HDR Equipe Close Contact Saddle – Premium Leather Saddle for Hunters and Jumpers

Product Description

Experience comfort, stability, and close contact with the HDR Equipe Close Contact Saddle, a premium English saddle from Henri de Rivel designed for riders who value quality craftsmanship and reliable performance in the hunter and jumper rings.

Beautifully crafted from imported leather, this saddle combines a soft, grippy seat with a narrow twist and forward-cut flap to support a balanced, effective riding position. Whether you’re schooling over fences, preparing for competition, or practicing everyday flatwork, its supportive design helps riders maintain contact with the horse while allowing freedom of movement.

The HDR Equipe is particularly useful for riders whose horses experience changes in weight or muscle development throughout the training or competition season. Its Interchangeable Gullet Plate (IGP) System allows the saddle’s gullet width to be changed using compatible plates, providing flexibility when accommodating different horse conformations.

Key Features and Benefits

• Premium Imported Leather: Provides a traditional appearance, durable construction, and comfortable riding surface.
• Soft, Grippy Seat: Helps riders maintain secure contact with the saddle during schooling and jumping.
• Narrow Twist: Supports a closer feel and helps the rider maintain a balanced leg position.
• Forward-Cut Flap: Accommodates the leg position commonly used for jumping and hunter disciplines.
• Molded Knee Pads: Provide structure and support for the rider’s legs.
• Knee and Thigh Blocks: Help stabilize the rider’s position over fences and during everyday training.
• IGP Interchangeable Gullet System: Allows gullet width changes from narrow to extra-wide using compatible plates.
• Injection-Molded Polymer Tree: Designed for structural durability and backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime tree warranty, subject to the applicable warranty terms.
• Close-Contact Design: Helps the rider maintain an effective connection with the horse.
• Versatile English Saddle: Suitable for hunters, jumpers, and general schooling.

Ideal Uses

The HDR Equipe Close Contact Saddle is suitable for:

• Show jumping and jumping lessons
• Hunter ring competitions
• Flatwork and everyday schooling
• Riders seeking a close-contact riding position
• Training horses whose body condition changes over time
• Equestrians looking for a leather saddle with adjustable gullet options

Product Specifications

Fit and Care Recommendations

Correct saddle fit is essential for horse comfort and rider balance. Have a qualified saddle fitter assess the horse’s back shape, wither clearance, shoulder movement, panel contact, and overall saddle balance.

The IGP system allows adjustments to gullet width, but changing the gullet plate alone does not guarantee a correct overall fit. The saddle’s tree shape, panel contact, and balance must also suit the horse.

To maintain the leather, remove dirt and sweat after riding with a suitable leather cleaner. Apply an appropriate leather conditioner as recommended by the manufacturer, and store the saddle in a dry, ventilated location. Inspect the stitching, billets, and stirrup bars regularly.

Short Description

The HDR Equipe Close Contact Saddle is a premium imported-leather saddle designed for hunters, jumpers, and everyday schooling. Featuring a soft, grippy seat, narrow twist, forward-cut flap, supportive knee and thigh blocks, and an IGP interchangeable gullet system, it offers adjustable fitting options and a close-contact feel for horse and rider.