For riders the priority was to promote close contact,<\/strong> balance<\/strong> and a seating position<\/strong> at the centre point of gravity. As for the horse, comfort,<\/strong> ergonomic design and unhindered forequarters were the focus on attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To find out more, click here<\/a>. The bond between our two partners and Antar\u00e8s is subsequently built on the relentless search for excellence<\/strong>. We wanted to ask them some questions and share their impressions and opinions<\/strong> on this new jumping saddle with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bertrand Poisson <\/strong>: “I’ve been involved with Antar\u00e8s for a long time. Bruno Baup<\/strong> : “I’ve known Antar\u00e8s since the very beginning. The company founders’ desire to constantly improve horse welfare<\/strong> meant that our paths crossed. Bertrand Poisson<\/strong> : “The chief aim of this saddle is to have closer contact with the horse in general<\/strong>, while providing the rider with good balance. I think it stands out from other saddles due to a range of innovative, new features such as the thickness of the flaps or repositioning the stirrup bars and their mountings. Bruno Baup<\/strong> : “What makes this saddle different is its tree and billets which can be swapped and adjusted to fit all horse morphologies.<\/strong> Bertrand Poisson<\/strong> : “The best cutting-edge feature on this saddle is undoubtedly its new tree<\/strong>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Mister](\"https:\/\/preprod.antares-sellier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/resized_bertrand-poisson-et-rapsodie-des-ajoncs-1-1024x683-2.jpg\")
![\"Doctor](\"https:\/\/preprod.antares-sellier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Bruno-BAUP-Copier-1024x672-600x394-1.webp\")
To ensure the result lived up to our expectations, we worked with two French riding luminaries, Dr Bruno Baup and rider\/coach, Bertrand Poisson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\nHow did you get involved with Antar\u00e8s and what role did you have in this venture ?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I was talking to Xavier Lenrouilly (Co-founder and CEO of the Antar\u00e8s Group) about show jumping saddles.
At the time, Xavier asked me what I thought about show jumping saddles in general. So, I told him that hardly any suited my needs.
Instinctively, he said, “You know what? We’re going to make a brand new saddle!” That’s how this adventure began!
To design this saddle, I shared my expertise as an experienced rider but also as a riding instructor”<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nowadays, I am veterinary specialist for Antar\u00e8s<\/strong> to resolve saddle interference issues for horses.
As for the plan to produce the new Extra Contact saddle<\/a>, I shared my expertise as a vet to ensure the saddle was comfortable for the horse<\/strong> and could be adjusted to fit. I worked mainly on the underside of the saddle<\/strong>, on all the parts that come into contact with the horse”.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat makes this show jumping saddle different from the others ?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As for the horse, the saddle is comfortable and adjusts perfectly to its back<\/strong>.
On the rider’s side, they sit further forward and less back in the seat.
This results in greater mobility and a better poise to their riding position<\/strong>“.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This saddle has been designed to better distribute weight over the saddle and not hinder the horse.
There are very few saddles that give you the sensation of being at one with the horse<\/strong>
but the Extra Contact saddle does exactly that ! It provides the best possible distribution of weight and pressure, perfectly adapted to the horse’s topline<\/strong>“.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the standout innovation on this new saddle ?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It has a more technical look to it, so the Extra Contact saddle tree is more slender, flexible and adjusts to fit all horse morphologies.
Bruno Baup<\/strong> : “The Extra Contact saddle’s top innovation is you can alter it easily<\/strong>. The pommel is now removable which means it is fully adaptable to get the best fit between the saddle and the horse’s back. This feature also mitigates for any discomfort from the metal gullet on the horse’s back, or more specifically, the withers”.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes this saddle find the right balance between rider position and stability as well as close contact with the horse? If yes, how ?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n