GP Saddle - Horse Riding Saddle Questions Answered
Table of contents:
What is the most comfortable GP Saddle?
How much does a GP Saddle weigh?
When choosing a saddle for your horse, it's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. There are many types out there, each with its own purpose. But if you're looking for something versatile, practical, and suited to a range of disciplines, the GP saddle is a smart place to start.
At Cavaletti Collection, we’re often asked about GP saddles—what they are, what they can do, and how they fit into a rider’s day-to-day routine.
In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions we hear from customers so you can feel more confident about what your horse needs and what’s right for your own riding goals.
What does a GP Saddle mean?
“GP” stands for “General Purpose”. True to its name, a GP saddle is designed to cover a bit of everything. It’s a practical choice for riders who want to school, hack, pop over fences, and even take part in some low-level showing—all using the same saddle.
This type of saddle sits in the middle ground between a jumping saddle and a dressage saddle.
It typically features a moderately deep seat and forward-cut flaps, offering a balanced feel that doesn’t restrict your movement across different riding activities.
If you're someone who enjoys a varied routine with your horse, a GP saddle could be exactly what you need. It allows for flexibility without the need for changing tack each time you shift your focus.
What is the most comfortable GP Saddle?
Comfort is subjective, but there are a few key things that make a GP saddle stand out.
For the rider, comfort often comes down to seat depth, cushioning, and leg support. For the horse, it’s about even weight distribution, correct panel contact, and freedom of movement. Our Cavaletti Adjustable GP Saddle ticks both boxes. It features a well-balanced seat, soft knee rolls, and an adjustable gullet system to fine-tune the fit.
This is especially useful as your horse changes shape over time—whether through age, conditioning, or season. Having a saddle that adapts means you're not constantly switching saddles or struggling with fit issues.
Don’t just take our word for it. Riders who use the Cavaletti GP Saddles often say they feel secure and supported across different disciplines, with their horses going more freely underneath them.
Need help finding the right fit? Our Find a Fitter page is a great place to start. Or, if you're not quite ready to commit, you can trial a saddle free for 14 days and see how it feels in your own routine.
Can you show in a GP Saddle?
Yes, you can.
A GP saddle is suitable for local shows and riding club competitions, especially if you’re entering multiple classes across different disciplines.
It won’t necessarily win you extra points in turnout for a high-level showing class (where a specialist show saddle would be preferred), but for unaffiliated events, pleasure shows, or combined training, a GP saddle more than holds its own.
If your showing goals are more advanced or breed-specific, you might eventually want to consider a discipline-specific saddle. But for those getting into shows or riding a range of classes on a single day, a GP saddle is a reliable companion.
Our Cavaletti Adjustable GP Saddle comes in both Standard and Monoflap versions, offering clean lines and a smart look that's perfectly show-ready while maintaining functionality.
Can you jump in a GP Saddle?
Absolutely.
Many riders use a GP saddle to jump at home or in lower-level competitions. The slightly forward-cut flap gives enough support for shorter stirrups and a good two-point position, though it won’t feel as ‘locked in’ as a dedicated jump saddle.
This is ideal for riders still building their confidence over fences. You have room to move, yet enough stability to feel supported.
We’ve seen plenty of happy customers tackle fun jumping sessions and clear grids using our GP models. The Cavaletti GP Monoflap Saddle, in particular, is a favourite among all-rounders who enjoy a mix of hacking, polework, and show jumping.
If you’re planning to move up the heights or jump regularly at a competitive level, a jumping saddle may eventually suit you better. But for all-around fun and casual events, your GP saddle will more than keep up.
How much does a GP Saddle weigh?
Weight will vary depending on the saddle's size, materials, and design. On average, a GP saddle will weigh between 5kg to 7kg.
The Cavaletti GP Saddle is designed with lightweight materials while keeping durability in mind. Riders often mention how easy it is to carry around the yard or lift onto a tall horse—something you’ll appreciate after a long ride.
Having a lighter saddle doesn’t just help your arms; it also reduces unnecessary strain on your horse’s back. Combine that with good saddle fitting, and you’ve got a win-win for both horse and rider.
Our opinion on GP Saddles
At Cavaletti Collection, we’re big fans of the GP saddle for one reason—it fits into real life.
Most riders don’t ride in just one discipline. Hacking on a Tuesday, schooling on a Thursday, jumping on the weekend—this is the kind of variety a GP saddle is made for. You don’t need to overcomplicate your tack room or your budget.
We’ve built our own Cavaletti GP Saddles with adjustability at the forefront. Each one is designed to evolve with your horse’s shape and your riding progress. With a choice of seat sizes, flap lengths, and gullet adjustments, it’s easy to find something that fits now and keeps fitting later.
Best of all, we back this with a team that knows what it’s like to ride, fit, and care for horses. If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s where we come in.
Explore our Find a Fitter page, or take us up on our 14-day free trial and ride in the saddle that’s right for you.
We’re always happy to offer advice—just drop us a message or chat with your local Cavaletti fitter.
