Advice please - saddle fitter issue

[fifo]

I bought a new saddle from a Master Saddler saddle fitter for a horse i bought in April, for just under a grand. Lots of complications, and heartache, later I have bought a new horse.

I asked the same saddle fitter to assess new and lovely horse for a saddle. Previously bought saddle was too narrow.

Saddler sent saddle for head plate change. Mid way through I was advised that the points on the tree should be changed as better for new horse. Fine.

Six and half weeks later adjusted saddle arrived! Saddle fitter sadly 1 1/2 hours late as turned up at old yard, despite informing saddle fitter of relocation.

Saddle fitter put saddle on still horse in stable said it fit. Declined my offer of riding new horse in it. Next day awful ride and clearly saddle doesn't fit.

Situation is saddle fitter agreed that I could go to anther master saddler saddle fitter to rectify situation. New Master saddler said could bodge it so it would be bearable. No, i think it must fit. So therefore need another make of saddle.

Annoyed as now the proud owner of a made to measure, only it doesn't, saddle of the well respected variety which is not fit for purpose and potentially difficult to sell. What would you do?

 

[NicoleD]

I would expect your saddler to take saddle back and refund you and either try again with the same saddler or swap to another . I dont see how they can argue as you did offer to ride and I would expect my saddler to see me ride in the saddle or how else can you be sure it fits and works for you and your horse.

 

[Flame_]

Saddles are a pain in the a**e! Going to a saddler is pointless, they've all got some agreement with one saddle company or other and are just out to plug their saddles. Your best best is to stick yours on E-Bay and look yourself. Time consuming it can be and may involve some travelling around, especially if like me you're sick of losing money on new saddles so only after second hand. Never ever have one made especially for a horse again because either - its not right from the day it arrives and the saddler makes adjustments but you're still not happy with it. He says it fits, he's got your money and your stuck with a saddle that's not right - Or it fits for six months and said horse changes shape/gets sold/drops dead etc... Try Saddles Direct in Preston. If you're not confident at deciding for yourself if a saddle is a good fit ask a good riding instructer/experienced friend for a second opinion when you come across one you think might do.

 

[kerilli]

agree with MarleyMoo. if necessary, get in touch with the Society of Master Saddlers in order to get this sorted out. make notes of dates, everything that you said, that was promised, etc etc.
very best of luck.

 

[Pidge]

pursue this through the SMS as these people should not be allowed to get away with this. These saddles cost a lot of money and none of should have to lose money on them because someone can't do a proper job!

 

[YorkshireLass]

Just because someone is a Master Saddler does not mean they are a qualified saddle fitter. This is a separate qualification. Master Saddlers are qualified to make, repair and alter saddles. They are crafts men and women. A Qualified Saddle Fitter may or may not be qualified to make saddles.

The fit (or lack of it) of your saddle will not be a concern to the Society of Master Saddle Fitters unless the person in question holds, or claims to hold their Qualified Saddle fitters certificate.

 

[catembi]

Oh poor you. It's soooo sickening being ripped off by saddlers whom we've used in good faith with our horses' best interests at heart.

Next time, try a WOW as they're infinitely adjustable?

Hope you get it sorted out. You deserve your money back.