If you're hunting for a jumping saddle that actually lets you feel the horse, the 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum is probably already on your radar, and for good reason. It's one of those saddles that people tend to hold onto for years, and even now, seeing them pop up on the used market is a bit of a big deal for eventers and show jumpers alike. There's something about the way Stubben built these around that time that just hit the sweet spot between traditional durability and modern performance.
I've spent plenty of time sitting in different brands, from the super-cushy French saddles to the more rigid traditional designs, but the Zaria Optimum always felt like its own thing. It doesn't try to coddle you with three inches of foam; instead, it puts you exactly where you need to be to actually ride.
The Magic of the Monoflap Design
The first thing anyone notices about the 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum is that it's a monoflap. If you've never ridden in a monoflap, it's a bit of a game-changer. By removing the extra bulk between your leg and the horse's ribs, you get this incredibly close contact. It's not just marketing talk—you can actually feel the horse breathe.
For riders who do a lot of cross-country or high-level jumping, that connection is everything. You don't feel like you're perched on top of a pile of leather and padding; you feel like you're part of the horse. The 2018 model specifically refined that close-contact feel, ensuring the flap was shaped to allow for a lot of freedom through the shoulder. It's a design that respects the horse's movement just as much as the rider's position.
That Biomex Seat Though
We have to talk about the Biomex seat because, honestly, it's one of the best things Stubben ever came up with. If you look at a 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum, you might notice these two kidney-shaped depressions in the seat. It looks a little weird at first, almost like the saddle is broken in specifically for your seat bones.
The idea behind Biomex is to reduce the pressure on the rider's spine and tailbone. As someone who has dealt with a fair share of lower back pain after a long day of riding multiple horses, I can tell you it actually works. It doesn't make the seat feel soft or "mushy"—Stubben isn't really known for mushy—but it takes the jarring edge off the landing. It allows you to sit deeper and more comfortably without losing that "sporty" feel you need for jumping.
Built to Last (The Stubben Reputation)
One of the reasons the 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum remains so popular on the secondhand market is that these things are built like tanks. Stubben has this reputation for using leather that could probably survive an apocalypse, and the 2018 era was no exception.
The leather on the Zaria Optimum is usually a mix. You've got that tough, resilient leather on the flaps, but then they often use a grippier, softer leather on the seat and knee rolls. It's the best of both worlds. You get the "stick" you need when things get spicy in the jump arena, but you don't have to worry about the saddle falling apart after two seasons of heavy use. I've seen 2018 models that have been ridden in daily for five or six years that still look nearly new once they've had a quick clean and condition.
The Spring Tree Advantage
Underneath all that leather is the famous Stubben spring tree. Unlike some modern saddles that use rigid plastic or heavy wood, the spring tree is designed to flex with the horse's back. This was a huge selling point for the 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum.
When a horse is jumping, their back is doing a lot of work—bending, lifting, and stretching. A saddle that's too stiff can really hinder that. The Zaria's tree is designed to absorb some of that movement, which usually results in a happier horse that's more willing to use their back over the fences. It's a subtle thing, but your horse will definitely notice the difference.
Fitting the Horse and the Rider
Finding a saddle that fits both parties perfectly is usually a nightmare, but the Zaria Optimum is surprisingly versatile. Most of the 2018 models came with wool-flocked panels. This is a huge win because wool can be adjusted by a qualified saddler to tweak the fit as your horse muscles up or changes shape throughout the season.
Why the 2018 Era is a Sweet Spot
You might wonder why someone would specifically go looking for a 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum instead of just buying a brand-new one. Well, besides the obvious price break, 2018 was a year where Stubben had really perfected the balance of this specific model.
The newer ones are great, don't get me wrong, but the 2018 versions have that "broken-in" feel that riders crave. You aren't fighting stiff leather for the first six months. Plus, the 2018 models often feature the integrated panels that bring the rider even closer to the horse, a feature that was highly refined by that production year.
Practicality in the Barn
Let's be real for a second: some high-end saddles are absolute divas. You can't get them wet, you have to use special $50 soaps, and if you breathe on them wrong, the leather scratches. The 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum isn't like that. It's a workhorse.
While you should obviously take care of your gear, Stubben leather is notoriously forgiving. It handles a bit of sweat and rain better than the super-delicate calfskin you find on some French brands. If you're an eventer who might end up galloping through a water complex or a muddy field, you want a saddle that isn't going to be ruined by the elements.
What it's Like to Jump in One
When you head toward a fence in a 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum, you feel secure. The blocks (the padding that helps position your leg) are placed in a way that supports you without locking you into one spot. Some saddles feel like they're forcing your leg into a specific "correct" position, which can actually be a hindrance if you need to adjust your balance quickly.
The Zaria stays out of your way until you need it. If you get a bit of a "big" jump and find yourself out of the tack, the grippy leather and the seat shape help you find your center again pretty quickly. It's a confidence-builder, plain and simple.
Final Thoughts on the 2018 Model
Buying a used saddle can be a bit of a gamble, but a 2018 Stubben Zaria Optimum is about as safe a bet as you can make in the equestrian world. It's a piece of equipment that was designed to perform at the highest levels of the sport while still being comfortable enough for a long hack on the trails.
Whether you're a professional looking for a reliable daily driver or an amateur who wants to invest in a saddle that will last a decade, the Zaria Optimum holds its value and its integrity. It's not just a piece of tack; it's one of those rare items that actually makes the time you spend with your horse more enjoyable. If you find one in good condition, grab it—they don't stay on the market for long.