for the love of god, save my bum

I'm still kind of new to owning my own horse and saddle and such. Right now we ride in either a Crosby close contact saddle or an old County dressage saddle. The old man has a shark fin where his withers should be and me being somewhat beginner, I like to have knee blocks. Can anyone off suggestions on the jumping side of things that will help me not feel like I am riding a 2x4 around? The Crosby fits him pretty nicely (what with the decent cutback and all) but it just hurts me, I stop riding sometimes just because it feels so awful. Please help us find a saddle in a moderate price range- what do you guys like??

Also, forgot to mention, my TB is exceedingly narrow as well.

Seat saver may be? It certainly helped me with the saddle hard as rock under my butt. Equine Comfort Sheepskin Seat Saver - Dover Saddlery. or Ultra Cell Orthopedic Seat Saver - Dover Saddlery. (although they have cheaper models there too).

Thanks Kitten val, hadn't considered one of those- do they make you slip around at all or do you stick to them pretty good?

Actually I like sitting in one more then without. I think it sticks nicely IMO. Also my jumping trainer loves it and my dressage neighbor uses one for years.

Unfortunately even though people will tell you they love certain saddle it may feel bad on your own butt (or fit the horse). That's the very reason I never buy saddles on-line - whether it's used or new. People in the barn I used to take lessons in last year use those super expensive Butet saddles ($5K new). So when I was looking for CC saddle for myself out of curiosity I tried couple in store (that store has tons of saddles - all you can think off new and used). Guess what? I felt like sitting on board. VERY uncomfortable. So you just never know.

I had a stubben CTD for my TB gelding who had a shark fin withers. I found it to be super super comfortable to ride in all day and it offered good knee blocks.

I now have QHDragon's Stubben CTD, and I also love it. =] It's definitely a great saddle, and I've never had any problems with it, all my friends that have ridden in it have said that it's really comfy, and I absolutely agree. I'd definitely look into a saddle like this, because despite it being an AP saddle, it's set forward enough to where it's lovely for jumping, but also great for on the flat, as well as for trail riding. [And definitely secure enough for cross-country jumping! :) ]

Thanks ladies, what you're describing sounds kind of what I am looking for. I have no intention to show but would like something more comfy and secure. Today I rode him bareback just because I couldn't stomach the thought of my already sore behind on that saddle. We were both much happier actually which is sad because he has a spine like a knife, thank god for good bareback pads! I will look into the stubben that you mention for sure!

They can be tricky to find. I had never heard of them before I had it recommended to me by people at Thrumbull mountain tack.


stubben ctd, Sporting Goods. Great deals on eBay!

Here are two...not the same as the one I had, but they look like they offer the same security. You may also have some luck just searching for a stubben and looking for the tell tail square CTD button on the pommel.