Kent and Masters Cob Saddle - Is this the best cob saddle available?
Is the Kent and Masters Cob GP the best cob saddle for you?
The Saddle Bank specialise in quality used saddles, and one of our favourite brands is Kent and Masters. In this article we will discuss everything you need to know about the Kent and Masters Adjustable Cob saddle!
The Kent and Masters Cob saddle is a really popular GP saddle in the market for broader backed cob types.
We will go through the benefits of the Cob saddle in just a moment. But first we would like to help you ensure you identify the right saddle when looking to purchase one.
Identify the Kent and Masters Cob GP Saddle
The Kent and Masters Cob saddle has some distinguishing features such as the square cantle. However, this often causes confusion, and people end up purchasing the flat back (stamped MGU) or original jump saddle (stamped MJU) which ALSO have the square cantle! But fear not.. we are here to help.
The stamp on the left side under flap on the Cob saddle will state either GX or MGX (depending on the age of the saddle).
Older models are stamped without the M. We are often asked what is the difference between a saddle with or without a M in the stamp. The answer is nothing, but the age.
Below we have highlighted three different ages of Kent and Masters Cob GP saddles which will help you determine how old the saddle is.
Be very careful when purchasing a second hand saddle from an individual as they often do not even know what model they have.. Some people think that they have a square cantle saddle therefore they have the cob model. However as mentioned above it could be the Flat Back or Original Jump saddle.
Therefore it’s really important for you to know and understand what the Kent and Masters stamps mean, so that you do not purchase the wrong saddle.
Try a Kent and Masters Cob Saddle
If you would like to purchase one of our Kent and Masters Cob saddles with a 5 Day UK trial please click here.
Benefits and features
Now that you are able to identify a Kent and Masters Cob GP saddle we will go through the benefits and features offered by one of these saddles.
The Kent and Masters Cob GP saddle is available in 17-17.5 inch. You can find older models in 18 inch. It is a great GP saddle for everyday use on low withered cob types for schooling, hacking, light jumping and even low level competitions.
This saddle takes the S Gullet bars from Thorowgood/Kent and Masters and fits up to XXW.
Full details on our Kent and Masters Gullet bar guide can be found here.
Key features of the Kent and Masters Cob saddle include:
- Flatter tree and low profile, suitable for low withered, round, flat back cob types, to sit closer to the horse and eliminate the 'perched on' feel.
- Changeable girthing arrangements to enable saddle stability which is ideal on wider types when saddles have a tendency to slip sideways.
- Reduction in bulk between the horse and rider from the straighter cut, slimmer panels.
- Broad panels, to enable even weight bearing on the horses back.
- Velcro knee and calf blocks which can be moved/removed to suit the rider.
I need a 16/16.5 inch Cob Saddle?
Sadly, they do not make the Kent and Masters Cob saddle in this size. The smallest size available is the 17 inch. In this instance you may need to try the Monarch Cob GP which is great for short backed cobs as it is available in 16.5 inch. The Arena Cob GP, Bates WIDE All Purpose and Wintec WIDE All Purpose are alternatives that are also available in 16.5 inch.
My cob is a 4XW, will the K&M Cob saddle fit?
Sadly not. The K&M Cob GP is adjustable up to XXW (2XW). However, there are some other brands that accomdate super wide horses. If looking at non adjustable gullet saddles, Chunky Monkey and Andrea Hicks are great. If you prefer to stick to an adjustable gullet saddle you could look at an Arena Cob GP, Bates WIDE All Purpose, or Monarch Cob GP. These three models are full leather saddles and are adjustable up to 4XW.
