I will never try to sell you a saddle that is unsuitable for horse or rider.
I will select and advise the best option for you and your horse within the available budget.
I will always work with your horse’s best interest as my primary concern.
I will always ensure that your saddle fits at the time of the appointment.
What to expect from your Saddle Fitting Consultation
At your saddle fitting consultation, my aim is to gather a thorough picture of the horse, rider and saddle requirements.
I will look at build, condition and confirmation of the horse as well as gait analysis in walk and trot. I believe that looking at the whole horse is essential for assessing saddle fit as any asymmetries can have an effect on the fit of the saddle. For all new customers requiring a new saddle, an unmounted rider biomechanics session will also be carried out.
Static Saddle Check
I will assess your current saddle, including a safety check before looking at it whilst the horse is standing still. If your current saddle is generally a good fit for your horse then I will advise if any adjustments such as flocking, gullet bar change etc is required (please see PRICING).
The Ridden Test
Ridden work and assessment will be subject to any existing tack fitting well fitting enough to proceed. If your existing saddle is considered to be unsuitable and cannot be adjusted on site to an acceptable fit, a ridden consultation will not be offered. To give the most accurate ridden assessment, it is best if the horse’s usual rider is present for the assessment. Riders must be suitably dressed , with correct boots, riding hat etc
In the event that a ridden assessment is not possible due to lack of suitable space to ride or rider not present, then only observations in the static assessment can be given and this will be recorded on my notes. This is not ideal as to ensure an accurate fit I need to observe the dynamic structures of the horse in motion.
If you have no menage to ride or paddocks are too wet in winter etc, then it may be possible to bring your horse to me for an additional charge to cover arena hire. Please make a note when completing the BOOKING FORM
What if your current saddle isn’t suitable?
I will always try and make your existing saddle work if I can and I promise to never sell you something you don’t need, however sometimes it’s just not possible. I can supply various brands of new saddle and I also carry some good quality second hand saddles. If I don’t have anything to fit in stock I can also sometimes source a 2nd hand saddle for you, please be advised however, that there is a charge for each additional call out. Please note that 2nd hand saddles carry no guarantee and this is the risk that you will take when buying a used saddle. I take all possible steps to ensure that all used saddles I source are sound and in good condition. I do offer an adjustment service for most saddles but there is a limit to how much alteration can be achieved. If the tree is old it can be brittle, therefore I cannot be held responsible for damage during adjustment with a re-templating machine. If in doubt, it is best not to attempt adjustment of older trees and I can arrange for them to be sent back to the manufacturer to adjust. Please see my PRICING STRUCTURE for visits, repairs and adjustments.
FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT
I recommend having your saddle checked every 6 months, however, if your horse is likely to change shape or you have your saddle reflocked/buy a new saddle then I recommend an appointment in 3 months (or sooner depending on the amount of hours ridden) as flocking can bed down and will need to be topped up.
