Finding a saddle that is right for you and your horse is just as important if you are a happy hacker, as it is for those out competing. We have compiled a list of our 5 favourite GP saddles to keep you and your steed comfortable out hacking!
Here at The Saddle Bank we love adjustable saddles for their ease and affordability. Therefore, it is no surprise that our 5 favourite saddles for hacking, feature multiple adjustable saddles. This helps to ensure the saddle will fit your horse as they change shape throughout the seasons.
If you are still unsure about anything saddle related please do contact our super friendly team on 01733 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com
What to look for in a saddle for hacking
If you are hacking, there is a good chance that you'll be spending more time in the saddle than if you were schooling. For this reason, it is imperative that the saddle is comfortable for you and the horse.
You will want medium length stirrups – riding in a dressage saddle, or with long stirrups could mean an insecure lower leg in the event of your horse spooking, or if you are going for a canter you won’t be able to get out of the saddle and off the horses back.
On the other hand, hacking out with stirrups too short, could mean tired and aching legs at the end of your ride!
GP’s tend to have wider panels, for greater weight bearing surface areas, to ensure that your horse remains comfortable throughout the hack too. For these reasons, a GP saddle is ideal for hacking.
The Saddle Bank's Top 5 GP Saddles for the Happy Hacker
Loxley AP Saddle
This saddle features a semi-deep seat and a lovely padded knee roll, making this a super comfy saddle. It is available on different tree shapes including classic, warmblood, hoop and as an adjustable saddle. Therefore, there is something to suit your horse. Handmade in Walsall, there are also endless options to customise the saddle if purchasing from new, with different knee block, flap, leather and welting options available. This saddle is perfect for anyone who loves to spend hours in the saddle on those long country rides. It provides ultra comfort for both the horse and rider.
The saddle is available in seat sizes 15”, 15.5”, 16”, 16.5”, 17”, 17.5” and 18”
Tree options – Classic (thoroughbred type fit), Warmblood, Hoop, Pony or Adjustable.
Available in Black, Cocoa, Claret or custom.
Kent & Masters S-Series Compact GP
The S-series Compact GP is a comfortable saddle, with a compact and neat seat making it ideal for petite riders or those with narrower hips. The seat and knee rolls are padded for comfort, and there are velcro knee and calf blocks for customisable security. The saddle features an adjustable gullet, so the width is easy to alter yourself.
The saddle is available in seat sizes 16.5”, 17”, 17.5” and 18”
Available in Standard, Low or High Wither Profiles.
Available in Black or Brown.
To view our selection of Kent and Masters GP's click here.
Albion K2 GP
The Albion K2 GP saddle features a comfortable and supportive seat, with padded knee rolls adding more rider comfort. There are fixed knee blocks to help give a secure feeling. Albion saddles are manufactured with good quality leather and fit a wide range of horses. Adjusta models have the added benefit of being adjustable up or down two width sizes by an Albion saddle fitter.
The saddle is available in seat sizes 17”, 17.5” and 18”
Available in Black or Brown.
Wintec 500 AP All Purpose
The Wintec 500 AP is the perfect happy hacking saddle. Feauturing an adjustable gullet so you can change width of the saddle yourself within a matter of minutes as well as the Easy Change Riser sytem to get the ulitmate fit.
No more worrying about you saddle if it gets wet or muddy after splashing in the sea or trekking through a muddy woodland, simply hose it off and you're ready to go exploring again!
The Wintec 500 AP is the ideal Happy Hacker saddle for those on a budget. It's lightweight, super easy to alter and you can pick up a bargain on The Saddle Bank's website.
The saddle is available in seat sizes 16.5", 17”, 17.5” and 18”
Available in Black or Brown.
Browse Wintec All Purpose GP saddles here.
Bates All Purpose
The Bates AP saddle has an adjustable gullet meaning that you can change the width easily yourself. Moveable knee blocks help you feel secure in the saddle, and a padded knee roll and seat help rider comfort. Available in Heritage, Opulence or Luxe leather
The saddle is available in seat sizes 16”, 16.5”, 17”, 17.5” and 18”
Available in Black or Brown
Click here to view our selection of Bates All Purpose GP saddles
Want to try one?
If you are interested in trying a GP Saddle why not trial one via The Saddle Bank.
The Saddle Bank offer 5 Day Trials on all Quality Used and New saddles to UK Mainland customers. Therefore, you can try the saddle before committing to keeping it.
Full details on our trial policy can be found here.
Are you from outside of the UK? No problem. The Saddle Bank offers international shipping.
International shipping prices can be found here.
