Saddle Exchange saddles and fitting

[Scot123]

Hi. I've just had a fitter come out to my new pony. She works for the Saddle Exchange and seems very nice.

She said the saddle I had was totally wrong, and she would never recommend a synthetic saddle. She had a couple of the Saddle Exchange "Pony Saddle Co" leather saddles that she tried on him and thought were excellent fits. I have to say they were very comfy to ride in!

Both were too expensive for me, though, and she is going to try and find a second hand version - but says it may be hard to find a second hand one at a reasonable price.

In the meantime I've been doing some reading... as a Saddle Exchange fitter would she only ever be able to recommend their own saddles? Are their saddles any good (I've read mixed reviews on this forum since the company split a few years back)? Do you agree that synthetics aren't any good (I had ideally wanted one because I thought it would be a bit tougher and also a bit lighter as I have back problems).

So basically, advice and thoughts on the Saddle Exchange, their saddles and fitters please!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Hi. I've just had a fitter come out to my new pony. She works for the Saddle Exchange and seems very nice.

She said the saddle I had was totally wrong, and she would never recommend a synthetic saddle. She had a couple of the Saddle Exchange "Pony Saddle Co" leather saddles that she tried on him and thought were excellent fits. I have to say they were very comfy to ride in!

Both were too expensive for me, though, and she is going to try and find a second hand version - but says it may be hard to find a second hand one at a reasonable price.

In the meantime I've been doing some reading... as a Saddle Exchange fitter would she only ever be able to recommend their own saddles? Are their saddles any good (I've read mixed reviews on this forum since the company split a few years back)? Do you agree that synthetics aren't any good (I had ideally wanted one because I thought it would be a bit tougher and also a bit lighter as I have back problems).

So basically, advice and thoughts on the Saddle Exchange, their saddles and fitters please!

How long have you got??

I have one, nay two words concerning this company. There is a lot more I can tell you OP, but I think that will have to be a PM jobbie, or even I'll PM you with my phone no and we'll talk.

First word concerning them: AVOID avoid avoid. Like the plague.

Second word concerning them: and regarding their after-sales service particularly - APPALLING, unless you are one of their special "celebrity clients" of course.

"sbloom" on here will be able to tell you a lot more about them if you PM her.

I have had a really bad - and very expensive - experience with this company and could not recommend them one jot.

There are very many other decent companies around that do fittings and I would strongly advise you to look elsewhere.

If you are committed to going ahead with buying a saddle from this company, then I would urge you to do your research - there is plenty about them on various horsey forums, including on here.

 

[BlackRider]

I's just say hat there is nothing wrong with a synthetic saddle as long as it fits well

I've not had any dealings with the Saddle Exchange, but had a nightmare with saddles, and came to the opinion that 10 saddlers would have 10 different opinions and each will obviously promote their own brand above any other...