{"product_id":"gfs-monarch-kort-saddle","title":"GFS - Monarch KORT Saddle","description":"\u003ch1\u003eGFS KORT Saddle\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePurpose Designed for Short-Backed Horses with Powerful Shoulder Movement\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGFS KORT Saddle\u003c\/strong\u003e has been specifically developed to address one of the most common saddle fitting challenges – finding a saddle that fits \u003cstrong\u003eshort-backed horses and ponies\u003c\/strong\u003e without compromising balance, stability or freedom of movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally inspired by feedback from GFS customers overseas, the KORT Saddle combines innovative panel design with thoughtful ergonomics to suit breeds and conformations that often struggle with conventional saddle designs. It is particularly well suited to horses with \u003cstrong\u003elimited saddle-bearing area\u003c\/strong\u003e, broad backs, expressive shoulder action and a naturally curved topline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEngineered for Difficult-to-Fit Conformations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining feature of the KORT Saddle is its \u003cstrong\u003eshortened panel design\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing the saddle to sit within the horse's available weight-bearing area without extending beyond the last rib. This makes it an excellent choice for compact horses and ponies where standard-length panels can create pressure over the lumbar region or interfere with movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe saddle also features a \u003cstrong\u003econtoured front flap and panel profile\u003c\/strong\u003e, carefully shaped to provide additional clearance around the shoulder. This allows horses with large, active shoulders to move more freely through each stride, reducing restriction while helping the saddle remain balanced throughout the ride.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDesigned for Horses with Curved Toplines\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany short-backed breeds also have a pronounced curvature through the back, making saddle fitting particularly challenging. Traditional saddles can struggle to maintain even contact, often resulting in \u003cstrong\u003ebridging\u003c\/strong\u003e, instability or excessive movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe KORT Saddle has been developed to improve panel contact across these more complex back shapes, helping to promote a stable platform for both horse and rider while distributing pressure more evenly across the available bearing surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eParticularly Suited To\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe GFS KORT Saddle has proven especially successful on horses and ponies such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFriesians and Friesian crosses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIberian breeds including Andalusians and Lusitanos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative and traditional cobs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighland, Fell and Dales ponies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelsh Cobs and compact native breeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther horses with short backs, broad ribcages and expressive shoulder movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also an excellent solution for horses that naturally pull through the forehand rather than engaging fully from behind, where unrestricted shoulder movement can play an important role in improving comfort and way of going.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurpose-designed for short-backed horses and ponies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShortened panel design maximises the available saddle-bearing area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContoured front profile allows greater shoulder freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelps improve saddle stability on curved or compact backs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned to minimise the risk of bridging on challenging conformations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePromotes more even pressure distribution across the back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for horses with powerful shoulder action and broad ribcages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePremium construction using quality materials for durability and comfort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose the GFS KORT Saddle?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinding a saddle for a short-backed horse can be one of the biggest challenges in saddle fitting. The GFS KORT Saddle has been developed to solve these issues by combining a compact panel design with improved shoulder clearance and enhanced weight distribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a saddle that offers greater stability, improved freedom of movement and increased comfort for horses whose conformation makes conventional saddles difficult to fit. For riders of compact native breeds, Friesians and other short-backed horses, the KORT provides a thoughtful solution without compromising performance or balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all saddles, professional fitting is essential to ensure the correct tree width, panel contact and overall balance for both horse and rider.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GFS Saddles","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ 16.5","offer_id":57443710697817,"sku":null,"price":1550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Brown \/ 16.5","offer_id":57443710730585,"sku":null,"price":1550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 17","offer_id":57443710763353,"sku":null,"price":1550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Brown \/ 17","offer_id":57443710796121,"sku":null,"price":1550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 17.5","offer_id":57443710828889,"sku":null,"price":1550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Brown \/ 17.5","offer_id":57443710861657,"sku":null,"price":1550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/1405\/1417\/files\/gfs-monarch-kort-saddle-124235-p.png?v=1775427643","url":"https:\/\/www.saddlemasters.co.uk\/products\/gfs-monarch-kort-saddle","provider":"Saddle Masters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}