Who are GFS?
In this article we are talking GFS saddles, a brand that has been a favourite of ours for a while now. GFS were established in 1998 by Geoff Fieldhouse hence the name GFS.
Geoff carefully handpicked the most knowledgeable horse people to work alongside. Firstly, he worked with Nelson and Rodrigo Pessoa. This led to GFS becoming Pessoa’s sole distributor. He worked with Blyth Tait to develop the cross-country saddle. Dressage rider and Olympic Gold medallist Dr. Reiner Kimke was the next to be picked, to develop the dressage saddle. However, GFS doesn’t stop at saddles; they sell great quality bridles, girths and stirrup leathers too.
If you are still a bit confused about which saddle or any saddle related product is best for you why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team. Via phone on 01733 301488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.
What are GFS saddles?
GFS offer two key ranges of saddles. The GFS Premier Saddle and the GFS Transition Saddle. They both boast the following features:
- Luxurious calf skin leather which is double stitched for maximum comfort and grip.
- Siliconized wool flocking, which allows movement and prevents bunching to eliminate pressure points,
- X changing girthing points which create an easy way to adjust the saddle fitting without having to take apart the saddle.
- Moulded knee blocks, which can be customised to suit the riders leg length with the option of size of blocks,
- Technology wise – they were able to locate the centre of balance spot for the best positioning of the rider,
- X-change gullet system is great for horses changing shape, particularly for young horses, this system makes the saddles easy to adjust whether that be losing or gaining muscle,
- Their panels are widder and flatter which distribute weight evenly on the horses back.
- They also have a polymersynthetic webbed tree is designed for precision and symmetry, this tree also is flexible and lightweight.
GFS also own the 'Monarch' saddles brand and have recently rebranded this as 'GFS Monarch'. Find out more about GFS Monarch saddles here.
They also offer a fabulous selection off bridles, girths and stirrup leathers, so you can have a full matching set of tack! Click here to view the range of GFS Accessories available from The Saddle Bank.
Transition Range
The saddles within the Transition range all featurethe finest double stitched calfskin leather, X-Change adjustable gullet system to easily alter the width of the saddle, flexible yet lightweight carbon fibre webbed tree, and moulded knee pads for rider comfort and security.
Transition Jump
The GFS transition jump saddle is a forward cut saddle perfect for jumping. This saddle is designed to suit standard wither horses and is build on a carbon fibre webbed tree. This tree is flexible which provides comfort to both horse and rider. As with all GFS saddles it is easy to adjust the width by altering the bar. The knee roll moulds around the knee block which is attached via velcro and can be swapped out for larger or smaller blocks to suit the rider.
Shop GFS Transition Jump Saddle here
Transition GP
The GFS Transition GP is an extremely versatile saddle suiting a wide variety of horses with a standard wither. Each tree is adjustable and made to precision by using cutting edge CAD design. Knee blocks can be customised to suit the riders leg length with an option of a bigger or smaller block these sit below the flap with a contoured moulded knee. The centre of balance spot conveniently locates you in a neutral position for close contact.
Shop GFS Transition GP Saddle here
Transition Cob
The GFS Transition Cob is especially suited to a wider framed and flatter backed horse. The panels are flatter than an average saddle to distribute weight and pressure evenly which also helps with the perfect fit solution. The Cob range is fantastic for super wide horses as it is adjustable up to 4XW! If you have a wider horse, but like a comfortable, luxurious saddle, this could be the ideal saddle for you.
Shop GFS Transition Cob GP Saddle here
Transition GX Jump Saddle
The GFS Transition GX Jump saddle is aimed at a slightly more serious rider. The seat offers less depth than the Transition jump. However, this saddle still has all the features you need including the flexi blocks which can be positioned to suit the rider, moveable girth straps, and the adjustable gullet so the width can easily be altered. This is ideal if you prefer a less restrictive jump saddle.
Transition PX Jump
The Transition PX jump is a petite jump saddle available in 16.5 inch only designed for petite adults and teenagers on ponies. It works really well on breeds such as Connemara's. It has a moulded knee flap and flatter seat.
Shop GFS Transition PX Jump Saddle here
Transition PX Dressage
The Transition PX Dressage is again only available in 16.5 inch and aimed at petite riders on ponies. Similar in design to the jump but offering an elongated flap and a slightly deeper seat suited to dressage. This is a fantastic saddle for teens in pony club and small adults on ponies.
Shop GFS Transition PX Dressage Saddle here
Both of the Transition PX saddles offer moveable knee blocks and a supportive seat this saddle which provides a close contact feel and precise interaction between horse and rider.
GFS Premier
The GFS Premier range has two options: the dressage and the jump saddle. Both saddles are monoflap. Their tree is carbon fibre which is lightweight and comfortable. In 2023 GFS launched the latest version of this range which includes small changes to the design such as the knee block. Both designs of the saddle are very popular with riders and these saddles are known to be extremely comfortable.
With the saddles having a single flap design, this reduces bulk under the riders leg and gives the rider that incredibly close contact feel that both GFS Premier Saddles are famed for. The girthing points running through the monoflap seamlessly. These saddles suit horses with average withers. The jump saddle is a forward cut saddle which is more suited to jumping and eventing.
Shop GFS Premier Jump Saddle V2
Shop GFS Premier Dressage Saddle
Shop GFS Premier Dressage Saddle V2
Where can you buy a new or used GFS Saddle?
Here at The Saddle Bank we have a super selection of new and used GFS Saddles simply click here to find your next GFS Saddle!
Looking for a new GFS bridle to go with your GFS Saddle or simply looking for a new competition legal high quality bridle? Click here to see which may be the best suited for you and your horse.
