Henri de Rivel Club Close Contact PLUS Saddle

Product Overview

The Henri de Rivel Club Close Contact PLUS Saddle is an English close contact saddle designed especially for young riders, children, and beginner equestrians participating in jumping, equitation, and show-ring activities. Combining a traditional hunt-seat design with a flatter seat profile, padded seating, and supportive knee rolls, this saddle helps riders develop a balanced position while riding on the flat or over fences.

Crafted from durable printed leather, the HDR Club Close Contact PLUS features reinforced billet straps, a strengthened cantle, and removable pencil knee rolls that provide customisable leg support. Its Interchangeable Gullet Plate (IGP) System also allows the gullet width to be changed using compatible plates, offering additional fitting flexibility for different horses.

With its classic Australian Nut brown finish and practical construction, this saddle is an excellent option for young riders seeking comfort, support, and traditional English equestrian styling.

Key Features

• Close Contact Design: Supports a balanced riding position for jumping, equitation, and everyday schooling.
• Designed for Young Riders: Suitable for children and developing equestrians who need supportive equipment for lessons and show-ring activities.
• Flatter Hunt Seat: Encourages a flexible riding position for equitation and jumping.
• Padded Seat: Provides cushioning and comfort during regular riding sessions.
• Printed Leather Construction: Offers a traditional leather appearance with a durable, practical finish.
• Molded Knee Rolls: Help support leg stability and positioning while riding.
• Removable Pencil Knee Rolls: Allow rider support to be customised to individual preferences and changing requirements.
• IGP Interchangeable Gullet System: Allows the gullet width to be adjusted using compatible interchangeable plates.
• Reinforced Cantle: Provides additional structural reinforcement and helps protect an area commonly exposed to scuffs.
• Nylon-Reinforced Billet Straps: Designed to improve durability in areas exposed to regular girthing stress.
• Classic Australian Nut Colour: Delivers a traditional brown finish suitable for schooling and competition.
• Multiple Youth-Friendly Sizes: Available in several smaller seat sizes, subject to stock availability.

Product Specifications

Why Choose the Henri de Rivel Club Close Contact PLUS Saddle?

The HDR Club Close Contact PLUS is designed to support young and developing riders as they build confidence and improve their riding technique. Its flatter seat offers flexibility for jumping and equitation, while the padded seat and molded knee rolls provide additional support during lessons and show-ring activities.

The removable pencil knee rolls offer flexibility as rider preferences develop. Meanwhile, the IGP system allows gullet-width adjustments through compatible plates, making it possible to consider different horses without necessarily purchasing a completely different saddle for every fitting requirement.

Its reinforced construction and traditional Australian Nut finish make it an appealing option for riding schools, pony clubs, young competitors, and families looking for a practical close contact saddle.

Care and Maintenance

1. Wipe the saddle after each ride to remove dust, sweat, and dirt.
2. Clean the printed leather with a suitable equestrian leather cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s care recommendations.
3. Store the saddle on a properly shaped saddle rack in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.
4. Inspect the billet straps, stitching, stirrup bars, girth attachments, and reinforced cantle regularly.
5. Check the knee rolls and their attachment points to ensure they remain secure and in good condition.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when changing IGP gullet plates.
7. Arrange periodic professional inspections to assess the saddle’s structure, condition, and suitability for the horse.

Saddle-Fitting Advice

Before purchasing, have a qualified saddle fitter assess the horse’s back shape, tree width, wither and spinal clearance, panel contact, and overall saddle balance. The rider’s seat size and leg position should also be considered to ensure an appropriate fit.

Although the IGP system allows gullet-width adjustments, changing the gullet plate alone does not guarantee that the complete saddle fits correctly. The horse’s conformation, panel contact, and saddle balance must all be evaluated.