Henri de Rivel Novice Club Close Contact Saddle – Beginner-Friendly Leather Jumping Saddle

Product Overview

The Henri de Rivel Novice Club Close Contact Saddle is designed for beginner, amateur, and pleasure riders developing their skills in English riding, equitation, and jumping. Combining a traditional show-ring appearance with practical rider-support features, this saddle offers a straightforward option for schooling and everyday riding.

Crafted from durable printed leather, the Novice Club features a flatter seat to encourage freedom of movement and a traditional jumping position. Its padded flaps and concealed, removable knee rolls provide additional support to help riders maintain a stable leg position over fences.

Available in multiple seat sizes and regular or wide tree options, the saddle offers choices for different riders and horse conformations.

Key Features and Benefits

• Durable printed leather: Provides a traditional leather appearance for everyday riding and schooling.
• Flatter seat design: Supports a more open riding position suited to equitation and jumping.
• Padded saddle flaps: Add cushioning and comfort around the rider’s leg.
• Removable knee rolls: Provide adjustable support for different riding preferences.
• Close-contact design: Helps the rider maintain a connected feel with the horse.
• Regular and wide tree options: Offers alternatives for horses with different back widths.
• Reinforced billet straps: Designed to support durability during regular use.
• Classic Australian Nut finish: Gives the saddle a traditional brown show-saddle appearance.

Product Specifications

Available Sizes and Fit

The Henri de Rivel Novice Club Close Contact Saddle is listed in seat sizes ranging from 14 inches to 18 inches, with regular and wide tree options offered for various sizes.

• Smaller seats: May suit younger riders or riders with smaller builds.
• Medium seats: Can suit a range of adult riders, depending on their measurements and riding position.
• Larger seats: May be more appropriate for riders who need additional seating space.

Seat size is only one part of saddle fitting. A qualified saddle fitter should assess the horse’s back shape, tree width, panel contact, balance, and spinal clearance before use.

Why Choose the Henri de Rivel Novice Club?

This saddle is a practical option for riders who want a traditional close-contact saddle without the more specialized features of higher-end competition models. Its flatter seat and removable knee rolls allow riders to work on their position, while the padded flaps provide additional leg support.

It can be considered for flatwork, equitation, jumping lessons, and general schooling when correctly fitted to both horse and rider.

Care and Maintenance

1. Remove dust, hair, and sweat after each ride.
2. Clean the printed leather with a suitable leather cleaner or saddle soap.
3. Condition the leather sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Store the saddle in a dry, ventilated area away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
5. Inspect the billets, stitching, knee rolls, and tree regularly.
6. Arrange a professional fitting check if the saddle slips, becomes unbalanced, or causes signs of discomfort.

Saddle-Fitting Advice

Before purchasing, confirm whether the horse requires a regular or wide tree. A wide tree is not automatically appropriate for every broad-backed horse, and tree width alone does not determine fit.

Check that the saddle sits level, provides adequate wither and spine clearance, and allows unrestricted shoulder movement. If purchasing secondhand, request clear photographs of the panels, tree area, billets, seat, and knee rolls.

Ordering Information

Please confirm the following before ordering:

• Required seat size.
• Regular or wide tree.
• Saddle condition: new or used.
• Current color availability.
• Whether the knee rolls are present and securely attached.
• Included accessories and applicable return or warranty terms.

Short Description

The Henri de Rivel Novice Club Close Contact Saddle is a beginner-friendly English jumping saddle featuring durable printed leather, a flatter seat, padded flaps, and removable knee rolls. Available in a range of seat sizes and regular or wide tree options, it is designed for schooling, equitation, and jumping when correctly fitted.