Advice about saddle fitting

[Welshie194]

Hi, we just got a pony a few days ago, who didn't come with tack, so are looking at getting a saddle fitter appointment. This is our first time, so don't really know what to expect. The saddle fitter has given price for the call out/fitting. But the price of the saddles are a bit out of our price range.
In sure this is a stupid question, but do you have to buy the saddle that's fitted on the day? Or will they talk through the measurements so that we are able to purchase second hand elsewhere?
Again, apologies if this is a ridiculous question... Its all new to us!! Thanks

 

[MissTyc]

Different "saddle fitters" work in different ways. Many are reps for specific brands, for example. If you can get a knowledgeable horseperson to identify a suitable saddle for your pony, a Master Saddler should be able to fit it for you. Not every saddle fits every horse - by a long shot! But generally speaking there are types for types. Some saddlers will also happily come out (for a fee) to advise on what type you should buy and will come back to fit it once acquired. Others might carry a decent second hand stock! Ask around on your yard, Facebook, etc, and find a saddle fitter you are comfortable working with.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

No you do not "have" to buy anything on the day.

However, all I would say is that if you cannot afford the saddles which this particular fitter fits, then I would hesitate to call them out TBH!! To be frank this is just going to be not only a waste of a professional's time but also yours too - and the fitting fee will be a waste of money if you are not going to follow the advice/suggestions given.

Yes you MAY be able to find a second-hand saddle of the same type and make as the one the fitter is fitting to your pony, BUT it will not fit the same!! If it has been used by another horse/rider then the flock of it will have settled to that combination and indeed it might well have had flock put in or taken out. So no, it is 99% certain NOT to fit! And by putting on a saddle which doesn't fit properly, you are potentially not only risking serious damage to your horse's back but also it may result in being so uncomfortable for your horse that it starts a habit like bucking, bolting, or rearing, purely because of the discomfort and pain that is being caused.

You do not say what sort of saddles this fitter is bringing with her??

 

[Nari]

I'd ring round a few different saddle fitters being very clear about what your budget is. Different saddlers will carry different ranges, so get one out who stocks saddles within your price range. As said above it isn't enough to find a second hand one the same make and model, that doesn't mean it will fit.

If you post your area on here and a rough idea of your budget then maybe someone could suggest a saddle fitter to you.

 

[Baywonder]

It is always better to have a saddle fitted to your pony (and you). I really wouldn't advise trying to find one yourself armed with measurements. As others have already pointed out, it would most likely be a different fit, the flocking would not be right, the tree may have been altered etc, and you would probably end up spending an absolute fortune and damaging your pony's back in the process.

I would speak to the fitter you have already booked, be honest and tell them your budget. If you need to cancel the appointment do so.

Ask around for recommendations / ones to avoid etc. But, please, do not try to save money by doing this yourself - you really do need a good saddle fitter to do this job.

 

[asmp]

My saddler (a master saddler) has come out in the past, looked at and measured our youngster and then told us exactly what to buy - i.e. what make, what size and what width. We then bought second hand elsewhere and she came back out and made adjustments.

 

[Midlifecrisis]

Ask the saddle fitter to bring some second hand saddles...be honest and upfront with them because it makes a good start to what could be a long relationship. Some fitters will lend saddles to try whilst they find a second hand one to fit to your pony. The fitter and supplier I have used for going on a decade has supplied new saddles when I was flush, found second hand when I wasn’t, lent saddles, taken saddles in part exchange and only a couple of weeks ago didn’t charge for daughters old girl fitting check , only for mine and £8 for a couple of shims.

 

[sbloom]

They should really have established with you how they work, or what your budget and expectations are, I would go back to them and clarify budget. I fit only for one brand and fit mostly new because of that but most fitters are generalists...for some people any new saddle is out of budget, but if they only fit one brand then you definitely need to make sure they can actually help you. I'm afraid I do a slight eye roll if people clearly know the brand of saddles I fit when they call me (many don't and the first thing I'll do is ask their budget) but haven't looked up the price and I spend half an hour on the phone to them before they then ask the prices...never be afraid to ask questions, let them know you're a novice owner, they'll look after you,