March has been a particularly exciting month here at GFS Saddles, as we were finally able to unveil our brand-new GFS Premier range. For us, this line has been the culmination of 3 years of hard work and innovation, so it is really rewarding to see these saddles out in the world for the very first time.

There is a lot to consider when bringing a new range of saddles to the market. So much planning went into deciding what features and designs we wanted our Premier range to have. Throughout this process, it has been a priority for us that these new models possess the same values that our Transition and Monarch ranges have become known for: high quality at an affordable price point.

To give you a behind the scenes insight into a project like this, we sat down with Geoff Fieldhouse, Managing Director of GFS Saddles, to ask him some questions about what goes into bringing a new range of saddles to life:

As a leading manufacturer, how do you balance tradition with modern advancements in your designs?

Geoff: The craft of saddle making is where the tradition lies. Over many years, the principles of building a saddle haven't changed - the patterns, cutting of material, stitching and tools used. The advancements we make are in the use of new tech within the build, as well as the use of more modern materials and components to enhance the functionality. This, paired with research and testing, gives us the ability to balance tradition with innovation.

Which part of the process of bringing a new range of saddles to the market takes the longest?

Geoff: Definitely the research and development. We must first understand what the market is looking for, then research if we are able to produce this following our brief to provide a quality, affordable, desirable product. Then it takes months of designing, testing and implementing improvements along the way until we have a finished product.

What role does rider feedback play in the development of your new range, and how do you incorporate this into the final product?

Geoff: Feedback is key for us. It helps us to understand what the market needs and wants, and we can use this information to help us develop new saddles - as well as making subtle changes and improvements to existing models to keep them current.

What was the inspiration behind the new Bordeaux colour?

Geoff: Recently we have had much more overseas business, and once again through research, we understand that a Bordeaux type colour is very desirable in some of these markets. As the Premier range is aimed at our customers worldwide, we felt that adding this beautiful colour as an option would be beneficial.

 

The brand-new GFS Premier range contains Dressage, Jump and Event models and keeps rider preference at the very forefront of all designs. We understand that athletes perform at their best when they are comfortable. So, we have manufactured our saddles full of adjustable functions perfect for facilitating those small tweaks that make a big difference to horse and rider combinations. Take a closer look at the Premier range here: https://gfssaddles.com/category/premier-range