Lollyblue
New User
Hello. In the hope that this will encourage others who might be dealing with a saddle dispute or are thinking about questioning the fit of a saddle and/or the manufactured state of a saddle (which could then lead to a dispute) I would like to share my experience with the forum.
I urge anyone who has a genuine concern with a possibly faulty saddle that they have purchased to raise your concerns with the person who sold you the saddle. If they tell you the saddle is absolutely fine and fits your horse, but you still have concerns, then get a second opinion from a recommended and experienced saddle fitter or saddler. I would also urge you to check the Consumer Rights Act 2015 as to what quantifies a 'faulty item' and how you can demand a repair/replacement/refund - all items sold must be of satisfactory quality, be fit for purpose and be as described. To clarify, this applies to both made to measure saddles and off the peg ones. Obviously timescales and how you look after your tack is also important. If a saddle is sold with a fitting service then this must be undertaken with reasonable skill and care.
Possibly consult the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 if it becomes apparent that you're dealing with a nasty piece of work who wants to intimidate or bully you and/or prevent you from using your consumer rights.
Seriously evaluate the strength of your evidence, gather as much evidence as you can and then be prepared to stand your ground VERY FIRMLY. It might be stressful and a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but for me at least, my evidence only got stronger as time went on and I was literally about to apply to the Small Claims Court when those acting for 'the other side' started to sit up and realise I wasn't bluffing. They might try and discredit your evidence, any witnesses and expert reports, but in my opinion, they are just trying to put you off and make you give up. Ignore them!
I was also very careful to make sure that I followed advice from the Citizen's Advice Bureau regarding pre-court conduct as this would have helped me had my case actually gone to court. Do make sure you attempt to settle the matter out of court in case it does end up in court - I was advised that the judge will look upon the case more favourably (for you) if they see you tried to keep it out of court.
It's definitely not a fun process but I was not prepared to let incompetency, on top of poor workmanship, win. I remain hugely thankful to the small group of people who did answer my call for help, including one or two on this forum (nod to Oz!). For the record, I didn't follow the SMS complaints procedure. If I was back at the beginning again, then I still wouldn't follow it. That's my choice.
So dig in and get ready for hardball BUT make sure your evidence is water-tight and that you're following legislation which will back you up if it goes to court. I didn't use a solicitor and I'm not a solicitor but I 'won'. You can too!!! I sincerely wish you luck.
I urge anyone who has a genuine concern with a possibly faulty saddle that they have purchased to raise your concerns with the person who sold you the saddle. If they tell you the saddle is absolutely fine and fits your horse, but you still have concerns, then get a second opinion from a recommended and experienced saddle fitter or saddler. I would also urge you to check the Consumer Rights Act 2015 as to what quantifies a 'faulty item' and how you can demand a repair/replacement/refund - all items sold must be of satisfactory quality, be fit for purpose and be as described. To clarify, this applies to both made to measure saddles and off the peg ones. Obviously timescales and how you look after your tack is also important. If a saddle is sold with a fitting service then this must be undertaken with reasonable skill and care.
Possibly consult the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 if it becomes apparent that you're dealing with a nasty piece of work who wants to intimidate or bully you and/or prevent you from using your consumer rights.
Seriously evaluate the strength of your evidence, gather as much evidence as you can and then be prepared to stand your ground VERY FIRMLY. It might be stressful and a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but for me at least, my evidence only got stronger as time went on and I was literally about to apply to the Small Claims Court when those acting for 'the other side' started to sit up and realise I wasn't bluffing. They might try and discredit your evidence, any witnesses and expert reports, but in my opinion, they are just trying to put you off and make you give up. Ignore them!
I was also very careful to make sure that I followed advice from the Citizen's Advice Bureau regarding pre-court conduct as this would have helped me had my case actually gone to court. Do make sure you attempt to settle the matter out of court in case it does end up in court - I was advised that the judge will look upon the case more favourably (for you) if they see you tried to keep it out of court.
It's definitely not a fun process but I was not prepared to let incompetency, on top of poor workmanship, win. I remain hugely thankful to the small group of people who did answer my call for help, including one or two on this forum (nod to Oz!). For the record, I didn't follow the SMS complaints procedure. If I was back at the beginning again, then I still wouldn't follow it. That's my choice.
So dig in and get ready for hardball BUT make sure your evidence is water-tight and that you're following legislation which will back you up if it goes to court. I didn't use a solicitor and I'm not a solicitor but I 'won'. You can too!!! I sincerely wish you luck.
