First saddler visit tomorrow!

[ellerslie83]

I'm a first time horse owner and I've got the saddler coming tomorrow to fit my very wide table-backed 16hh cob and want to know what the ettiquette is apart from obviously making sure I've brought him in!

How clean does he need to be for instance? He lives out all the time and at the moment is a bit dusty etc though worry if I clean him more than just giving him a brush anything that gets put on him will slip?!

Am I supposed to provide tea/coffee biscuits - as I don't know how long such visits take?

Just want to make sure I don't offend and commit some terrible faux pas!!

Any tips welcome!

Thanks

 

[be positive]

He does not need to be polished to within an inch of his life, normal groom will be fine
Tea/ coffee would probably be welcome.
Do you have stirrups / leathers and a girth, they do not always bring these with them so it may be worth checking if you do not have any to use when trying the saddle.

The saddler should first check your horses back and measure, they may also ask to see it walk and trot in hand. Then they should put a few saddles on to see how they fit before letting you try any that look suitable, make sure YOU like it as well as the horse, ask questions and say if you dont feel right for some reason, you are the customer and they are selling you an expensive investment that should last you a long time.

 

[ellerslie83]

Thank you, that's a big help! If there's a saddle that fits and I want - do I keep it there and then or get a trial with it? I don't carry a saddles' worth of money on me so wouldn't be able to pay for it there and then?

 

[be positive]

It will depend on the saddler, if the saddle is second hand many will let you trial it for a few days, a new one will obviously need paying for because a few days use will make it "used" and if you then do not want it they can no longer sell it as new.
If you want one ask for a trial, they can only say no and possibly lose a sale, payment can be by cheque or often credit card if they have the facility to take it. Otherwise ask them to hold it for you and arrange to pay when you collect it.

 

[ellerslie83]

Thank you that's very helpful.

I have asked for something second hand ideally as he's only used as a light hack due to injury. I just hope they have something wide enough to fit him!