Bookham saddlery-Helen Dart

P4NN

P4NN

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27 January 2009
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I am by no means inviting a bitch fest and only want to hear of your good experiences. If you've had particularly bad experiences don't post them but I'd be happy to hear them via pm!

I've booked this lady to come and fit a new saddle. I was recommended her by a friend so I thought I'd give her a go.

I'm a para rider and need some specific requirements and can be quite fussy about what I put my bum it these days 😉

The chap I have been to in the past has sold me three saddles in 7 years and I'm just fed up with his attitude when he comes.
He makes me feel so inadequate and seems to be on some crusade to improve my riding style. He never wants to put himself out in making any adjustments to ease my comfort. He just comes plonks a saddle on, sees it fits the horse and just leaves me to get on with anything that troubles me.

At the minute I'm riding with a polite pad and HM seat saver but hoping to ditch these with a new saddle (old saddle slide forwards)

I guess making the step to use a new saddler is leaving me rather daunted. I know all Saddlers are different and finding the right one is important.

I think I'm posting to get some reassurance that I'm doing the right thing in changing and trying to get an idea of what Helen is like before she arrives. ☺
 
Helen is marmite. Doesn't mince her words but in my opinion she knows her stuff. Spotted a weakness in a horse I rode when several instructors had not spotted anything from just seeing the horse in walk around the school. Good luck
 
Thank you Hetsmum

I like marmite �� I'd rather someone who says it how it is, than skirt around problems.

Actually looking forward to it now ��
 
Hetsmum said:
Helen is marmite. Doesn't mince her words but in my opinion she knows her stuff. Spotted a weakness in a horse I rode when several instructors had not spotted anything from just seeing the horse in walk around the school. Good luck
Click to expand...

What she said. If you've had a response, you've done better than me, as she's difficult to get hold of. Her repairs are certainly top notch. Helen has some videos on her site abour fitting and flocking, which will introduce you to her as a person. :D
 
I would use her again. I thought I would have to buy a new saddle for my old horse, but she suggested a prolite pad & shims in the front, which would make it fit well and no need to waste my money:) Many people would have tried to sell, sell, sell.....
 
Ive used Helen for years after a number of problem with another well know Surrey saddler. She is blunt but I appreciated that after all the problems. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. But get in quick she's always very busy.
 
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