I N C E P T I O N A I

Close Contact English Jumping Saddles: Top 5 Picks in Canada for 2025 — Expert-Tested Options for Precision, Fit, and Rider-Horse Connection

Close contact jumping saddles are designed with a low-profile seat and forward-cut flaps to maximize rider-horse connection and precise leg aids. They prioritize light weight and minimal bulk for improved feel and jumping performance, making them the go-to choice for show jumpers, hunters who value responsiveness, and riders focused on fine-tuned aids. In the Canadian market riders and professional fitters prioritize saddles that offer consistent tree fit across seasonal weight changes, durable materials for varied weather, and easy local servicing. Consumers choose close contact models for enhanced communication with their horse, faster release and recovery over fences, and the ability to maintain a secure forward jumping position without sacrificing balance. Brand reputation, customization options, and access to local fitters and demo programs also strongly influence buying decisions across Canada's provinces.

Top Picks Summary

1. Best Precision Fit

2. Best Ergonomic Tree

3. Best Lightweight Balance

4. Best Classic Craftsmanship

5. Best Customizable Fit

Top Picks Summary

  1. CWD 2Gs Close Contact Saddle
  2. Devoucoux Makila S Jumping Saddle
  3. Antares Contact Jumping Saddle
  4. Butet Premium Gold Jumping Saddle
  5. Voltaire Design Palm Beach Jumping Saddle
1
BEST PRECISION FIT

CWD 2Gs Close Contact Saddle

CWD

The CWD 2Gs Close Contact Saddle is a top choice for top-level show jumpers thanks to its precise close-contact paneling and a balanced, secure seat that helps riders maintain an optimal jumping position. Compared with the other saddles in this list it trades a premium price for proven competition pedigree and strong resale value, making it a technically reliable—but sometimes costlier—option for riders who want immediate performance and wide professional acceptance.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • Featherlight feel

  • Sticky-seat grip

  • Featherlight feel

  • Sticky-seat grip

Review Summary

88%

"Riders praise the CWD 2Gs for its exceptional balance, close contact feel and adjustable fit, noting premium leather and long-term durability; common criticisms are the high price and necessary upkeep. Overall it performs reliably in competition and schooling for a wide range of horses."

  • Close-contact hug

  • Exceptional close-contact panel for direct rider-to-horse feel.

  • Close-contact hug

  • Exceptional close-contact panel for direct rider-to-horse feel.

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

The CWD 2Gs Close Contact Saddle is a top choice for top-level show jumpers thanks to its precise close-contact paneling and a balanced, secure seat that helps riders maintain an optimal jumping position. Compared with the other saddles in this list it trades a premium price for proven competition pedigree and strong resale value, making it a technically reliable—but sometimes costlier—option for riders who want immediate performance and wide professional acceptance.

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$8,000-11,000 CAD

2
BEST ERGONOMIC TREE

Devoucoux Makila S Jumping Saddle

Devoucoux

The Devoucoux Makila S Jumping Saddle is a lightweight monoflap designed for maximum leg contact and close communication with the horse, prized for its forward-cut flap and supple leather. Versus the others here it often represents a compelling blend of elite performance and competitive pricing, offering an especially close feel and ergonomic panels that suit riders who want high performance without necessarily paying the absolute top-tier premiums.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Freedom-flap flair

  • Precision leghold

  • Freedom-flap flair

  • Precision leghold

Review Summary

90%

"The Devoucoux Makila S is frequently lauded for being lightweight, highly polished for close contact and supportive at the jump, with excellent tree options for performance horses; some users mention a firmer initial feel and the expected high cost. It’s a favorite among professional riders for technical courses."

  • Velvety contact

  • Ergonomic Makila S tree designed to follow and absorb horse movement.

  • Velvety contact

  • Ergonomic Makila S tree designed to follow and absorb horse movement.

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

The Devoucoux Makila S Jumping Saddle is a lightweight monoflap designed for maximum leg contact and close communication with the horse, prized for its forward-cut flap and supple leather. Versus the others here it often represents a compelling blend of elite performance and competitive pricing, offering an especially close feel and ergonomic panels that suit riders who want high performance without necessarily paying the absolute top-tier premiums.

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$9,000-13,000 CAD

3
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BALANCE

Antares Contact Jumping Saddle

Antares

The Antares Contact Jumping Saddle emphasizes bespoke fit and rider comfort with configurable tree and panel options that produce a very natural close-contact ride. Compared to the high-end handmade models on this list it tends to be more accessible financially while still delivering tailored fit solutions and lighter long-term service costs thanks to straightforward adjustment and maintenance options.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Custom-fit cuddle

  • Balanced center

  • Custom-fit cuddle

  • Balanced center

Review Summary

89%

"Antares Contact saddles receive consistent praise for bespoke craftsmanship, rider comfort and customizable fit for both horse and rider, though many note a break-in period and premium price. Long-term owners highlight durability and excellent resale value."

  • Whispered cues

  • Lightweight construction that enhances rider mobility and agility.

  • Whispered cues

  • Lightweight construction that enhances rider mobility and agility.

