Cobs, natives and traditional breeds typically have flat backs, low withers, round barrels and large shoulders. This means that conventional saddles often don’t fit well, causing them to slip back or to the side. However, there’s now an increasing variety of saddles available that are specifically tailored to horses with this body profile, meaning it’s easier than ever to get the perfect fit.

How are they different?
Saddles designed for these horses are typically low-profile to minimise bulk between your seat and your horse’s back. A broad back also requires flatter panels and a wider gullet to ensure a stable fit, and a straighter cut to accommodate larger shoulders and provide freedom of movement. A VSD saddle, which has a slightly straighter cut than a typical GP saddle, can be another alternative if your horse isn’t excessively wide but does have  big shoulders.

Many cob and native pony saddles come with a Y-shaped girthing configuration or the option to adjust the position of the girth straps. This helps to anchor the saddle and improve stability.

Thorowgood T4 Cob GP
A lightweight, synthetic saddle with suede-effect seat and knee pad covering, designed to prevent slipping without compromising rider comfort. It features four girthing options.
Black or brown
17–18in
£495
thorowgood.com

Changable gullet system

Kent and Masters Cob GP
A leather saddle with a flatter tree, adjustable girthing options, straighter cut and slimline panels. It has luxurious hide knee pads and seat to ensure maximum rider support and comfort.
Black or brown
17–17.5in
£845
kentandmasters.co.uk

Changable gullet system

WintecLite Wide All Purpose D’Lux
Features a grippy seat and close-contact materials designed to counteract the wideness of the saddle. Also includes the CAIR cushion system and weighs less than half the weight of a traditional leather saddle, with the option to customise the removable cantle.
17–17.5in
£649
wintec-saddles.com

Changable gullet system

Native Pony Saddle Company Mountain & Moorland GP
Features a flatter seat, supportive knee rolls and a thigh pad. It comes in close-contact flock, ideal for flat-backed cobs and native breeds.
Black or rich, dark brown
14–18in
From £995
thenativeponysaddlecompany.com

Black Country Saddles GPD
The straighter-cut flap and panel give maximum freedom of movement behind the shoulder, making it particularly suitable for native breeds, cobs and wide horses.
Black, brown, havana or oxblood
16-19in
£1,225
blackcountrysaddles.com

AH Saddles Super Cob GP
Designed on a hoop tree, which has a wider than average pommel, allowing it to fit a variety of rounder breeds well.
16.5–17.5in
£1,550
ahsaddles.com

GFS XCH S1 Cob
Suited to wider horses with prominent withers who aren’t as flat through their backs. The gullet offers good spine clearance and the straighter-cut panel allows for a broader shoulder.
Black or havana
17–17.5in
£1,650
gfsriding.co.uk

Changable gullet system

Jeffries XP GP
Shaped to accommodate horses with a broad wither and flat back, and flocked with pure wool to allow for easy adjustments by a saddler.
Black or havana
16.5–17.5in
£1,500
ejeffries.co.uk

Harry Dabbs Avant XL
Designed for horses with a broader back, it has width through the base of the wither and a wide seat. The generous gullet offers greater space for the spine.
Black or havana
16.5–18in
From £1,650
harrydabbs.co.uk

SMART Native GP
Lightweight and flexible, it incorporates FLEXTech technology to increase stability for wider, flatter back shapes. An adjustable fit ensures optimal performance all year round.
Black or dark havana
2–6
£2,350
solutionsaddles.com