Key takeaways
- All-Purpose Versatility: The design caters smoothly to riders who transition between casual trail hacks and local show environments without needing multiple saddles.
- Flexible Application: It accommodates various English riding styles effectively, making it a reliable choice for barns that share equipment across multiple disciplines.
- Broad Sizing Range: Offering seat dimensions from 12 inches up to 18 inches ensures that young riders, teenagers, and full-grown adults can all find a suitable fit within this product line.
What's inside
Choosing the right saddle is rarely just about aesthetics; it dictates your posture, your security over obstacles, and your horse’s comfort during long hours in the saddle. When testing options for our 2026 gear roundups, we frequently see riders struggling to bridge the gap between versatile, everyday trail riding and specialized disciplines like jumping or showing. Having spent considerable time in both the Laiba Emporium English Saddle and the Close Contact Leather English Jumping Horse Riding Saddle & Tack Set ST-ES-011, the divergence in how they handle movement and rider balance becomes immediately apparent on the track.
Every rider knows that a poorly fitted or improperly styled saddle can ruin a productive training session. One model leans heavily into a multi-discipline, all-purpose utility that adapts to relaxed trail rides and local show rings alike, while the other is engineered specifically with the forward balance required for jumping. Understanding these nuances before you make a purchase ensures you invest in gear that supports your specific equestrian goals rather than fighting against your natural riding position.
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Quick Verdict
Buyers looking for an adaptable, multi-discipline saddle suited for trail riding, showing, and general English riding should purchase the Laiba Emporium English Saddle. Conversely, equestrians who focus strictly on jumping and require a dedicated close-contact layout complete with a matching tack set should choose the Close Contact Leather English Jumping Horse Riding Saddle & Tack Set ST-ES-011.
Laiba Emporium vs Close Contact ST-ES-011: Specs Side by Side
| Feature | Laiba Emporium English Saddle | Close Contact ST-ES-011 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Discipline | All Purpose, Trail, Show | Close Contact, Jumping |
| Material | Leather | Leather |
| Seat Size Options | 12 inches to 18 inches | 12 inches to 18 inches |
| Color | Not stated | Brown |
| Included Equipment | Horse Tack (as listed) | Tack Set included |
| Model Identifier | Not stated | ST-ES-011 |
| Current Pricing | Check price | Check price |
| Specialized Blocks | Not stated | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated | Not stated |
Where Laiba Emporium Wins
- All-Purpose Versatility: The design caters smoothly to riders who transition between casual trail hacks and local show environments without needing multiple saddles.
- Flexible Application: It accommodates various English riding styles effectively, making it a reliable choice for barns that share equipment across multiple disciplines.
- Broad Sizing Range: Offering seat dimensions from 12 inches up to 18 inches ensures that young riders, teenagers, and full-grown adults can all find a suitable fit within this product line.
Where Close Contact ST-ES-011 Wins
- Targeted Jumping Geometry: The close-contact build encourages a forward, secure seat that helps riders maintain proper two-point position and balance over fences.
- Comprehensive Bundle: Arriving as a complete tack set, it saves shoppers the hassle of sourcing compatible leathers, irons, or girth components separately.
- Specific Aesthetic Finish: Available in a rich brown color, it provides a classic, unified look straight out of the box for schooling or jumping rings.
Real-World Use: Which One Fits You
The Multi-Discipline Trail and Show Rider
If your week consists of navigating winding trail paths on Saturday and participating in a casual flat class on Sunday, the Laiba Emporium English Saddle is your ideal match. Its all-purpose design gives you the comfort needed for longer rides while keeping a polished appearance suitable for show settings.
The Dedicated Jumping Enthusiast
For riders spending the majority of their arena time tackling oxers, verticals, and grid work, the Close Contact Leather English Jumping Horse Riding Saddle & Tack Set ST-ES-011 takes the lead. The close-contact flap placement ensures your leg stays stable and communicative right against the horse’s side when it matters most.
The Growing Equestrian Family
Because both options span seat sizes from 12 inches all the way to 18 inches, families with developing riders can find a proper scale. If your young rider is leaning toward cross-country and show jumping, lean toward the ST-ES-011; if they prefer a general-purpose English saddle for mixed riding duties, choose Laiba Emporium.
Price and Value
Evaluating the financial investment for these two saddles requires looking beyond a simple numerical dollar difference, as both listings currently indicate “Check price” status at their respective retailers. Because exact dollar figures are not permanently fixed or publicly stated in the base product data, shoppers must evaluate value based on what is included in the package. The Laiba Emporium offers broad-spectrum utility across trail and show tasks, whereas the Close Contact ST-ES-011 delivers immediate value by bundling a complete tack set alongside its specialized jumping configuration. Depending on whether you prioritize jumping-specific hardware or all-around adaptability, both options provide strong competitive value for 2026 equestrian budgets.
Final Recommendation
The Laiba Emporium English Saddle stands as our primary recommendation for general English riders who value trail comfort and show-ring versatility across a wide 12-inch to 18-inch sizing spectrum. Choose this model unless your primary focus is dedicated jumping and fence work, in which case the Close Contact ST-ES-011 with its included tack set becomes the superior choice.
FAQ
Do both saddles accommodate riders of all sizes?
Both models offer a sizing spectrum ranging from a 12-inch seat up to an 18-inch seat. This makes them suitable for younger children, teenagers, and adult riders alike, provided you select the correct seat measurement.
Is the tack included with both models?
The Close Contact ST-ES-011 explicitly includes a tack set within its package configuration. The Laiba Emporium listing notes general horse tack attributes, but you should verify exact component inclusions with the retailer before purchasing.
Can I use the Laiba Emporium saddle for jumping?
While it is categorized as an all-purpose and trail/show saddle, it can certainly handle minor pole work and casual jumping. However, for serious jumping disciplines, a dedicated close-contact design is recommended.
What color options are available?
The Close Contact ST-ES-011 is specified in a classic brown shade. The exact color variations for the Laiba Emporium saddle are not explicitly stated in the base product details.
See also: our full roundup Best English Saddles in 2026: Tested and Ranked.
