What is a GP saddle?

A GP saddle refers to a General Purpose saddle (sometimes called All Purpose) and is the most commonly used and popular saddle among horse owners. They are designed for riders who like to do a bit of everything. The flaps are forward cut enough for jumping and also suitable for schooling and hacking.

Can you use a GP saddle for dressage?

Dressage: If you are planning to ride on the flat and predominantly school and or compete dressage competitions, a dressage saddle would be the perfect match. But if you're planning on jumping or doing a lot more vigorous riding activities, a GP/ jump saddle would be a better option to consider.

What is a GP horse?

1 : the highest level of international equestrian competition also : a contest at this level.

What is the most comfortable saddle for horse and rider?

The K2 GP has been designed for riders looking for an extremely comfortable, high quality, all-round saddle, suitable for all major disciplines. Whilst offering amazing comfort for both horse and rider the K2 GP also offers numerous fitting options, including the highly sought after Adjusta-Tree Technology.

What is the best type of saddles?

HIGH WITHER HORSES - Top 10 GP Saddles!

What type of saddle is best for trail riding?

Western saddles have long been the most popular choice for trail riding in America. Their sturdy construction holds up well in brushy terrain and rough weather. The saddle horn and high cantle along with large stirrups keep you tucked securely in the saddle.

How long does a horse saddle last?

A high-quality Western horse saddle can easily last 25 years, but you'll be lucky to get five good years from a cheap saddle. Saddles will start to show signs of aging and can be uncomfortable for horses relatively quickly when you don't take care of them.

What is different about a gaited saddle?

Because of their unique movements, gaited horses require saddles with trees that are shaped differently than saddles for normal horses. The tree of a gaited horse saddle has been specially designed to allow for the gaited horse's unique movements, freeing the shoulders and back to move freely in his specialized gaits.

Can you use a gaited saddle on a quarter horse?

Typically the gaited horse will require a 12-inch spread in the shoulder area of the bar while the Quarter Horse will require 13. If you put a saddle made for the Quarter Horse on the gaited horse it will fit at the top (or in this case gullet) but there will be no support at the shoulder.

Are treeless saddles better for the horse?

Elite (equine) athletes require support, comfort and protection to perform optimally. Without a tree, a bareback pad/treeless saddle cannot protect the horse's spine, support the curvature of the rider's spine, and be comfortable for both horse and rider.

Can you use a GP saddle for jumping?

A GP saddle refers to a General Purpose saddle (sometimes called All Purpose) and is the most commonly used and popular saddle among horse owners. They are designed for riders who like to do a bit of everything. The flaps are forward cut enough for jumping and also suitable for schooling and hacking.

Can you jump in an all purpose saddle?

It usually offers a deeper seat than a jump saddle, while retaining the ability to shorten the stirrups. An all-purpose saddle does not take the place of a jump or dressage saddle for a rider who wishes to be proficient beyond a basic level of dressage or jumping.

What is a good horse reality GP?

Can you jump in a working hunter saddle?

Working Hunter Saddles are used for riders in hunting conditions such as fields. They are designed to show the horse while providing security for the rider when jumping. A working hunter saddle is not as forward cut as general purpose saddle and not as straight as a dressage saddle.

What does VSD stand for in saddles?

Call For Price. The VSD saddle designed to sit between a dressage saddle and a GP saddle. VSD is a German term for a multi-purpose saddle. Multi purpose (Vielzweck) Jumping (Springen) and dressage (Dressage).

Can you do small jumps in a dressage saddle?

You simply will not have the necessary support in a dressage saddle to work with the horse over a jump; you simply will not be able to do proper dressage in a close contact jumping saddle which does not allow the rider to sit properly balanced with a shoulder-hip-heel straight line.

Do gaited horses need special saddles?

While it's true that gaited horses generally require a saddle that accommodates a greater range of motion, especially through the back, shoulders, and neck, this is an important consideration for all horses. Gaited horses muscles move differently than those that are built to perform only the walk, trot, and canter.

How do you know if your horse is gaited?

To tell if a horse is gaited, you need to look at the horse's footfall. Most gaited horses perform ambling gaits, which is when they move each foot individually in a specific manner. This creates a distinct gliding motion and causes the rider to sit still in the saddle.

What are gaited horse bars on a saddle?

Unlike a full Quarter Horse Bar saddle it is designed to sit correctly on the withers and not drop down and throw off the way the bars sit on the horses back. The bars are called by many people as wide, however they are not. The bars themselves are not wide (only measuring 13 inches), but the angle is wide.

What saddles are best for gaited horses?

The top gaited horse saddles are made by none other than Circle Y, Crates, Tucker, Big Horn, Tex Tan and Dakota. And because these saddle makers know horse breeds, they're the top choices the world over.

What kind of saddle do I need for a Tennessee Walker?

Plantation Pleasure | Gaited Western Leather Saddle

Our saddles were originally designed and hand-crafted in the heart of Tennessee Walking Horse country, 30 minutes from Nashville. Our saddle is designed to fit Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, and other Southern Gaited breeds.

How often should you oil a saddle?

It depends… but as a general rule you should oil your saddle before your first ride, and perhaps every 2 – 6 months there-after depending on how often you ride and your climate. If you ride in very dry or very humid conditions, you may need to oil or condition your saddle more often.

Are old saddles worth money?

An older quality saddle may still hold some value, but a newer model is likely to fetch a higher price. When assessing a saddle's value, always look for the main features of a saddle. A saddle which is made of top-quality leather will have a greater value than a saddle made from lower quality leather.

Can you use olive oil on saddles?

Improves the look and feel of tack – Oiling with olive oil also makes your leather saddle look clean, bright, and as good as new. It also makes the dry saddle soft and supple. Some horse owners also soak their tack in olive oil for a few days.