New saddle - question

[WarmbloodX]

having bought a new saddle,fitted, almost straight away I noticed it has started slipping back. Fitter can’t come for 2 months,by then saddle will be 3 months old. Should I expect to have to pay for the revisit? Thoughts?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Did you ride in the saddle after it was fitted with the saddler there so they could check?

 

[WarmbloodX]

Yes

 

[AmyMay]

Should I expect to have to pay for the revisit? Thoughts?

Yes, because every newly fitted saddle needs a re-check, unless you’ve been specifically told there would be no charge for this.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Did you notice the slipping on that day? What has changed since then? Maybe you’re using a pad that’s altering the fit? I’d get the saddler, or a different one out for another session. As Amymay said, new saddles need regular checks.

 

[Quigleyandme]

I thought a six week check was generally included in the purchase price of a new saddle? It always has been when I’ve purchased. The problem is there are too many saddle fitters who are not as competent as they should be and will sell clients unsuitable saddles or fail to fit them to the horse.

 

[sbloom]

I thought a six week check was generally included in the purchase price of a new saddle? It always has been when I’ve purchased. The problem is there are too many saddle fitters who are not as competent as they should be and will sell clients unsuitable saddles or fail to fit them to the horse.

No, it depends on the fitters cost base. If you make lots of commission/profit on selling a saddle and you cover a not too huge area so can easily be within 15-30 minuted of your customer within a sensible time frame then sure, but if you make less per saddle and/or travel big distances then the callout will often apply. Most fitters offer the first flock adjustment for free however, to make up for it dropping in the front as it settles.

And what a sweeping statement.

OP, if the saddle slipped back within 2 weeks then a free callout is absolutely in order, if it was somewhat after that (and here's your reminder to report issues immediately, even if it's just a question mark) then it's up to negotiation. My suggestions, with my saddles, while I can't get out, would be to first try a thicker pad if possible to make up for the settled flocking, and report back, and next to try the more rearward girth straps, so if girthing on 1 and 4 then try 2 and 4, if on 1 and 3 try 1 and 4.