Loan horse saddle/back issues - what do i do?

I think it a valid question - unlike most other pieces of equipment a decent saddle is expensive and you can pretty much guarantee it won't fit any other horse you might have subsequently and you will more than likely lose substantial money on it if you have to sell it even if it is second hand to start with. Not only that the owner may take back a loan horse at any time. A chat with owner first to see what they wish to do and that they are happy for you to go ahead and deal with it as you see fit.
 
I'd probably ask about it and if she says it is all your responsibility then ask to renew the contract early? I wouldn't get a new saddle for one month, maybe I'm tight and don't care about horses welfare, or maybe I just don't have money to burn!
 
Difficult one this! (obviously, judging from the comments!).

When my horse went out on loan, the terms of the loan agreement were that the person loaning would provide the saddle plus any remedial work etc needed, as he wasn't sent on loan with a saddle and that fact was clearly stated both verbally and in the agreement. I actually wish this hadn't been the case, in retrospect, because she plonked something on his back which patently didn't fit, but sorry, I digress.

Think OP you need to chat with the owner of the horse; if there is nothing in your loan agreement then you might perhaps come to some agreement re. expenses??? Personally if I was the owner, having had some pretty disastrous "saddle fittings" I would definately want to be there and see what goes on, even if the loaner is paying it is ultimately the owner's horse and IMO they should be involved in the saddle fitting irrespective of what financial arrangement(s) take place.

I have a mare on loan; and the same thing happened with her, i.e. the saddle she had up to then, and which she came with, didn't fit coz she'd changed shape, and couldn't be made to fit as it was too narrow and was giving her problems. In the end I paid for a new saddle for her (ooouuucchhhh!), which I didn't mind as if she were my own horse I would have had to sort something anyway, and the saddle I've got can be fairly easily adjusted for another horse plus they do sell well secondhand. With this particular mare there is an agreement that I must get her back checked by the chiro twice a year (I pay).

Just an idea OP; and don't know whether it might be appropriate in your case.......... but IF you're in the situation where you're having to buy a "new" saddle; then why don't you consider a treeless saddle as they'll fit most horses??? It would save you some pennies. OR you could go for an adjustable gullet saddle which will be far easier to fit to another horse.

But whatever, I think in the first instance you need to chat to your owner about what they want to do. For instance, if they DO want the horse back at some future stage then they may be prepared to contribute towards a saddle? But whatever, you definately need to consult with each other.

Then I would suggest a good (qualified) saddle fitter and see what they suggest. You're not bound to accept their suggestions (they tend to have expensive ideas!!). OR you could ask around in your area for anyone who fits second hand saddles (unfortunately they tend to be few and far between). Or, as I say, consider treeless as then you'll have a saddle which you can either use again in the future OR will sell on e-bay.
 
Many years ago when I had a horse on full loan I bought him a new saddle - a synthetic Wintec GP type with adjustable gullet system. Not too expensive and quite useful. As it was, I sold it to the owner when she took him back. We didn't have an agreement in place but I did tell her what I was planning on doing and she was fine with it. The new saddle cloths (now a cat bed!), haynets etc. I bought for him I kept. Definitely check with the owner, particularly if the agreement is due to end soon.
 
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