Issues with a Saddle Company Fitters not knowing how to fit saddles.

[amyjnes109]

Just wondering if anyone else has had issues with Saddle Company fitters basically not knowing what they're doing? 3 years ago I had a 'custom' saddle made for our 14.2hh cob by a saddle company fitter. A year later I bought a second hand saddle with the same fitter and she knew the history of the saddle (having sold it to the previous owner) and she fitted it to my 2nd cob.
The fitter was a lovely person but I had so many issues with saddle slipping forward and had to have constant adjustments (point and balance straps ect). Both the horses were sore at their spine (towards the back). Eventually after having them out every 6 months to reflock the saddles I had the physio out and they recommended i get a second opinion off someone who isnt a saddle company fitter. When the second fitter came out - she noticed both saddles were too narrow (wrong tree shape for the cobs) - and the second saddle measured 1" more than it was sold as - being way too long for the horses back. I did have the fitter out every 6 months as recommended and she had been out 1 month prior to the physio - but never did she say the saddle was too long or incorrect on a basic level.
Not going to peruse anything legally but have seen many people have a similar issue with the saddle company and their fitters. Some taking them to court and winning.

Anyone had similar experiences?

 

[poiuytrewq]

I may be wrong but don’t you just do a really quick basic course to become a saddle company fitter?
I had one once years ago, it never fitted and one panel was always obviously different to the other. The horse never seemed to mind but it was pretty awful imo. We only kept it a few months

 

[sbloom]

Anyone had similar experiences?

If you search on here you'll find a very similar story and seeing as you're actually saying that you know of several cases....

I have been informed the accredited fitter course is two days, workshop based, no horses. There are many ways to fit a saddle but for an English saddle with a standard balance point (ie rider's weight in the middle to rear of the saddle) taking the weight bearing area beyond the back rib is not something I would do, though opinions vary as to where exactly the weight bearing part of the panel ends under the saddle.

 

[Tarragon]

There will always be good and bad saddle fitters, and it generally has very little to do with the saddle they are fitting. There is a special machine though that is used to adjust the tree width of a SC saddle, which may tie you in to certain choice of fitters.

 

[amyjnes109]

If you search on here you'll find a very similar story and seeing as you're actually saying that you know of several cases....

I have been informed the accredited fitter course is two days, workshop based, no horses. There are many ways to fit a saddle but for an English saddle with a standard balance point (ie rider's weight in the middle to rear of the saddle) taking the weight bearing area beyond the back rib is not something I would do, though opinions vary as to where exactly the weight bearing part of the panel ends under the saddle.

I have seen the one you are referring too - just seeing if any more people have had a similar experience with saddle company accredited fitters specifically.

 

[amyjnes109]

There will always be good and bad saddle fitters, and it generally has very little to do with the saddle they are fitting. There is a special machine though that is used to adjust the tree width of a SC saddle, which may tie you in to certain choice of fitters.

yes of course - just seems that the saddle company dont seem to encourage their saddle fitters to do other courses than their own. Wondering if they get a commission from selling each saddle possibly (as well as their charge on top)? - Id much rather be told by them that non of their saddles are suitable and still pay the call out fee than spend 1000s on saddles

 

[ApolloStorm]

Where in the UK are you? I know of one local that is truly appallingly bad at fitting. Somehow she still gets recommended on Facebook groups!
Her “after sales” service is diabolical as well, so if you have an issue you get blocked/told you’re lying etc
I only use a SMS fitter, though even that isn’t a guaranteed of good fitter either, at least you have the back up of the society.

 

[Fjord]

This is the detail of the course they offer:

Saddle Fitting Course

The Saddle Company design and make saddles in Walsall England. The Saddle Company are committed to horse and rider. Our saddles have three key characteristics that stand them apart from many other Saddles.

www.thesaddlecompany.co.uk

 

[Identityincrisis]

My local saddle company fitter is amazing BUT she fits using the Balance Saddle technique so not ‘standard’

 

[toppedoff]

My local saddle company fitter is amazing BUT she fits using the Balance Saddle technique so not ‘standard’

whats the balance saddle technique sorry?