Finding a GOOD trustworthy saddler?

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poiuytrewq

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I'm Gloucestershire area.
I've used a few round here, most recently Colne that I was happy enough with supplied and fitted/flocked) then Cirencester for fitting and altering (different saddle)
Both horses seemed happy enough and I have no reason to not use either except one said I didn't need to ride or even sit on the horse and I've been warned against both by various people.
Any recommendations please? Both horses are due a check. I have no where to ride ATM so happy to travel if they have facilities (as did both above)
Becky McPherson keeps getting good reviews?
 
Southam saddles is good. They are Warwickshire and don't have facilities but maybe you could arrange somehing. Aimee is helpful.
 
How far west are you in Gloucestershire? Graham Butt at Llwynon in Brecon might be an option if not too far away - straight along the A40 basically! It's about a 90 minute drive for me and I think he's worth it, although his 'bedside manner' isn't always great!

ETA - As a guide I just looked on google maps and it says 1hr 40mins from Gloucester so probably 2 hours with horses.
 
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John Kington, Four Oaks Newent. Master saddler, doesn't stock any saddles for anyone else. Expert saddle fitter as you would expect. I would never hesitate to recommend him. He m2m for my PRE, beautiful comfortable saddle for far less than you would think as he has no middlemen. Will come out and check your saddle for a nominal fee.
 
I have used Colne for near enough 20 years and have always been totally satisfied with Maurice. I've bought numerous saddles both new and second hand from him for all sorts of ponies and competition horses. Some times he's wanted me to ride in a saddle, other times he's left me a saddle to try for a couple of weeks, he's lent me a saddle foc He's checked saddles I've bought from him and those I have not because they came with a horse. The only issue I have ever had is that because he's busy sometimes he's difficult to get hold of for an appointment. I have never had a horse with a sore back because of a problem with the saddle. I can't imagine why anyone would not recommend him apart from the fact he can be a little terse and doesn't suffer fools gladly. Most of my friends use him and recommend him as I do.
 
oldie48 said:
I have used Colne for near enough 20 years and have always been totally satisfied with Maurice. I've bought numerous saddles both new and second hand from him for all sorts of ponies and competition horses. Some times he's wanted me to ride in a saddle, other times he's left me a saddle to try for a couple of weeks, he's lent me a saddle foc He's checked saddles I've bought from him and those I have not because they came with a horse. The only issue I have ever had is that because he's busy sometimes he's difficult to get hold of for an appointment. I have never had a horse with a sore back because of a problem with the saddle. I can't imagine why anyone would not recommend him apart from the fact he can be a little terse and doesn't suffer fools gladly. Most of my friends use him and recommend him as I do.
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That's really good to read. This would be my ideal solution but I have heard/read quite a few off putting things.
I did buy the one saddle off him originally, he also has a school on site.


Ok, so next question! I've been planning on doing it asap after Christmas but actually they have had a quiet winter anyway now loads of time off with lots of snow (x2) and Christmas. Wondering if leaving it another month or so and get them back into the swing of things would be more sensible!
 
poiuytrewq said:
That's really good to read. This would be my ideal solution but I have heard/read quite a few off putting things.
I did buy the one saddle off him originally, he also has a school on site.


Ok, so next question! I've been planning on doing it asap after Christmas but actually they have had a quiet winter anyway now loads of time off with lots of snow (x2) and Christmas. Wondering if leaving it another month or so and get them back into the swing of things would be more sensible!
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Tricky, I get my saddles checked every six months of so as a matter of course unless I think there's a problem. My horse is very good at telling me if the saddle needs attention eg a bit of reflocking as he gives me a look when I'm tacking up and he's usually right even though it's always a minor alteration. he is a bit of a whimp! I would probably get Maurice out now as if they have lost a bit of muscle or condition over the winter the saddle won't be fitting that well and if you work them, it's possible they may be uncomfortable. My current horse came in poor condition and lacking muscle, Maurice advised me against buying a new saddle, sold me a second hand one that fitted which I used for 6 months, then horse went up a width so he bought the saddle back for what I'd paid him and I bought a new saddle from him. That's what I call service, he gave me good advice and saved me money.
 
Yeah I'll give him a shout I think. I'll pop them there though as I think that's generally an easier way to get an appointment.
I believe there is a second saddler there now aswell, do you know anything about her?
 
poiuytrewq said:
Yeah I'll give him a shout I think. I'll pop them there though as I think that's generally an easier way to get an appointment.
I believe there is a second saddler there now aswell, do you know anything about her?
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I suggested Maurice to a friend... She ended up with the new lady and wasn't that thrilled.
 
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