The general purpose saddle (also called the All Purpose Saddle), a versatile choice for riders of all backgrounds, is a testament to years of evolution and innovation. Its universal popularity in the equestrian world has been a story in the making since the early 1950s.
A Glimpse into the Past
The journey of the modern general purpose saddle truly began to take shape in the 1950s. This era marked a significant transition in the saddle industry. It was not just an alteration of styles, but a transformation that led the general purpose saddle to become a standard tool for everyday riders.
The Emergence of the Modern Day Model
The 1950s introduced innovative designs and features in the saddle industry, paving the way for the emergence of the modern day general purpose saddle. More riders started to prefer this design for its versatility and adaptability for varied riding styles, bolstering its rise in popularity.
The Versatile Choice for All Riders
The reason the general purpose saddle has become a go-to choice for the majority of riders today stems from its sheer versatility. It suits a wide array of equestrian disciplines, making it an optimal choice for riders with different riding styles and disciplines.
The Appeal of the General Purpose Saddle
One of the main appeals of the general purpose saddle is that it caters to the needs of everyday riders. Be it jumping, dressage, or pleasure riding, the general purpose saddle is designed to provide ultimate comfort and manage all the tasks at hand effortlessly. This ability to cater to all requirements has made it a popular choice amidst the equestrian community.
The Transformation of Horseback Riding Comfort
Riders with experience using both modern and old-fashioned straight-cut saddles can attest to the remarkable difference in comfort between the two. In the past, many riders found old-fashioned saddles to be comfortable enough. However, as preferences and riding styles evolve, contemporary riders now tend to prefer the cushioned comfort offered by today’s general purpose saddle.
Adapting to the Forward Seat Trend
The forward seat became increasingly popular for hunting and racing activities, which led to changes in the design of general purpose saddles to accommodate this new style. Transitioning from the old straight-cut flap, saddles were redesigned to incorporate a forward-cut flap, emphasizing the forward-leaning position.
Advantages of the Redesigned Saddle
In this redesigned saddle, shortened leather allows riders to shift their weight forward, relieving the horse’s loins and quarters from additional pressure and enabling the horse to utilize the “power house” section of its body more effectively. It’s worth noting that the general purpose saddle flap and panel are cut less far forward than those in jumping saddles, thereby allowing a longer leg position.
The New Structure and the Old
There’s a notable difference between modern and old-fashioned general purpose ‘English’ saddles used in Europe and in America. But these changes are not just about aesthetic, they have also been engineered to improve riding mechanics and horse-rider interaction.
Modern General Purpose Saddle Design
The modern general purpose saddle is usually constructed with a spring tree, although rigid patterns, often chosen for children, are still available. The head of the tree in the modern saddle is sloped backwards and crafted to give clearance on a horse with pronounced withers. This is quite distinct from old-fashioned saddles with rigid trees where the head is set at a 45-degree angle to the tree.
Improvements in Rider Position and Contact
In contrast to older saddles that have broad waists pushing the rider’s body away from close contact with the horse, the modern saddle has a much narrower waist. This improved design facilitates greater contact between the rider and the horse’s back, allowing the seat bones to be used far more effectively as an aid.
Balancing Comfort and Function
There is, however, a potential disadvantage to this modern design. The reduced bearing surface lessens the overall area for weight distribution, increasing the risk of sore backs if the bearing weight becomes too concentrated on one spot. Hence, it’s essential to have these saddles regularly serviced and restuffed to prevent any discomfort for the horse.
Seat and Rolls
The development of saddle design has led to a general purpose saddle that is more comfortable and secure for both the rider and the horse. This has been achieved through innovations like a deeper seat, better padding, and improved stirrup bar placement.
A Deeper and More Comfortable Seat
The actual seat of the general purpose saddle is deeper and thus shorter in overall length than that of the older saddle. Often, it is padded with foam rubber under the pigskin seat to provide the rider with extra comfort and security. Flaps may be padded at the front in the same way.
Recessed Stirrup Bars for Better Fit
The stirrup bars are recessed into the tree in such a way as to eliminate any unnecessary bulk under the thighs. These bars are not set as far forward as those of the jumping saddle, nor as far back as those of the show or dressage saddle.
Supportive Padded Rolls
Many general purpose saddles have strong padded rolls fitted into the panel—generally Continental—to help keep the rider’s leg in the correct position. The rolls are placed on the front of the panel to position the knee, and behind to support the thigh when the rider is in a forward position.
Versatility of General Purpose Saddles
As its name implies, the general purpose saddle can be used for almost any equestrian activity, including hacking, hunting, eventing, show jumping, and elementary dressage.
Specialized Saddles
While racing and showing require specialized saddles for their particular purposes, and dressage and show jumping have their own distinct patterns, it is perfectly possible to practice both to a reasonable standard using a well-made general purpose saddle.
