Henri de Rivel Cahill Covered Close Contact Saddle - Premium Leather English Jumping Saddle for Horses

Henri de Rivel Lumina Close Contact Saddle

Experience the perfect fusion of elegance and performance with the Henri de Rivel Lumina Close Contact Saddle, a stunning jumping saddle that combines grippy leather technology with distinctive signature stitching for a show-stopping appearance. This premium close contact saddle features a medium deep seat with a narrow twist that brings you closer to your horse for enhanced feel and communication, while the grippy leather surface provides exceptional security during takeoff, flight, and landing over fences.

Expertly designed with padded forward flaps and concealed adjustable blocks, the Lumina saddle offers customizable leg support that adapts to your unique riding position and preferences. The narrow twist design reduces bulk between your legs, allowing for a more intimate connection with your horse and improved effectiveness of leg aids. The eye-catching signature stitching adds a touch of sophistication that sets you apart in the show ring, making this saddle the perfect choice for riders who demand both performance and style.

Product Specifications

• Brand: Henri de Rivel
• Model: Lumina Covered Close Contact Saddle
• Material: Premium Grippy Covered Leather
• Seat Type: Medium Deep Seat with Narrow Twist
• Design Features: Grippy leather surface, signature decorative stitching, padded forward flaps, concealed adjustable blocks, narrow twist
• Tree: Close contact jumping tree with narrow twist design
• Panel Type: Wool-flocked panels for optimal fit
• Block System: Concealed adjustable knee and thigh blocks for customizable support
• Hardware: Stainless steel fittings and buckles
• Weight: 33 lbs
• Color: Available in classic colors with signature stitching detail
• Sizes Available: 16.5", 17", 17.5", 18"
• SKU: S001797B002239P001938V001
• Barcode: 849913063081
• Vendor: JPC Equestrian
• Best For: Show Jumping, Hunter/Jumper, Equitation, Competition, Training

Key Features & Benefits

• Grippy Leather Technology: Textured leather surface provides superior grip and security, keeping you stable during aggressive jumping efforts
• Signature Stitching: Distinctive decorative stitching creates an elegant, eye-catching appearance that stands out in the show ring
• Medium Deep Seat: Balanced seat depth offers security without restricting movement, ideal for jumping and flatwork
• Narrow Twist Design: Reduced bulk between legs enhances close contact feel and improves communication with your horse
• Concealed Adjustable Blocks: Hidden adjustment system allows you to customize knee and thigh block position without visible hardware
• Padded Forward Flaps: Extra cushioning provides leg comfort and protection during extended riding sessions
• Close Contact Design: Minimal bulk maximizes feel and connection between rider and horse
• Forward-Cut Flaps: Specially designed flaps accommodate shorter stirrup length required for jumping
• Premium Construction: Quality materials and craftsmanship ensure long-lasting performance
• Show Ring Ready: Elegant styling and professional appearance suitable for all levels of competition

Sizing & Fit Guide

16.5": Ideal for junior riders or petite adults (typically riders 5'0"-5'4")

17": Most popular size for average adult riders (typically riders 5'4"-5'8")

17.5": Suitable for taller riders or those preferring more seat room (typically riders 5'8"-6'0")

18": Designed for tall riders requiring additional seat space (typically riders over 6'0")

Professional Fitting Note: The narrow twist design makes this saddle particularly suitable for riders with narrower hips or those who prefer a closer feel. The medium deep seat provides security for jumping while maintaining freedom of movement for flatwork. Professional saddle fitting is recommended to ensure optimal fit for both horse and rider, and to properly adjust the concealed blocks for your leg position.

Usage & Care Instructions

Proper Use: Position saddle on horse's back behind the shoulder blade, ensuring even placement on both sides. The medium deep seat and narrow twist will center you naturally over the horse's center of gravity. Girth should be tightened gradually in stages and checked before mounting. Adjust the concealed blocks to your preferred position for optimal leg support. The grippy leather will help keep you secure without needing to grip excessively with your legs. Always use appropriate saddle pad or half pad suited to your horse's conformation.

Adjusting Concealed Blocks: The Lumina saddle features a unique concealed adjustment system that allows you to reposition knee and thigh blocks without visible Velcro or hardware. Consult your saddle fitter or refer to manufacturer instructions for proper adjustment procedure. The concealed system maintains the saddle's clean, elegant appearance while providing customizable support.

Care Instructions: Clean saddle thoroughly after each use with damp cloth or sponge to remove dirt, sweat, and arena debris. The grippy leather requires gentle cleaning to preserve its textured surface—avoid harsh scrubbing that could damage the grip. Apply quality leather conditioner weekly to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking. Pay special attention to the signature stitching areas, cleaning gently to preserve the decorative detail. Inspect stitching, blocks, and hardware regularly for signs of wear or stress.

