GP Saddles Buyer’s Guide
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Time to read 8 min
TL;DR Summary:
GP (General Purpose) saddles are versatile all-rounders, ideal for riders who hack, school, and do small jumps without needing a discipline-specific saddle. They usually have a medium-depth seat, moderately forward-cut flaps, and balanced knee rolls, making them comfortable for both horse and rider. Popular GP saddles include the Wintec 500, Bates Wide Cob, Kent & Masters Compact, Albion K2, and Black Country GPD. Choose based on your horse’s shape (e.g. cobs, short backs, or average builds), your riding goals, and whether you prefer leather or synthetic. Many modern GP saddles are adjustable, which is helpful if your horse changes shape.
What is a GP Saddle?
A GP (General Purpose) saddle is one of the most popular saddle types in the UK. As the name suggests, it’s built for all-round riding. Whether you’re hacking, schooling, popping the odd jump, or heading to a fun ride, a GP saddle will usually do the job. If you don’t want (or need) a discipline-specific saddle, a GP is often the best place to start.
Who are GP Saddles for?
Happy hacker riders who like to mix things up.
Families who need one saddle that works for different riders.
Riders who enjoy a bit of everything without wanting to buy multiple saddles.
Teenagers moving up from pony saddles but still finding their favourite discipline.
Key Features of a GP Saddle
Seat – medium depth: supportive without locking you in.
Flaps – cut more forward than a dressage saddle but straighter than a jump saddle, giving you a balance between the two.
Blocks/Rolls – usually moderate, so you’ve got support over smaller fences while still having the freedom you need for flatwork.
Panels – designed to spread weight evenly and keep your horse comfortable for longer rides.
5 Things to Think About Before You Buy
- Your horse’s shape – do they need a wide tree, shorter panels, or extra clearance for high withers?
- Your riding goals – if you’re more into flatwork, choose a GP saddle with a straighter flap. If you love a jump now and again, go for one with a slightly more forward cut.
- Adjustability – some modern GP saddles have changeable gullets, which is handy if your horse changes shape through the seasons.
- Leather vs Synthetic – leather gives you that classic feel and can last for years with care. Synthetic saddles are lighter, easier to maintain, and often more affordable.
- Budget – there’s a GP saddle to suit every rider, from entry-level synthetics right up to luxury leather models.
GP Saddles FAQs
What is a GP saddle used for?
A GP saddle is made for all-round use. Most riders use them for hacking, schooling, local competitions, and even the odd bit of jumping. It’s the most versatile saddle type, so if you don’t want to specialise, a GP saddle is a safe bet.
What’s the difference between a GP and a jump saddle?
A jump saddle has shorter, more forward-cut flaps and a flatter seat to put you in the perfect position over fences. A GP saddle has a medium seat and slightly forward flaps, so you can still jump small fences, but it won’t hold you in quite the same way. If you’re mainly jumping, you’ll probably prefer a jump saddle, but for mixed use a GP saddle is more practical.
What’s the difference between a GP and a dressage saddle?
Dressage saddles have long, straight flaps and a deep seat to help you sit in a classical dressage position. A GP saddle has a shallower seat and more forward flap, so you can move between schooling, hacking, and small jumps with ease. It’s fine for everyday flatwork and low-level tests, but if you’re aiming high in dressage you may want a dedicated dressage saddle.
Are GP saddles good for hacking?
Yes, GP saddles are brilliant for hacking. They’re designed to be comfortable for horse and rider, with panel shapes that spread weight evenly and seat designs that support you over long distances.
Can you jump in a GP saddle?
Yes, most GP saddles are absolutely fine for smaller fences, grids, and low-level competitions. If you’re tackling bigger fences regularly, a jump saddle will give you more support and a better position, but for everyday fun a GP saddle works well.
Are GP saddles good for cobs?
Definitely. There are lots of GP saddles made specifically for cobs and natives, with wider trees and broader panels. Some of the most popular include the Bates Wide Cob GP, GFS Monarch Cob GP, and Ideal H&C GP.
What’s better – leather or synthetic GP saddles?
It depends on you and your horse. Leather saddles are traditional, long-lasting, and give that luxury feel. Synthetic saddles (like Wintec and Thorowgood) are lightweight, easier to care for, and often more budget-friendly. Both have their place, so it’s more about which suits your needs and lifestyle.
Are GP saddles adjustable?
Lots of modern GP saddles come with changeable gullets so you can alter the width as your horse changes shape. Brands like Wintec, Bates, Thorowgood, Kent & Masters, Arena, and GFS Monarch all offer adjustable options. GP saddles from Ideal, Harry Dabbs and Black Country are built on fixed trees, but they can be adjusted slightly with flocking by a qualified saddle fitter.
What’s the best GP saddle?
There isn’t one single “best” GP saddle. The right choice depends on your horse’s conformation, your riding style, and your budget. That’s why we’ve profiled our Top 10 most in-demand GP saddles below, covering everything from tough synthetics to premium leather.
Our Top 10 Most In-Demand GP Saddles
1. Wintec 500 All Purpose
Synthetic, lightweight, and weatherproof.
CAIR panels with adjustable gullet bar & riser system.
Very affordable, great for young horses who change shape a lot
Best for: Riders who want a tough, low-maintenance GP saddle for everyday use.
Recommended for horses with: average backs or horses that change condition, perfect if you need a fuss-free, flexible option.