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

The Antares Contact Jumping Saddle emphasizes bespoke fit and rider comfort with configurable tree and panel options that produce a very natural close-contact ride. Compared to the high-end handmade models on this list it tends to be more accessible financially while still delivering tailored fit solutions and lighter long-term service costs thanks to straightforward adjustment and maintenance options.

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$7,500-10,500 CAD

4
BEST CLASSIC CRAFTSMANSHIP

Butet Premium Gold Jumping Saddle

Butet

The Butet Premium Gold Jumping Saddle is a handcrafted, ultra-lightweight model celebrated for its narrow twist and exquisite leather, giving riders an extremely intimate connection with the horse. While it commands a premium price relative to many competitors, its superior feel and enduring finish make it a favorite for riders prioritizing minimal bulk and timeless craftsmanship, though it offers less modular adjustability than some modern designs.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Old-world luxe

  • Butter-soft leather

  • Old-world luxe

  • Butter-soft leather

Review Summary

86%

"Butet Premium Gold is celebrated for its luxurious, supple leather and lightweight close-contact feel that many riders find very secure; drawbacks cited include a relatively narrow twist for some riders and required regular maintenance. It’s regarded as an elegant, high-performance choice for experienced riders."

  • Pocketed security

  • Handmade French leather offering a traditional close-contact feel.

  • Pocketed security

  • Handmade French leather offering a traditional close-contact feel.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Butet Premium Gold Jumping Saddle is a handcrafted, ultra-lightweight model celebrated for its narrow twist and exquisite leather, giving riders an extremely intimate connection with the horse. While it commands a premium price relative to many competitors, its superior feel and enduring finish make it a favorite for riders prioritizing minimal bulk and timeless craftsmanship, though it offers less modular adjustability than some modern designs.

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$9,000-14,000 CAD

5
BEST CUSTOMIZABLE FIT

Voltaire Design Palm Beach Jumping Saddle

Voltaire Design

The Voltaire Design Palm Beach Jumping Saddle stands out for its modern modular system and adjustable components, allowing quick adaptation to changing horse shapes and reducing the need for frequent reflocking. In comparison to traditional bespoke saddles on this list it delivers long-term cost efficiency and technical flexibility, often favored by riders who want a close-contact feel plus the ability to tweak fit without compromising performance.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Adjustable fit wow

  • Shoulder freedom

  • Adjustable fit wow

  • Shoulder freedom

Review Summary

93%

"The Voltaire Design Palm Beach is highly rated for its modern flexible tree, superb shock absorption and easy adjustability, delivering excellent horse comfort and rider balance; the main negatives are its premium price and limited availability of certain custom options. Users commonly report outstanding long-term satisfaction."

  • Grip like Velcro

  • Highly adjustable panel and tree system for precision fitting.

  • Grip like Velcro

  • Highly adjustable panel and tree system for precision fitting.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

The Voltaire Design Palm Beach Jumping Saddle stands out for its modern modular system and adjustable components, allowing quick adaptation to changing horse shapes and reducing the need for frequent reflocking. In comparison to traditional bespoke saddles on this list it delivers long-term cost efficiency and technical flexibility, often favored by riders who want a close-contact feel plus the ability to tweak fit without compromising performance.

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$8,500-12,500 CAD

What the Research Says About Close Contact Saddles

Scientific and applied studies in saddle fit and equine biomechanics show that properly designed and fitted close contact saddles can reduce localized pressure on the horse's back, improve rider balance and stability, and support clearer transmission of aids. Research from veterinary biomechanics and equine sports science supports the idea that optimized saddle fit contributes to better performance, reduced discomfort, and lower risk of compensatory muscular issues. For riders new to the topic, the key conclusions are practical: fit matters more than brand alone, pressure distribution is measurable and improvable, and small changes in saddle geometry can have noticeable effects on both horse movement and rider feel.

Pressure-mapping studies show well-fitted close contact saddles reduce peak loading behind the withers, improving comfort and range of motion.

Electromyography (EMG) and kinematic research indicate that improved rider stability with close contact designs can lead to more consistent aid delivery and more symmetrical horse movement.

Clinical and field studies link poor saddle fit to behavioral signs of discomfort, decreased performance, and asymmetric muscle development; regular assessments mitigate these risks.

Materials and flocking systems influence pressure distribution; modern adjustable trees and interchangeable panels help maintain fit across seasonal and condition changes common in Canada.

Professional saddle fitting and trialing remain the most reliable way to implement research findings into real-world choices—objective tools combined with professional assessment yield the best outcomes.

In Canada for 2025, riders looking for a responsive, low-profile jumping seat will find strong options among the CWD 2Gs Close Contact Saddle, Devoucoux Makila S Jumping Saddle, Antares Contact Jumping Saddle, Butet Premium Gold Jumping Saddle, and Voltaire Design Palm Beach Jumping Saddle. Each model brings a different balance of feel, customization, and construction quality; for most Canadian riders seeking a blend of modern adjustability and long-term fit, the Voltaire Design Palm Beach Jumping Saddle stands out as an excellent choice. We hope you found the information you were looking for — if you want to narrow by price, tree type, or horse conformation you can refine or expand your search using the site search or contact a local saddle fitter for a demo.

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