Can someone please tell me what this is for...

[elleah]

new posting, but come here a lot for answers. I'm a horsey mom trying to learn. Can anyone tell me what the raised part towards the back of the flap is for on this saddle?

http://www.horseloverz.com/HDR-Devrel-Eventer-Monoflap-Saddle-pr-290109.html
thx

[cute_lil_fancy_pants_pony]

To make it look like a more expensive saddle. ;)

[JumpingBug]

Are you referring to the block behind the leg?

They are common and on most saddles these days (well in the last 10 years) either on top as in this mono flap or underneath saddle with traditional girth for jumping saddles. The purpose is to keep leg from sliding back but the determined leg is able to swing block or not :-) Certainly not meant to raise value of saddle since it is pretty common feature. Are you looking to buy this brand? You might want to consider a better brand used if so!

[M. O'Connor]

Flap styles go through cycles--not sure what percentage of new saddles have rear blocks like that in addition to knee pads, but the trend in recent years has been toward deeper seats and more padding.

As recently as 10-12 years ago, a good percentage of riders at the top of the sport were still using very flat saddles with no knee rolls whatsoever. Many of those saddles, still perfectly serviceable and some of superior quality and craftsmanship, can be found very cheaply these days wherever used saddles are sold.

Of course, the saddles with all the latest bells and whistles (in terms of kneepads, etc) that are made by the most popular saddlers are commanding the highest prices.

But--and this is important to note--all this padding, top and bottom, sometimes means a less flexible anatomical fit to horse, rider, or both. I can't recall many people needing a saddle fitter for horses when the saddles were all flat--you needed to pay attention to whether the tree was narrow, medium or wide as far as the horse was concerned, and maybe whether the flap was long, short, or forward as far as the rider. That was it.

Now...it's more difficult to arrive at a good fit for both horse and rider, from what I've observed. IOW, don't just rush out and buy a new saddle--you might be doing the TOTALLY wrong thing fitwise.

[elleah]

Ya'll are the best! My dd really wants a saddle for her bday and has ridden in an HDR for the last 2 yrs so wants an HDR. I know from reading here that they aren't the best but i thought that since she's only 10 and have an opportunity to buy one of these used from a rider who's outgrown it, it might do. The girl that owns it uses it as a jumping saddle, as would my dd. It says it's for eventing, can it be used appropriately for jumping, or should i look for a jumping saddle. The girl only wants $600 for the saddle. And it's in excellant condition.

[JinxyFish313]

Flap styles go through cycles--not sure what percentage of new saddles have rear blocks like that in addition to knee pads, but the trend in recent years has been toward deeper seats and more padding.

As recently as 10-12 years ago, a good percentage of riders at the top of the sport were still using very flat saddles with no knee rolls whatsoever. Many of those saddles, still perfectly serviceable and some of superior quality and craftsmanship, can be found very cheaply these days wherever used saddles are sold.

Of course, the saddles with all the latest bells and whistles (in terms of kneepads, etc) that are made by the most popular saddlers are commanding the highest prices.

But--and this is important to note--all this padding, top and bottom, sometimes means a less flexible anatomical fit to horse, rider, or both. I can't recall many people needing a saddle fitter for horses when the saddles were all flat--you needed to pay attention to whether the tree was narrow, medium or wide as far as the horse was concerned, and maybe whether the flap was long, short, or forward as far as the rider. That was it.

Now...it's more difficult to arrive at a good fit for both horse and rider, from what I've observed. IOW, don't just rush out and buy a new saddle--you might be doing the TOTALLY wrong thing fitwise.
My thoughts exactly. I have two saddles - a 12 year old Beval natural with a tiny bit of padding, and a 15+ year old Crosby prix de nations that is completely flat and padding free. Both fit any horse I've ever put them on and neither looks old or worn. You can pick up a PDN for $250 these days, tremendous value for the $. My clients all have heavy-on-the-padding Butet's and they just don't feel as good.
Ya'll are the best! My dd really wants a saddle for her bday and has ridden in an HDR for the last 2 yrs so wants an HDR. I know from reading here that they aren't the best but i thought that since she's only 10 and have an opportunity to buy one of these used from a rider who's outgrown it, it might do. The girl that owns it uses it as a jumping saddle, as would my dd. It says it's for eventing, can it be used appropriately for jumping, or should i look for a jumping saddle. The girl only wants $600 for the saddle. And it's in excellant condition.
You can buy a lot of better used saddles for $600. What size is the saddle? If Your daughter is only 10 you might consider buying something slightly over size for her, and better quality, so that she can have it for a long time. I used a child's PDN from age 3-13, then bought the Beval saddle I mentioned above. I've had that one for 10 years now.

[tuckawayfarm]

You don't mention what size your daughter needs, but here is a used 15 1/2 Beval that is less expensive and should hold it's resale value better IMHO.

Good luck and don't hesitate to enlist your trainer. Most like to have input in saddle fit and choices. :)

http://www.stcroixsaddlery.com/Used_Close_Contact_Saddles_p/scj_con_457_.htm

[findeight]

That's an odd place for a "thigh" block...that is not stopping anything from swinging back. And, ewwww...do not like that look and I got thigh blocks on mine-under the flap where they belong and, newsflash, closer to my thigh. If your thigh ever was where that ridge could block it? I think it's past saving.

600 used is no bargain when this brand new one from a dealer is advertised to list at 1700 but slashed to 1100. Not going to hold much resale value and these people are waaaay high for the used one you are looking at.

A used Beval, as suggested, is probably even less then this and a much better buy. Also, I am no Pessoa fan but their youth saddles are not a bad buy, seem to hold up and hold a little more resale value.

Be honest, I would not spend 600 for a used saddle of any brand a 10 year old will grow out of in 2 years. Far better then this out there for less that are an easier resale down the road.

[zahena]

I have one of those old flat as a pancake Mortiz. It has been through the war with me and it still looks amazing. The issue is now that I'm old, I need some extra support. And since I'm tall, I need to use my thighs more than my calf as my leg isn't always taken up by a barrel so I need the knee roll.

Plus, my TB is a sensitive ninny who gets backsore even thinking about riding a saddle that doesn't fit his medium narrow withers. So I bought a Bates and he loves it. Much nicer horse in it.

I would suggest a used saddle. Used everything until your child gets to a stage where the growth slows down. They grow way too fast to justify the purchase of brand new items IMO.

[Czar]

Yes, definitely go with a better brand used saddle.

HDR's and the like don't seem to put the rider in correct position (you would be absolutely shocked how much a saddle can deter a rider from riding correctly).

I think flat saddles can be useful when you have strength and body control so I don't love them for little kids/novices.

Dover has a pretty decent quality close contact saddle that seems to be well-made.

I personally hate jumping saddles - as in close contact saddles that are made for jumping. I am sure they are great for jumping large fences but they put your leg way too forward for your regular 3ft hunter course, IMO.