Can anyone recommend a "true" GP saddle?

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makkapakka

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I mean "true" as in truly versatile for flatwork and jumping? The saddle will be used for general schooling on the flat and jumps up to 1m. I have a stubben jump saddle but can't use for flatwork as position is terrible (stirrups to forward and seat too flat). I also have a Bates VSD which is fine for schooling small jumps and cross poles but not secure enough for larger jumps (OH happy to use this for his new horse, allows me to purchase another saddle!). Haven't made my mind up about the CAIR panels....

Is there a GP or VSS out there which has a good stirrup position for flatwork and jumping; or one which has adjustable stirrup bars and/or flaps? I won't have the luxury of trying a saddle (no fitters here), so any models to avoid would also be helpful. Saddle is for a high withered irish sport horse (TBxID); cut back head type saddles preferred.

This has to be my final saddle purchase to avoid marital strife ("your not still looking at saddles!"); any help/advice welcome!
 
I have a Kings GP which I love - gives me a good flatwork position (we compete at u/a novice dressage) have been over a 1.35 m jump in it and didn't fall off :D and I competed in it at Kent County. Seems to be nicely made and has surived everything I have thrown at it :)
 
My friend's just replaced her jumping saddle and Bates VSD with the new Bates Innova GP and today she jumped a British Novice in it and was very pleased with it (even preferred it to the jump saddle, I think). Haven't asked her about flatwork but from looking at it I would say that it would be fine for that too - it's certainly not an eventerish cut, if that makes sense, and looks quite supportive.
 
Murf15 said:
My friend's just replaced her jumping saddle and Bates VSD with the new Bates Innova GP and today she jumped a British Novice in it and was very pleased with it (even preferred it to the jump saddle, I think). Haven't asked her about flatwork but from looking at it I would say that it would be fine for that too - it's certainly not an eventerish cut, if that makes sense, and looks quite supportive.
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Hi. Thx for response. Couldn't find Innova GP on web - incl Bates own website. Could you recheck? Is it the Next Generation saddle (DS/Normal?). Haven't ridden much in Caprilli VSD but did find it bouncy till I put a back riser under it (other people have commented on banana shaped trees). However last time out was for a hack with a sore back and it was very comfortable.....
 
I think the blenheim is probably the closest :) I bought it for £150 off preloved and it was about 5 years old. The horse had died and the lady was having a clear out but it has been a real help with sorting me and horse out on the flat especially.
 
makkapakka said:
Hi. Thx for response. Couldn't find Innova GP on web - incl Bates own website. Could you recheck? Is it the Next Generation saddle (DS/Normal?). Haven't ridden much in Caprilli VSD but did find it bouncy till I put a back riser under it (other people have commented on banana shaped trees). However last time out was for a hack with a sore back and it was very comfortable.....
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Must admit I was going by what she said, but having looked at their website I've come to the conclusion that it's the All Purpose (not VSD). It's definitely a GP. Hopes this helps! It looks really nice (haven't sat in it yet - I couldn't get on at all with the Caprilli VSD she had before, I was totally the wrong shape/size for it!) but has quite a lot of blingy bits - the leather keepers and nameplate on the cantle - which might not be to everyone's taste!
 
I've got a Kings saddle, its called an "event" saddle and I did actually do eventing in it for the past 4 years or so no problem (dressage too). Was very comfy for everything. It's for sale at the moment... (17" wide) if interested PM me!
 
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