Synthetic Innovations Maxx Jumper Saddle
The Synthetic Innovations Maxx Jumper Saddle is aimed at training programs that prioritize ruggedness and rider-forward jumping balance, featuring heavy-duty synthetic materials and impact-dampening construction built for daily use. Compared with lighter or more aesthetic models like the Tekna S-Line, the Maxx emphasizes durability and low lifecycle cost for barns that rotate saddles frequently, while still delivering a close-contact jumping position tailored to schooling workloads.
Robust polymer — barn-proof
Broad panels — steady landings
Robust polymer — barn-proof
Broad panels — steady landings
Review Summary
"The Synthetic Innovations Maxx Jumper is appreciated for its affordability and comfortable synthetic seat for regular schooling, but reviewers point out fewer tree/width options and lower resale value compared with premium brands."
Quick-clean finish — soap-and-go
Affordable synthetic design focused on jump training and schooling
Quick-clean finish — soap-and-go
Affordable synthetic design focused on jump training and schooling
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Skill Development & Mastery
The Synthetic Innovations Maxx Jumper Saddle is aimed at training programs that prioritize ruggedness and rider-forward jumping balance, featuring heavy-duty synthetic materials and impact-dampening construction built for daily use. Compared with lighter or more aesthetic models like the Tekna S-Line, the Maxx emphasizes durability and low lifecycle cost for barns that rotate saddles frequently, while still delivering a close-contact jumping position tailored to schooling workloads.
Robust polymer — barn-proof
Broad panels — steady landings
Quick-clean finish — soap-and-go
Affordable synthetic design focused on jump training and schooling
Molded close-contact panels and knee rolls for rider security
Robust polymer — barn-proof
Broad panels — steady landings
Quick-clean finish — soap-and-go
Affordable synthetic design focused on jump training and schooling
Molded close-contact panels and knee rolls for rider security
$600-1000 USD
Thorowgood T4 Close Contact Saddle
The Thorowgood T4 Close Contact Saddle is a market leader for cost-conscious programs because it combines a lightweight synthetic build with a reliable MX-style flexible tree and easily adjustable gullet options to fit a wide range of school horses. Versus the Wintec CAIR models it forgoes advanced panel technology in exchange for a lower purchase price and broad fit versatility, making it an attractive choice for barns needing multiple saddles or quick refitting between horses.
Adjustable gullet
Close-contact paneling
Adjustable gullet
Close-contact paneling
Review Summary
"Owners commonly report the Thorowgood T4 Close Contact as a very durable, well-built synthetic schooling saddle with excellent value and a horse-friendly tree, though a few riders mention a slightly firm seat at first break-in. The consensus is strong long-term satisfaction for everyday training use."
Tank-like build
Durable synthetic leather offers low maintenance and long service life.
Tank-like build
Durable synthetic leather offers low maintenance and long service life.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Thorowgood T4 Close Contact Saddle is a market leader for cost-conscious programs because it combines a lightweight synthetic build with a reliable MX-style flexible tree and easily adjustable gullet options to fit a wide range of school horses. Versus the Wintec CAIR models it forgoes advanced panel technology in exchange for a lower purchase price and broad fit versatility, making it an attractive choice for barns needing multiple saddles or quick refitting between horses.
Adjustable gullet
Close-contact paneling
Tank-like build
Durable synthetic leather offers low maintenance and long service life.
Close contact design with a shallow, forward flap suited for schooling and jumping practice.
Adjustable gullet
Close-contact paneling
Tank-like build
Durable synthetic leather offers low maintenance and long service life.
Close contact design with a shallow, forward flap suited for schooling and jumping practice.
$700-1000 USD
Wintec 500 Close Contact Saddle with CAIR
The Wintec 500 Close Contact with CAIR is best-in-class for synthetic close-contact eventing training because its close-cut jumping flap and CAIR air panels deliver consistent pressure distribution and a secure forward seat ideal for stadium and schooling grids. Compared with the other saddles listed, its air-panel technology reduces routine reflocking and ongoing fitting costs, giving a technical and long-term financial advantage over traditional wool-flocked Thorowgood models and the broader all-purpose Wintec 2000.
Featherlight ride
CAIR cloud-hug
Featherlight ride
CAIR cloud-hug
Review Summary
"Most users praise its lightweight close-contact feel and CAIR panel comfort for jumping and schooling. Some riders find the seat a bit narrow but overall it's considered excellent value and easy to fit/clean."
True close-contact
CAIR air-filled panels for even weight distribution and improved horse comfort.
True close-contact
CAIR air-filled panels for even weight distribution and improved horse comfort.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Wintec 500 Close Contact with CAIR is best-in-class for synthetic close-contact eventing training because its close-cut jumping flap and CAIR air panels deliver consistent pressure distribution and a secure forward seat ideal for stadium and schooling grids. Compared with the other saddles listed, its air-panel technology reduces routine reflocking and ongoing fitting costs, giving a technical and long-term financial advantage over traditional wool-flocked Thorowgood models and the broader all-purpose Wintec 2000.
Featherlight ride
CAIR cloud-hug
True close-contact
CAIR air-filled panels for even weight distribution and improved horse comfort.
Close-contact cut that enhances rider-leg feel for jumping and flatwork.
Featherlight ride
CAIR cloud-hug
True close-contact
CAIR air-filled panels for even weight distribution and improved horse comfort.
Close-contact cut that enhances rider-leg feel for jumping and flatwork.
