Saddle Fitting Requirements
Set your self up for success not failure when you book a saddle fit make sure you do your part to have yourself and your horse ready for the fit
The Examination
the saddle fitter will want to see your horse on a flat hard surface where the horse can be stood up and run up in hand. and will want to discuss your horses history your preferences and examine your horse from all angles
The Static fit
the saddle fitter will then try a variety of saddles on your horse the find suitable ones to put forward for the riding rest this will involve lots of discussion and trying saddles on the horses back until some suitable saddles are found
The Riding Test
this will involve the rider riding in all the saddles put forward for the riding test this may mean pre-booking the use of the school . Saddle fitting can take a long time and the saddle fitter is likely to want the horse owner to ride in a number of short-listed saddles, this ensures that the rider is a viatl part of the choice of saddle . It is better to overbook than to find time is running out. Make certain the arena is ready on time and in good workable condition.
Jumping Saddles
If you are choosing a saddle for jumping that will involve jumping, it is essential to ride over a few fences. Make certain that these are erected before the arrival of the saddle fitter: you need to move seemlessly from riding on the flat to trying saddles over a few fences to give them a good test for requirement .
The Rider
The Ride does ofcourse need to ride in a saddle that is to be purchased and if horses are shared horses are 'shared' both riders should be present. When riders of substantially differing physiques are involved there is necessarily a degree of compromise but fitting the horse will always remain the top priority.
Riders must be safely and suitably dressed for riding
Numnahs Saddle Squares and Gel Pads
Although ideally the saddle should fit so well that only a light numnah or square is required it is probably unrealistic to think this will be the case as Dressage Riders do a lot of sitting trot and canter and some of the Jump saddles have a very low profile But any additional layers must be discussed and factored in to the fit and adhered to by the purchaser if the saddle is going to be successful
Stirrup leathers girths and saddle squares
It will be more comfortable for the horse and rider if familiar items are used where possible
The Horse
Should be ready calm and well behaved clean and free from grease and or products
The Examination
the saddle fitter will want to see your horse on a flat hard surface where the horse can be stood up and run up in hand. and will want to discuss your horses history your preferences and examine your horse from all angles
The Static fit
the saddle fitter will then try a variety of saddles on your horse the find suitable ones to put forward for the riding rest this will involve lots of discussion and trying saddles on the horses back until some suitable saddles are found
The Riding Test
this will involve the rider riding in all the saddles put forward for the riding test this may mean pre-booking the use of the school . Saddle fitting can take a long time and the saddle fitter is likely to want the horse owner to ride in a number of short-listed saddles, this ensures that the rider is a viatl part of the choice of saddle . It is better to overbook than to find time is running out. Make certain the arena is ready on time and in good workable condition.
Jumping Saddles
If you are choosing a saddle for jumping that will involve jumping, it is essential to ride over a few fences. Make certain that these are erected before the arrival of the saddle fitter: you need to move seemlessly from riding on the flat to trying saddles over a few fences to give them a good test for requirement .
The Rider
The Ride does ofcourse need to ride in a saddle that is to be purchased and if horses are shared horses are 'shared' both riders should be present. When riders of substantially differing physiques are involved there is necessarily a degree of compromise but fitting the horse will always remain the top priority.
Riders must be safely and suitably dressed for riding
Numnahs Saddle Squares and Gel Pads
Although ideally the saddle should fit so well that only a light numnah or square is required it is probably unrealistic to think this will be the case as Dressage Riders do a lot of sitting trot and canter and some of the Jump saddles have a very low profile But any additional layers must be discussed and factored in to the fit and adhered to by the purchaser if the saddle is going to be successful
Stirrup leathers girths and saddle squares
It will be more comfortable for the horse and rider if familiar items are used where possible
The Horse
Should be ready calm and well behaved clean and free from grease and or products
Sales procedure
New Saddle sales :
A deposit will be asked for at point of fit this ensures commitment on both parts to the process
If the client then reneges on the sale the deposit will be paid back less 20% and travel expenses and any other costs incurred by the fitter
Second hand saddle Sales :
I occasionally have second hand saddles for sale if I do they are priced well and there will be a no return policy
Saddles sold on behalf of:
On the rare occasion that I try to help someone out by selling a saddle on your behalf I will happily carry it on my van and try to fit it and sell it for you if I can
If I sell it I will take a small commission 20% for doing so If I do not manage to sell your saddle it will be your responsibility to have it returned as I should not incur costs for trying to help you out
I will be happy to drop it off if you are local to me Or I am happy to box it up and a carrier can pick it up or you can call and pick it up from me
I will keep you saddle in good condition and make sure that you get the money as soon as I sell it
A deposit will be asked for at point of fit this ensures commitment on both parts to the process
If the client then reneges on the sale the deposit will be paid back less 20% and travel expenses and any other costs incurred by the fitter
Second hand saddle Sales :
I occasionally have second hand saddles for sale if I do they are priced well and there will be a no return policy
Saddles sold on behalf of:
On the rare occasion that I try to help someone out by selling a saddle on your behalf I will happily carry it on my van and try to fit it and sell it for you if I can
If I sell it I will take a small commission 20% for doing so If I do not manage to sell your saddle it will be your responsibility to have it returned as I should not incur costs for trying to help you out
I will be happy to drop it off if you are local to me Or I am happy to box it up and a carrier can pick it up or you can call and pick it up from me
I will keep you saddle in good condition and make sure that you get the money as soon as I sell it