Monoflap English Saddles

Saddle Flaps: Understanding the Difference Between Traditional and Monoflap Saddles

When choosing an English saddle, the flap style is an important factor that can impact rider feel, saddle fit, and girthing options. There are two main types of saddle flaps:

Traditional Two-Flap Saddles

Most English saddles feature a two-flap design—a sweat flap underneath and an outer flap that covers the billets. This style provides versatility and is commonly used across dressage, jumping, and all-purpose saddles.

Monoflap Saddles: A Closer Contact Ride

Monoflap saddles have a single flap, allowing for a closer connection with the horse. This design is popular in eventing, jumping, and dressage due to its lightweight feel.

Dressage Saddles:

Both monoflap and traditional dressage saddles typically have long billets and require a short girth.

Close Contact Saddles:

A monoflap close contact saddle also uses a short girth, but its rigging points differ from a two-flap saddle, which can affect the fit on different horse conformations.

Which Saddle Flap is Right for You?

The choice between a traditional vs. monoflap saddle comes down to rider preference. Some prefer the secure feel of a two-flap, while others love the enhanced communication of a monoflap.

Looking for the perfect English saddle? Browse our selection of new and consignment saddles to find the best fit for you and your horse!