$900-1400 USD
Tekna S-Line Close Contact Saddle
The Tekna S-Line Close Contact is the market leader for riding schools seeking a premium synthetic that prioritises rider comfort and long-term durability — its advanced multi-density seat, lightweight tree and high-performance cover reduce wear and improve stability for varied lesson riders. Although it carries a higher upfront cost than the Wintec and Thorowgood models, Tekna's longevity, easy-clean materials and superior shock-absorption often translate to lower replacement and maintenance expense over a fleet of school saddles.
Gel cloud
Bounce-busting tree
Gel cloud
Bounce-busting tree
Review Summary
"Popular for its comfortable S-Line panels, adjustable fit, and lightweight build—suitable for varied school horses; users praise comfort and low maintenance though it costs more than basic synthetic options."
Contoured cuddle
Interchangeable gullet/adjustable fit system allows use across many school horses
Contoured cuddle
Interchangeable gullet/adjustable fit system allows use across many school horses
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Tekna S-Line Close Contact is the market leader for riding schools seeking a premium synthetic that prioritises rider comfort and long-term durability — its advanced multi-density seat, lightweight tree and high-performance cover reduce wear and improve stability for varied lesson riders. Although it carries a higher upfront cost than the Wintec and Thorowgood models, Tekna's longevity, easy-clean materials and superior shock-absorption often translate to lower replacement and maintenance expense over a fleet of school saddles.
Gel cloud
Bounce-busting tree
Contoured cuddle
Interchangeable gullet/adjustable fit system allows use across many school horses
Higher-grade synthetic material with supportive cushioning for repeated lesson comfort
Gel cloud
Bounce-busting tree
Contoured cuddle
Interchangeable gullet/adjustable fit system allows use across many school horses
Higher-grade synthetic material with supportive cushioning for repeated lesson comfort
$1200-1800 USD
Thorowgood T8 Compact Jump Saddle
The Thorowgood T8 Compact Jump Saddle is a market-leading value choice for trainers who need a lightweight, close-contact synthetic with reliable shock-absorbing panels at a modest price point. While it lacks some of the premium panel engineering of Tekna or the CAIR system in Wintec, its economical price and rugged construction make it a go-to for everyday training programs and large-string use.
Compact pocket-rocket
Springy jump feel
Compact pocket-rocket
Springy jump feel
Review Summary
"Buyers consistently highlight the Thorowgood T8 Compact Jump as excellent value — lightweight, durable, with a true close-contact feel and useful gullet options — although some riders find the seat compact or the fit different for larger riders."
Robust synthetic hide
Compact close-contact jump shape designed for forward jumping position and short stirrup work.
Robust synthetic hide
Compact close-contact jump shape designed for forward jumping position and short stirrup work.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Thorowgood T8 Compact Jump Saddle is a market-leading value choice for trainers who need a lightweight, close-contact synthetic with reliable shock-absorbing panels at a modest price point. While it lacks some of the premium panel engineering of Tekna or the CAIR system in Wintec, its economical price and rugged construction make it a go-to for everyday training programs and large-string use.
Compact pocket-rocket
Springy jump feel
Robust synthetic hide
Compact close-contact jump shape designed for forward jumping position and short stirrup work.
Lightweight synthetic build with built-in shock-absorbing panels for improved impact dampening.
Compact pocket-rocket
Springy jump feel
Robust synthetic hide
Compact close-contact jump shape designed for forward jumping position and short stirrup work.
Lightweight synthetic build with built-in shock-absorbing panels for improved impact dampening.
$800-1,100 USD
Synthetic Innovations Adjusta Close Contact Saddle
The Synthetic Innovations Adjusta Close Contact saddle is the most configurable option, offering adjustable gullets, an interchangeable tree system and removable knee and thigh blocks that let trainers tune the rider-horse interface as the horse changes through training cycles. Though its upfront cost can be higher than basic synthetics, the long-term value from modular parts and re-fitability makes it financially smart for programs that need one saddle to serve multiple horses or evolving body shapes.
Fully adjustable tree — chameleon fit
Removable blocks — tweakable train
Fully adjustable tree — chameleon fit
Removable blocks — tweakable train
Review Summary
"The Synthetic Innovations Adjusta gets credit for its adjustable fit, practical removable knee and thigh blocks, and overall comfort for varied horses, making it a favorite for clubs and trainers. Some users mention it feels less refined than premium brands but is reliable and easy to maintain."
Synthetic easy-care — quick scrub
Fully adjustable tree system to accommodate changing horse shapes and precise fit tuning.
Synthetic easy-care — quick scrub
Fully adjustable tree system to accommodate changing horse shapes and precise fit tuning.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Synthetic Innovations Adjusta Close Contact saddle is the most configurable option, offering adjustable gullets, an interchangeable tree system and removable knee and thigh blocks that let trainers tune the rider-horse interface as the horse changes through training cycles. Though its upfront cost can be higher than basic synthetics, the long-term value from modular parts and re-fitability makes it financially smart for programs that need one saddle to serve multiple horses or evolving body shapes.
Fully adjustable tree — chameleon fit
Removable blocks — tweakable train
Synthetic easy-care — quick scrub
Fully adjustable tree system to accommodate changing horse shapes and precise fit tuning.
Interchangeable knee and thigh blocks that can be repositioned or removed for training needs.
Fully adjustable tree — chameleon fit
Removable blocks — tweakable train
Synthetic easy-care — quick scrub
Fully adjustable tree system to accommodate changing horse shapes and precise fit tuning.
Interchangeable knee and thigh blocks that can be repositioned or removed for training needs.
$1300-1800 USD