Saddle Fitters Do you always use one?

[indie999]

Post says it...I have never used a saddle fitter & never had any issues with saddles or sores etc Always thought they might flog me a ££££ expensive type as have heard this.

Does everyone use a saddle fitter? Good or bad?

 

[soulfull]

I don't anymore. But that is because I spent years working helping fit saddles

In the past I had a master saddler make a saddle had nothing but issues with it, later found out he was only qualified to make them not fit them even worse the saddle was not made well, the panels underneath were unlevel

by the time I found this out (years later, when I started working for saddle fitter) it was too late to take it back to him.

so no I don't

however if I had not worked with this guy then yes I would find someone I trusted

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Well, here on my (small) yard I think we've had every blimmin saddle fitter in the area out. One says one thing, another says another, and you're left not knowing what fits and what doesn't.

One saddle fitter came out and fitted a new leather saddle to my horse - and when I got on, he arched his back and was ready to bronc!!! - but she still said the saddle was a good fit! and presumably would have been happy to sell it to me.

The most common strategy is to recommend as "fitting OK" the saddle which is invariably the most expensive, and/or to suggest special "modifications" which will, again, increase the cost.

I'd given up getting something for my flat-backed cob, and was thinking of trialling treeless (not always the best solution but I was desperate); when I came across this company: www.thepainfreehorse.co.uk - we got their fitters out and were sorted! I also discovered my horse had a lovely free elevated trot in their saddle, which I'd never before realised he had.

So personally if fitting a saddle again, I'd be inclined to use more of my own judgement and what feels right, rather than trust the so-called "experts".

 

[Javabb94]

I use a saddle fitter as I would never know enough to fit one properly using my own knowledge

Although saddle fitters are a tricky one .....
Some are excellent some arent
In my area there are hardly any !!
Although the one who did fit my saddle was fabulous

I had had 3 saddles in 6 months that didn't fit but luckily now I do have one that was fabulously fitted and my horse goes so well know !!!