can anyone recommend an independent saddler in herts?

[luckyjac]

Hi all, can anyone recommend an independent saddler in hetfordshire, ie one that isnt tied to a shop that supplies them, more mobile? I want to get current saddle checked and if not suitable I am only after a second hand cheapie as its for my broodmare (currently not in foal but will be covered) that will just be lightly hacked for a few months over the summer to keep her in shape. I just want someone that doesnt want to hard sell me something like in the past.
Many thanks.

 

[CBFan]

I had Toni at Tack haven out and despite trying over 30 saddles on my boy she was more than happy to walk away without selling me a saddle because she didn't have one that fitted any better than the one I had.

Second saddler WAS NOT going to leave the yard until she had sold me a saddle.. outside my budget I might add!!

Then I had Martin Wilkinson out to check the fit of said saddle, 4 months after it was fitted, who re-flocked it and fitted a new gullet - 2 sizes wider than the one that above said saddle fitter fitted it with, despite my boy not changing shape AT ALL in the time between fittings...

So yes, I would recomend Toni at Tack haven or Martin Wilkinson... the good thing about the later is that the girls on the phone take a detailed request from you at the time of booking him so he knows before he even comes out, what it is you want / need and so doesn't come out expecting to sell you a saddle if that isn't what you have requested.

On that note... I really need to give Martin a call again as I'm sure my boy has changed shape

ets, pm me if you want to know who the second saddler was so you know who to avoid (for more reasons than stated above!!)

 

[Doodledandy]

Hi - I'd recommend Martin Wilkinson too. I bought a new Albion saddle from him a couple of years ago and he was out just before christmas to check it over and re-flock it again. As well as new saddles he also stocks secondhand ones so let them know your budget when you ring. His call out fee is about £40.