Choosing the Right Saddle for All Purposes
For a general purpose saddle to be used in various activities, it’s important to avoid lightweight varieties with thin panels or those made from synthetic materials, as they may not be durable enough for everyday riding, especially in harsh conditions like heavy rain during a hunting event.
Checking a Saddle
Maintaining the health of a horse goes beyond its diet and exercise; it extends to the equipment we use, especially the saddle. Regular checks of the saddle ensure it remains in a good state, and the horse stays comfortable and injury-free.
Importance of Regular Saddle Checks
If a saddle receives hard daily wear, the tree (the saddle’s main supporting structure) can twist or even break. Unfortunately, by the time the rider realizes something is amiss, the horse’s back might have already been injured. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure regular checks for straightness while the saddle is fitted to the horse.
Identification of a Defective Saddle
Observant riders can often tell by the feel of a saddle if the tree is defective. While riding, pay close attention to any slight changes in balance, comfort, or fit. If you notice shifts in your horse’s behavior or riding experience, it might be time to inspect your saddle for potential issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about General Purpose Saddles
Q: What is a general purpose saddle?
A: A general purpose saddle is a type of horse saddle that is designed to be versatile enough for different equestrian activities, such as hacking, hunting, eventing, show jumping, and elementary dressage.
Q: How do I know if my saddle fits correctly?
A: A correctly fitting saddle will sit balanced on your horse’s back and won’t lean forward or backward. It should not pinch the horse’s withers, and there should be clear space for the spine. If your horse seems uncomfortable, it might be time to check the fit.
Q: How often should I check my saddle for defects?
A: If you’re using your saddle daily, it’s good practice to check it at least once a week for any signs of wear and tear, like cracks or splits in the leather or changes in the shape of the saddle tree.
Q: What do I do if my saddle tree is twisted or broken?
A: If the tree of your saddle is twisted or broken, it’s best to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid injury to your horse. It’s not a quick DIY fix and needs to be addressed by a saddle repair professional.
Q: Can a bad saddle hurt my horse?
A: Yes, an ill-fitted or damaged saddle can cause discomfort or even injury to a horse’s back. Regular saddle checks can help avoid this by catching issues early.
Q: Is a deeper seat in the saddle better?
A: A deeper seat can provide more comfort and security for the rider, making them feel more ‘at one’ with the horse. However, rider preference and the intended use of the saddle can also impact which seat depth is better.
Q: What is a saddle ‘tree’?
A: A saddle ‘tree’ is the main supporting structure within a saddle. It shapes the saddle’s fit to the horse’s back and influences the position of the rider.
Q: Do all general purpose saddles have padded rolls?
A: Many, but not all, general purpose saddles have padded rolls. These rolls help maintain the rider’s leg in the correct position and can add more comfort and stability during riding.
Q: Can I use a general purpose saddle for specialized equestrian activities?
A: Yes, you can use a general purpose saddle for a variety of equestrian activities, but there might be limits. For specialized activities like racing, showing, or advanced dressage, specialized saddles designed for those specific uses might be necessary to achieve the best performance.
Q: How long should a general purpose saddle last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality general purpose saddle can last for many years. However, excessive wear and tear, harsh weather conditions, or a significant change in the horse’s physique can affect the saddle’s lifespan. Regular checks will help you determine when it’s time for a replacement.
Q: What materials are general purpose saddles made of?
A: General purpose saddles are often made from quality leather, pigskin, and sometimes synthetic materials. The seat usually has foam rubber padding beneath the pigskin for added comfort, and the tree is commonly made of fiberglass, plastic, or wood.
Q: Can general purpose saddles be custom made?
A: Yes, many saddlers can custom-design a general purpose saddle to perfectly fit both the horse and rider’s needs. Custom-made saddles might take longer to produce and may cost more than standard ones but can provide superior comfort and performance.
Q: How should I store my general purpose saddle?
A: Your saddle should be stored in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. If possible, place it on a saddle rack to keep its shape. Always clean your saddle before storage to remove dirt and sweat that can damage the leather over time.
Q: What is a “Continental” panel?
A: A “Continental” panel refers to a specific type of saddle design. In general purpose saddles, this commonly includes supportive padded rolls fitted into the panel to assist in correct leg positioning for the rider.
Q: Do I need specific stirrups for a general purpose saddle?
A: Stirrups are not usually specific to the saddle type. As long as the stirrup can safely attach to the saddle’s stirrup bars and is comfortable for the rider, it should work fine. However, some stirrups might be more suited to specific activities, like jumping or dressage.
Q: Can I use a general purpose saddle for a pony?
A: Yes, a general purpose saddle can be used on a pony, provided it is correctly sized and fitted. Ponies have different physique compared to horses, so it’s essential to ensure the saddle fits the pony comfortably and doesn’t cause any discomfort.
Q: Should I use a saddle pad or blanket with my general purpose saddle?
A: Yes, using a saddle pad or blanket can provide additional comfort to your horse, protect the saddle from sweat and dirt, and help correct minor fitting issues. Choose a shape and thickness that best fits your saddle and horse.