2. Bates Wide Cob All Purpose
- Built specifically for wide horses.
CAIR panels with adjustable gullet bar & riser system.
- Luxurious close-contact leather finish.
Best for: Riders who want a comfortable & supportive seat with a more luxury feel.
Recommended for horses with: broad, flat backs like cobs, natives, or wider warmbloods.
3. Thorowgood T9 Pony Long Leg
- Pony-sized panels but longer flaps for taller riders.
- Lightweight and leather hybrid saddle for an excellent finish.
- Fully adjustable with a changeable gullet & traditional flocking.
Best for: Teenagers or adults who need more flap length on a pony GP saddle.
Recommended for horses with: shorter backs or compact ponies that need a neat fit but with extra flap length for the rider.
4. Arena General Purpose
Leather-look synthetic finish.
CAIR panels with adjustable gullet bar & riser system.
Great balance for hacking, schooling, and local shows.
Best for: Riders who want an affordable leather GP saddle with maximum adjustability.
Recommended for horses with: average builds, from leisure cobs to TB crosses.
5. Kent & Masters S-Series Compact GP
Handmade in England with quality leather.
Compact design avoids overloading.
Adjustable by gullet bar & traditional flocking
Best for: Riders with narrower hips or petite riders on a large ponies / small horses.
Recommended for horses with: short, compact backs with some shape, especially where saddle length is tricky.
6. Albion K2 GP Adjusta
Made in England using the finest leather.
Adjustable +/- 1 width each way on a bench.
A long-lasting investment saddle.
Best for: Riders who want a premium English GP saddle with traditional craftsmanship.
Recommended for horses with: Some wither and medium to wide backs who don't change shape often.
7. GFS Monarch Cob GP
Designed with wide trees and broad panels.
Adjustable gullet system & traditional flocking
Soft padded seat for all-day comfort.
Best for: Riders who need a wide/cob GP saddle but prefer traditional flocking instead of the CAIR panels.
Recommended for horses with: cobs, natives, or wide warmbloods.
8. Harry Dabbs GP on the IB Tree
Unique IB Tree which suits warmblood types with wither and broad backs.
Slim, half panel for a close contact feel.
Not adjustable, traditional flocked saddle.
Best for: Riders looking for a close contact feel in a traditional style GP saddle.
Recommended for horses with: tricky warmblood conformations.
9. Ideal H&C GP
“Highland & Cob” with an extra wide head designed for broader withers.
Handmade in Walsall with quality leather.
Not adjustable, traditional flocking.
Best for: Riders who like a wide, comfortable seat and a GP saddle with minimal fuss.
Recommended for horses with: flat-ribbed, wide natives and cobs.
10. Black Country GPD (VSD)
Straighter flap makes it great for flatwork.
Still versatile enough for hacking and even the show ring.
Not adjustable, traditional flocking.
Best for: Riders who want a GP saddle with a schooling/dressage feel.
Recommended for horses with: specific conformations due to the range of trees available.
Not sure which GP is right for you?
With so many great options, it can feel a bit overwhelming. To help, we’ve compared our most popular GP saddles side by side. This lets you see quickly which ones suit your style of riding, which horses they’re designed for, and whether they’re adjustable.
GP Saddle Comparison Table
| Saddle Model | Best for Riders | Recommended for Horses with… | Leather / Synthetic | Adjustable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wintec 500 All Purpose | Leisure riders & families wanting fuss-free, everyday use | Average backs, horses that change shape or condition | Synthetic | ✅ Easy-Change gullet bar up to XW & riser system |
| Bates Wide Cob All Purpose | Riders with broader horses wanting premium comfort | Wide, flat-backed natives, cobs & warmbloods | Leather | ✅ Easy-Change gullet bar XW-4XW & riser system |
| Thorowgood Pony Long Leg | Taller teens/adults riding ponies | Compact ponies, short backs, growing ponies | Synthetic | ✅ S Type Gullet Bar up to XXW |
| Arena General Purpose | Everyday riders who want smart, leather-look without upkeep | Extremely versatile fit with Cob tree & High Wither for TB crosses | Leather with synthetic panels | ✅ Easy-Change gullet bar up to XW & riser system |
| Kent & Masters Compact GP | Riders needing a shorter saddle for compact horses | Short-backed horses/ponies with some shape. | Leather | ✅ S Type Gullet Bar up to XXW |
| Albion K2 GP | Riders wanting a premium English GP | Sport horses & WB Types with moderate wither. | Leather | ⚖️ +/- 1 width each way from original stamp |
| GFS Monarch Cob GP | Riders with wider horses wanting comfort & value | Broad-backed cobs, natives, wide warmbloods | Leather | ✅ Adjustable Gullet Bar up to 4XW |
| Harry Dabbs GP (IB Tree) | Riders needing versatility & adaptability | Tricky WB types with Wither & broad backs. | Leather | ❌ No |
| Ideal H&C GP | Riders of natives & cobs wanting traditional leather | Wide, flat-ribbed natives & cobs | Leather | ❌ No |
| Black Country GPD | Riders wanting a GP with a flatwork/dressage bias | Range of trees available to suit different conformations | Leather | ❌ No |
Ready to find your perfect GP saddle?
At Saddles Direct, we’ve got hundreds of GP saddles in stock, from affordable synthetics to top-end leather models. You can browse new and second-hand options, try before you buy, or book a virtual or in-person fitting with one of our experts.