numpty Q on saddle fitting

ncarter

ncarter

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Hi,

I am having a saddle fitter out to try a load of different saddles to see which make fits my pony and suits me best. I roughly know the size he needs (MW and 16.5").

My question is:

If I choose a saddle and order it via the fitter, do they make any amends to the saddle before I get it or is it just off the shelf?

The reason I ask is that if I pay for the fitting session as a test to see which saddle type I would like, I am thinking of trying to get a 'nearly new' saddle to save a few £££s. I obviously won't do this if it is made to fit.

Are there any pitfalls with getting a nearly new vs a new saddle?

Thanks.
 
I know that my new saddle was 'off the peg' as such, but the saddle fitter did put a little extra flocking in to suit my horse :) If you bought a secondhand flocked saddle that did fit, the same could be done in theory?
 
when i had the fitter out to my horse i had new an old saddles to try and he told me that he was looking for the saddle that fitted best re tree size and shape so then the flocking could be adjusted to suit. i was lucky that there was an older one which did fit lovely so no adjustment was needed but i imagine all a new saddle would need is a bit of flocking either added or removed to suit your horse once the correct tree size was found.

hope this helps :)
 
All new saddles usually come under flocked, it's easier to lace the panel in when you are making them if it is and the saddler can flock up the saddle to fit the horse at the time of the sale, if a new saddle is fitted and sold "as is" the chances are it will sink down onto the horse quite quickly and have to be flocked anyway and you may be charged extra for this, so ask before the saddler or saddle fitter starts if the first flock up is included in the sale .It used to be customary to offer first flock up free but not everyone still does offer this nowdays.

A secondhand saddle that fits your horse although possibly well flocked may still need to be adjusted to fit you horse as it would have been flocked and moulded to the shape of the last horse.
Horse's back can vary greatly in shape on either side of their withers and spine.
Hope this helps, Oz :)
 
My saddle was made to measure. The gullet was made much wider than standard and the saddle flaps are longer. There was no extra charge for either of these modifications. It's an Albion for the record.
 
Prices varies greatly all round the country but I charge £30 to flock up on site and £10 call out but VERY rarely go out these days unless I get my arm twisted!
Oz :)
 
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