Grippy Leather Maintenance: The grippy surface provides excellent security but requires proper care. Clean with appropriate leather cleaner designed for textured surfaces. Avoid excessive conditioning that could reduce the grip effectiveness. If the grippy surface becomes less tacky over time, gentle cleaning will often restore its adhesion.

Storage: Store on proper saddle rack that supports the entire panel area to maintain tree integrity and narrow twist shape. Keep in cool, dry tack room away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Ensure saddle is completely dry before storage to prevent mold or mildew. Cover with breathable saddle cover to protect the signature stitching and grippy leather from dust while allowing air circulation.

Why Choose Henri de Rivel Lumina?

Henri de Rivel has created the Lumina Close Contact Saddle for riders who refuse to choose between performance and aesthetics. This saddle delivers championship-level functionality through its grippy leather, narrow twist, and adjustable block system, while the signature stitching provides the visual impact that catches judges' eyes and sets you apart from the competition. The combination of advanced features and elegant styling makes the Lumina saddle a standout choice for serious competitors who understand that success in the show ring requires both exceptional riding and impeccable presentation.

Ideal For

• Show jumpers and hunter/jumper riders competing at all levels
• Equitation competitors who need both performance and elegant appearance
• Riders seeking enhanced security through grippy leather technology
• Equestrians who prefer a narrow twist for closer contact and better feel
• Competitors who want to stand out with distinctive signature stitching
• Riders who value customizable leg support through adjustable blocks
• Junior and amateur riders moving up to higher levels of competition
• Anyone seeking a saddle that combines functionality with show ring elegance

Grippy Leather Performance Advantage

The Lumina saddle's grippy leather technology provides a significant competitive advantage for jumping riders. Unlike smooth leather seats that can allow slipping during aggressive riding, the textured grippy surface helps you maintain your position during takeoff, over the fence, and upon landing. This enhanced security allows you to focus on your horse's stride, the course ahead, and executing proper technique rather than worrying about staying in the saddle. The grippy texture is subtle enough to allow movement when needed but provides enough traction to keep you stable during critical moments. This feature is particularly beneficial for riders tackling bigger fences, technical courses, or horses with powerful jumping styles.

Narrow Twist Benefits

The narrow twist design is a standout feature that significantly enhances rider comfort and effectiveness. By reducing the width of the saddle between your legs, the narrow twist allows your legs to hang more naturally and closer to your horse's sides. This creates a more intimate connection with your horse, improving your ability to feel subtle movements and deliver precise leg aids. Riders with narrower hips particularly appreciate this design, as it eliminates the uncomfortable stretching sensation that wider twists can create. The narrow twist also reduces fatigue during long riding sessions, allowing you to maintain proper position and effectiveness throughout demanding training days and competition schedules.

Concealed Adjustable Block System

The Lumina saddle's concealed adjustable block system represents a breakthrough in saddle customization and aesthetics. Traditional adjustable blocks use visible Velcro or attachment systems that can detract from the saddle's appearance and collect dirt and debris. The Lumina's concealed system allows you to adjust knee and thigh block position for optimal leg support while maintaining a clean, elegant appearance. This means you can customize the saddle to your exact specifications without compromising the sophisticated look that the signature stitching and premium leather provide. The result is a saddle that fits you perfectly and looks absolutely stunning in the show ring.

Signature Stitching Elegance

The distinctive signature stitching on the Lumina saddle sets it apart from ordinary close contact saddles. This decorative element adds visual interest and sophistication, creating an elegant appearance that catches the eye of judges, spectators, and fellow competitors. The stitching is strategically placed to enhance the saddle's lines and proportions, creating a refined look that complements your horse's conformation and your riding attire. In competitive environments where presentation matters, the Lumina's signature stitching provides that extra touch of elegance that can make the difference between good and great in the judge's eye.

Medium Deep Seat Versatility

The medium deep seat strikes the perfect balance between security and freedom of movement. Deeper than a flat seat but not as confining as a very deep seat, this design provides enough support to keep you centered and stable over fences while maintaining the freedom needed for effective flatwork and position adjustments. The medium depth accommodates various riding styles and preferences, making the Lumina suitable for riders who participate in both hunters and jumpers, or those who want one saddle that excels in multiple disciplines. The seat works in harmony with the narrow twist to create a comfortable, secure pocket that enhances your riding without restricting your movement.

Competition Performance

The Henri de Rivel Lumina saddle delivers championship-level performance in the most demanding competitive environments. The grippy leather keeps you secure during tight turns and big fences, the narrow twist enhances your connection and communication with your horse, and the adjustable blocks provide the leg support needed for maintaining proper position throughout technical courses. The signature stitching ensures you present a polished, professional image that meets the highest standards of competitive equestrian sport. Whether you're navigating a grand prix course, competing in equitation finals, or showing in the hunter ring, the Lumina saddle provides the performance advantages and elegant appearance you need to succeed at the highest levels.