What is cross country?
Cross-country horse riding or simply referred to as “XC” in The Saddle Bank office - is an equestrian sport whereby horse and rider tackle a long course of jumps and other obstacles. This includes water, banks and ditches to replicate riding at speed across the countryside. XC is one of the three disciplines that makes up eventing, along with dressage and show jumping. Cross Country is also a competition in its own right known as a Hunter Trial.
Cross country tests the endurance, jumping capability and speed of the horse as well as their obedience, adaptability and fitness. For the rider, cross country is designed to challenge their knowledge of pace as well as their ability to ride technically for a prolonged time. As the horse and rider progress up through the levels, the courses will become more difficult. This includes higher, more technical fences and longer courses to take on.
Why is it important to use a supportive cross country saddle?
To enable both horse and rider to perform at their best in any discipline they need a saddle that puts the rider in the correct position. Simultaneously the horse must be able to move freely and comfortably underneath the saddle and rider.
When the rider is spending a lot of time in a forward seat whilst galloping and going into a jumping position over fences they need to have a cross country saddle that allows for ease of movement. This is typically a forward cut saddle to enable them to ride with a shorter stirrup length, whilst keeping them balanced and centered in the saddle.
Features of a XC saddle
Cross country saddles can be either Mono or Dual Flap... keep reading for more on that later!
In terms of seats on cross country or event saddles, they can vary quite a lot. Seats can either be quite flat and open or more of a semi deep jump seat. Cross country riders don't want to be fixed in their position and unable to go with the horse's movement. They also don't want to have a too deep a seat so they get stuck in the saddle. For example if they need to ride a bit more defensively or are jumping down a drop or step fence.
In terms of saddle flaps, again it can be down to each riders personal choice. A XC saddle has a forward cut flap to allow the rider to ride with their stirrups shorter than they would do for show jumping or dressage.
Generally a cross country saddle is a close contact saddle. This enables the rider to ride closer to the movement of the horse without restricting the horse from opening up their stride and basculing over the fences.
Knee and thigh blocks can be either surface or under the saddle flap and aid in keeping the riders legs secure. These can range in size as to what the rider prefers.
Mono or dual flap Cross Country Saddle?
So whats the difference between a Monoflap event saddle and a dual flap one? A monoflap saddle has just 1 single flap to offer a closer ride with the horse.
On a traditional dual flap jump saddle you have the saddle flap which the riders leg makes contact and a sweat flap which makes contact with the horse. Between this is where the girth straps and once fastened the girth buckles lie. This can increase the bulk under the riders leg so decreases the close contact feel between the horse and rider. Therefore, mono flap jump saddles eliminate additional bulk. Monoflap XC saddles also have long girth or billet straps which fasten with a short girth so no more girth buckles under the riders leg!
Another feature as mentioned above is that monoflap event saddles knee/thigh blocks are surface blocks. As you haven't got the extra flap to have them anywhere else! The pronounced blocks can help to give the riders leg more security. Riders often love this, particularly if finding themselves in a sticky situation out on the course!
Top brands and models of XC Saddle
Here at The Saddle Bank we regularly see, fit and assist with Cross Country Saddles and these are a few of our top brands and models of cross country saddles.
Bates Advanta:
- Luxe Leather which is super soft and offers riders a grippy feel.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Open seat with Sweet Spot technology which puts riders back into the correct position upon landing a fence.
- Riders will sink into the multi-layered foam seat offering the rider optimum comfort.
- Super soft panels which offer a close contact feel and superior comfort for horse.
- Forward cut to enable the rider to achieve the perfect jumping position.
- Monoflap design to eliminate bulk between the horse and rider.
- Ergonomic and adjustable stirrup bar which helps the rider maintain the correct leg position.
- Easy change fit solution with the ever easy to adjust gullet bar system and easy to fit riser system for the perfect fit for your horse.
- Adjustable Flexibloc system which means the knee and calf blocks and be tilted and positioned to suit the rider.
Trial a Bates Advanta Saddle here.
Albion K2 Jump:
- Drop panels which are perfect for horses with some withers as they offer a larger weight bearing surface area.
- Fixed knee and calf blocks for rider security.
- Padded knee and calf rolls for rider comfort.
- Ghosted stitching on knee rolls for rider comfort.
- Dual flap for riders who prefer more traditional saddles.
- Various tree types available; Warmblood, Thoroughbred, Hoop tree, Flat tree.
- Newer models on the Adjusta Tree can be altered up or down 2 sizes from the stamped size by an Albion qualified fitter.
- Square cantle popular for jumping.
Trial an Albion K2 Jump saddle here.
Fairfax Andrew Hoy:
- Wool panels for ease of adjustment and fit by your qualified saddle fitter.
- Open seat to encourage the rider to achieve the correct jumping position.
- External knee and calf blocks for rider support.
- Performance Panels which scientific testing shows that this offers the horse improved limb extension, joint flexion and gait symmetry.
- Close contact Monoflap design to reduce bulk between horse and rider.
- Adjustable gullet bar system with bars available in Narrow to Extra Wide-Extra Extra Wide
- Three sets of shoulder blocks to get the ideal fit for your horse.
- In 2023 the Andrew Hoy has been revamped and upgraded to the Eros Monoflap XC with the Andrew Hoy still being an immensely popular cross country saddle.
Trial a Fairfax Andrew Hoy saddle here.
Voltaire Lexington:
Want to try one?
Are you looking for your next cross country saddle or would like to try a monoflap event saddle? Why not trial one via The Saddle Bank
The Saddle Bank offer 5 Day Trials on all Quality Used saddles to UK customers. Therefore, you can try the saddle before committing to keeping it.
Full details on our trial policy can be found here.
Are you from outside of the UK? No problem. The Saddle Bank offers international shipping.
