fan of Crosbys and Stubbens.

I use my close contact saddles for everything...pleasure, trail, show, jumping, flat, broomstick-polo...

Dont ever buy the dover saddles. The color of the leather will come off as you clean and saddle soap it!
I have a crosby centennial and love it. I would also suggest a pessoa.

I LOVE my collegiate!!!! So comfy and practical ...