Please recommend a saddle fitter to me (surrey/hants)

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merlinsquest

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As title, I have used the same one for a while but feel that I dont trust their judgement very much anymore. The saddle moves rather drastically and he has now got a sore back. This despite being told its fine. So thought I deserved a second opinion.

Please could you let me know who you use. I am in Farnham/Surrey.
 
TDS near Alton isn't too far away from you? They have an excellent reputation. Not who I use personally, but I live nearer Southampton, and my saddler doesn't go that far.
 
I wasn't very struck with TDS when I used them and used a lady from Bordon in the end who was very good. Unfortunately I can't remember her name at the minute.
 
Come on Jacks mum think for me...... I have had certain alton fitters before and not only did I end up with a saddle that didnt even fit me (I need 17.5 and they sold me 17) but at a later visit they even told me that the saddle was too small for me!!!
 
Try the Bespoke saddle company, i find them very good and you get £10 off their first visit. tel 01372 200561 Epsom in Surrey
 
I have shopped at TDS most my life but I would never use their saddle fitting service - I have not heard good things!

Calcutts Saddlery in Winchester is supposed to be ok or Hastlow (sp) saddles near godalming. I think they are part of Buttons saddlers? Maybe!
 
I wasn't too struck on TDS either to be honest. Calcutts were okay though; haven't heard of the others.

Thank you for you know what; and he's lovely; you are both a perfect match by the way.
smile.gif
 
On a separate note, it may be worth your while getting your horse a massage to get rid of his sore bits (they can linger, even once you have a correctly fitting saddle). I use Gemma Mitchell ESMT - Equine Sports Massage Therapist. She is fully qualified & insured (ITEC). Her number is 07843282680. She charges £30 per horse (sessions approx. 45mins), but she does offer discounts for group bookings (3 or more horses) or for 5 or more pre-booked sessions. She's based in Guildford. Can't recommend her highly enough.
 
Good idea piebaldsparkle, I have not used her but I did my dissertation at uni on sports massage and the results were very very good! So I have used an Equine Bodyworker every since!!!
 
ahhhh but what else would you have to do on a saturday late morning 1 hour after your horsey dumped you in a puddle........and then go and spend lots of money on him?!! Prob just me that does insane things like that!
 
Hello im a newbie thought i would have a go at this posting thing. I also have used TDS on numerous occasions and they have always been very helpful and sorted out any saddle problems, plus they prepared to travel a fair distance to where you are based.
 
I use a guy called Tony Oliver, he is freelance and based in North Hampshire. He will adjust most makes of saddles but is really an albion specialist so if you are looking for a new saddle he will only sell you an albion
 
Thanks everyone..

I was convinced he has a bad back as its hard on one side and squidgy on the other as if he is holding himself, but when i put him in the school loose today (and he usually is very sensible) after being turned out for 3 hours!!! He went ballistic, twisty turney bucks, and dirt stop turns. He would have put one of the sliding stop and twist round american horses to shame!!!

Anyway, we will see what the vet and back lady have to say.... if he wasnt broken before today he may well be now!!!
 
I am in Hamphire and my saddler is Roy Nash. He has a good reputation, very friendly and has a wide range of saddles! He restuffs them, repairs, sprays and part exchanges saddles.
Although i agree, maybe getting a physio or something to look at him if he is sore, they can tell if its the saddle aswell and get the tension or pain away
 
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