General Purpose Saddles

General Purpose (GP) Saddles for South African Riders

The GP saddle is the most versatile saddle you can own. A moderate seat depth, moderately forward flaps, and balanced knee rolls mean it works for flatwork, small fences, hacking, and everything in between. It's the first choice for riding schools, developing riders, and anyone who doesn't want to own three different saddles. It won't be specialist at any one discipline, but it will be good enough at all of them.

What defines a GP saddle

A compromise by design — and that's a strength. The seat is deep enough to secure you in walk and trot but shallow enough to get out of the saddle over a fence. The flap is cut forward enough for a shorter stirrup but not so forward that it gets in the way of a longer leg. Most GPs have moderate knee rolls that support without over-restricting. It's the saddle that does 80% of what dressage and jumping saddles do, across both disciplines.

Who it suits

Riding schools, Pony Club riders, developing adults, riders who do a bit of everything, and anyone on a single horse across multiple disciplines. A GP is often the right first saddle too — before you know exactly what discipline you'll end up focusing on.

Finding the right fit

Fit still matters. Even a well-designed GP needs to suit the horse's back shape. Tree width, panel contact and saddle balance are the fundamentals. Pair with a shaped saddle pad, a well-fitted girth, and appropriate stirrups and leathers.

Browse other disciplines

For focused flatwork or dressage, see our dressage saddles. For serious jumping or cross-country, see our jumping saddles. Or browse the full saddles range.

Solo Saddlers

35 years of SA saddlery experience. Honest advice and nationwide delivery.