Saddle Fitters - Oxon?

[dressage_diva]

Can anyone recommend a good saddle fitter in Oxon? I just need someone to check my two saddles (no problems with either saddle, they're just both relatively new and due their first checks) - unfortunately I had them fitted by an experienced saddler before I moved down here to Oxon so I don't know anyone good in the area! Looking for someone experienced who doesn't mind checking saddles they didn't fit themselves - recommendations?

 

[kt_p]

Mike Norton. He is fab. His website has all his details on its called saddle doctors. He is happy to check saddles he hasn't fitted. Wouldn't use anyone else now.

 

[NR99]

Not sure where you are in Oxon and ours come from Hants so too far to check fit rather than supply a new one. But I have heard lots of positive comments about Shaun from Jods Galore, they are at Bell Street in Henley?

 

[sjdress]

Shaun at Jods Galore is great but not if he sends out Andrew. The lady at Hall Place in Berks is brill

 

[ihatework]

Mike Norton from CH Browns

 

[flyingfeet]

Mike Norton

One of the few saddlers that really knows his stuff and won't sell you a saddle even if you really want it if there is no way it will fit your horse.

 

[black_n_white]

I have to disagree and only have bad things to say about Mike Norton! Avoid!

Kevin McCardle is good though and is honest and reliable.

 

[Madhope]

i use Kevin McArdle, he has been great and never tried to sell me a new saddle even though i said i would buy one, he sorted out my existing sadlle and i got a new one for the young horse, he could have got 2 new ones out of me and never tried. Both saddles have been great ever since!

 

[lizzie_liz]

Another one for Mike Norton, when we down south we used him for a number of years. He even travelled to Ruislip, Middlesex before we moved closer. Never had any problems with our saddles, he even tarted up my dressage saddle with the correct Ideal stamps instead of the saddlery shop where it had come from (we bought it 2nd hand).

 

[dressage_diva]

I have to disagree and only have bad things to say about Mike Norton! Avoid!

Oh no...everyone else here sounds really positive! Would you mind PM-ing me what you thought was bad about him?

Kevin McCardle is good though and is honest and reliable.

Thanks, he sponsors my rider and also my yard owner, so had heard of him, but wasn't sure if he would be too busy as I know he has a great reputation!

Have contacted both Kevin and Mike and will see what availability they have (and how much they charge).

 

[BBs]

Mike all the way, he has been fantastic in all the years Ive had horses. His daughter Kate does a lot of the work now and shes as good if not better IMO.

Tried Kevin and was hopeless! I know too many ppl who have had badly fitting saddles and unhappy horses.