What is the best saddle for a flat backed cob?
What is the best saddle for a flat backed cob?
Cobs, natives and traditional breeds can be tricky to fit a conventional gp saddle to as they tend to have flat backs, round barrels and large shoulders. This typically causes saddles to either slip back or slip to the side. However, there are a range a different saddle brands that are catering for horses with this type of body shape. In this article we will discuss various different cob GP saddles so you can choose which is best for you and your horse.
The general design features tend to include a low profile to minimise bulk between your seat and your horse's back, flatter panels, a wider gullet and a straighter cut to ensure a secure fit whilst still allowing freedom of movement. Most of the flat backed saddles will come with variable girthing options to help stabilise the saddle. This can include point and balance straps.
VSD saddles are slightly straighter cut than a standard GP saddle so they may be an option to consider if your horse has big shoulders but is not overly wide.
Monarch Cob GP
The Monarch Cob GP Saddle is a popular choice for riders with cob-sized horses. This saddle is designed to provide comfort and support for both horse and rider during long rides. It features a semi deep seat and velro blocks which can be position to suit the rider, as well as adjustable girth straps to ensure a secure fit. The Monarch Cob GP is ideal for short backed horses and the panels offer a close contact fit to prevent slipping. The saddle is made from high-quality materials, including durable leather and a flexible tree, which allows for a close contact feel. Additionally, the Monarch Cob GP Saddle comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit any rider's preferences. Overall, this saddle is a great investment for anyone looking to improve their riding experience with their cob or wide horse. This saddle is adjustable up to 4XW so works well on those super wide table top types too.
Bates WIDE All Purpose
Thorowgood T4 Cob GP
The Thorowgood T4 Cob MGX saddle is a popular choice among riders who require a saddle that fits their cob or wide horse comfortably. This saddle is designed with a low profile, which allows the rider to sit closer to the horse and maintain better balance. The saddle features adjustable gullet plates (Narrow Medium to XXW), which allow it to fit a wide range of horses. The panels are flocked with wool, which provides excellent cushioning and conforms to the horse's back. The saddle also has adjustable knee and thigh blocks, which help the rider maintain a secure position suited to their leg position. Thorowgood Cob models are available in 17 and 17.5 inch seats which is great for the many, but can be limiting to those who have a short backed horse. Overall, the Thorowgood T4 Cob MGX saddle is an excellent choice for riders who want a comfortable and versatile saddle for their cob or wide horse, who is up to XXW in width.
GFS Transition Cob GP
The GFS Transition Cob GP saddle is a popular choice among riders who own cobs or horses with a similar build and want a bit more of a luxurious feel. It is designed to provide maximum comfort to both horse and rider, with features such as a deep seat, knee rolls, and a wide gullet. The saddle is made from high-quality leather and has adjustable girth straps to ensure a secure fit. One of the unique features of this saddle is its interchangeable gullet system, which allows riders to customize the fit for their horse's specific needs from narrow to 4XW. This saddle is suitable for a variety of disciplines, including dressage, jumping, and schooling. Overall, the GFS Transition Cob GP saddle is a reliable and comfortable choice for riders looking for a saddle that can accommodate their cob's unique build.
Thorowgood T8 Cob GP Saddle
The Thorowgood T8 Cob GP MGX saddle is a popular choice for riders looking for a comfortable and secure ride, offering a slight upgrade on the T4. The T8 range is a hybrid range featuring leather look exterior with synethic underside, enabling the saddle to retain a lightweight feel. This saddle is designed specifically for cob horses, with a wider gullet and shorter panels to accommodate their unique shape. The saddle also includes adjustable knee blocks and thigh supports to help riders maintain proper position. Made with synthetic materials, the Thorowgood T8 Cob GP MGX saddle is lightweight and easy to care for, making it a great choice for riders who want a high-quality saddle without the maintenance requirements of leather.
Kent and Masters Cob GP Saddle
The Kent and Masters Cob MGX GP saddle is a versatile saddle designed specifically for cob horses. It features a low profile and a broad panel design that distributes weight evenly, making it an excellent choice for horses with wider backs. This saddle also includes adjustable knee and thigh blocks, allowing riders to customize their fit and position. The Cob MGX GP saddle is made from high-quality materials, including wool flocking and full leather flaps ensuring both comfort and durability. Whether you're riding for pleasure or competition, the Kent and Masters Cob MGX GP saddle is an excellent investment for cob horse owners.
Wintec 2000 Wide All Purpose
Designed for wider horses, with a grippy material on the seat, also offering a close contact feel, optimizing perfect balance.
The Wintec Wide 2000 All Purpose saddle is a versatile and durable saddle designed to fit a wide variety of horses. It features a wide channel for spinal clearance, adjustable gullet system, and a comfortable seat for the rider. The synthetic materials used in the construction of this saddle make it easy to clean and maintain, while also providing durability and longevity. Additionally, the Wintec Wide 2000 All Purpose saddle is designed with the horse's comfort in mind, featuring panels that distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points through use of the HART (Horse and Rider Technology) system. Overall, this saddle is an excellent choice for riders who want a reliable and comfortable option for all types of riding.
Black Country Saddles GPD
The Black Country GPD saddle is a high-quality English-made saddle that offers exceptional comfort and support for both horse and rider. It features a deep seat, large knee rolls, and a wide gullet to provide maximum stability and balance. The saddle is made from premium quality leather and is designed to last for many years with proper care. The Black Country GPD saddle is suitable for a wide range of disciplines, including dressage, jumping, and eventing. It is available in a variety of sizes to fit horses of all breeds and sizes, but its certainly worth checking whcih tree is fitted within the saddle. The 'Freedom' tree from Black Country is the tree most commonly used on wider types. It is also worth noting that although Black Country offers superior quality, it does not offer any adjustability when it comes to the width. So if your horse changes shape, you are unable to easily change the width of the saddle. Overall, the Black Country GPD saddle is an excellent investment for any serious rider looking for a comfortable and durable saddle that will last for years to come.
Summary of cob saddles
When it comes to choosing a saddle, there are many factors to consider, including seat size, width adjustability, price point, and features. The Wintec 2000 Wide AP saddle offers a range of seat sizes from 16" to 18", and its gullet system allows for easy width adjustment to fit a variety of horses. With a mid-range price point, this saddle also boasts features such as CAIR Cushion System and Easy-Change Fit Solution. If this is out of your price point the Wintec Wide 500 would work really well for you. The Bates Wide AP saddle offers similar features and adjustability as the Wintec 2000, but with a higher price point and more luxurious feel. With Bates you can choose the leather type which works best for you and your budget. The Thorowgood T4 MGX cob GP saddle is designed specifically for cob-sized horses and offers a range of seat sizes from 17" to 18". Its adjustable gullet system allows for customization of the fit, and its synthetic materials make it an affordable option. The Thorowgood T8 MGX Cob GP saddle is an upgraded version of the T4. The Kent and Masters Cob GP saddle is another option designed specifically for cobs, with a range of seat sizes from 17" to 18". Its adjustable gullet system and wool flocked panels allow for a customized fit. This model fits the same as the Thorowgood T4 and T8 Cob GP, but offers the rider a full leather saddle. The GFS Monarch Cob GP saddle offers a semi deep seat and adjustable knee rolls for added security, while the GFS Transition Cob GP saddle is designed to accommodate horses going through changes in their shape due to growth or fitness. Finally, the Black Country GPD saddle is a high-end option made from premium leather with wool flocked panels for optimal comfort and fit.
Trial a Saddle for your Cob
Browse at your convenience, order your saddle online, and have your local fitter out to assess the fit for you.
