Saddle Fitters

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Beau57

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Sorry just wanted to share my experience with you but I appreciate this has probably been done to death - 1st saddler booked as I wanted to buy a new saddle - I explained that I wanted a Thorowgood t8 Cob as I thought it would be a good option but was open to others. I waited 4 weeks for the appointment and the saddler turned up without the saddle 😫 They tried several on him but only one fitted - a very tatty looking saddle that I could buy from them then the price would come off the new saddle. I thought they should have let me know they didn’t have the saddle and give me the option of re booking as now I have to have another appointment for the actual saddle I wanted! Came again and sold and fitted t8 as I wanted. This was in August last year. Called out in December as he had dropped off a lot and wanted the gullet plate changing - they said although he had dropped off he had not changed. A few weeks later getting ready to hack out I noticed that there was only about one finger between pommel and wither - abandoned hack - called another saddler (2nd opinion) firstly they turned up without any tools so I had to go home and get a set of Allen keys! Dropped the gullet plate down 3 sizes so now it’s unlevel and too far up in front and digging into the loins - she said that was the best she could do with that saddle and that I just need to buy a le mieux half pad and put all the pads in the back to lift it up? I’ve done that and it looks ridiculous - Yes they were both recommended as great but didn’t turn out to be - Yes I’ve booked another one but it’s no joke to keep paying out for a rider as well
 
Beau57 said:
Sorry just wanted to share my experience with you but I appreciate this has probably been done to death - 1st saddler booked as I wanted to buy a new saddle - I explained that I wanted a Thorowgood t8 Cob as I thought it would be a good option but was open to others. I waited 4 weeks for the appointment and the saddler turned up without the saddle �� They tried several on him but only one fitted - a very tatty looking saddle that I could buy from them then the price would come off the new saddle. I thought they should have let me know they didn’t have the saddle and give me the option of re booking as now I have to have another appointment for the actual saddle I wanted! Came again and sold and fitted t8 as I wanted. This was in August last year. Called out in December as he had dropped off a lot and wanted the gullet plate changing - they said although he had dropped off he had not changed. A few weeks later getting ready to hack out I noticed that there was only about one finger between pommel and wither - abandoned hack - called another saddler (2nd opinion) firstly they turned up without any tools so I had to go home and get a set of Allen keys! Dropped the gullet plate down 3 sizes so now it’s unlevel and too far up in front and digging into the loins - she said that was the best she could do with that saddle and that I just need to buy a le mieux half pad and put all the pads in the back to lift it up? I’ve done that and it looks ridiculous - Yes they were both recommended as great but didn’t turn out to be - Yes I’ve booked another one but it’s no joke to keep paying out for a rider as well
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I share your pain. It seems very difficult to get a saddler out - they all seem to be booked up in advance for months. In the past I've had saddlers turn up with a good range of saddles to try based on the description of the pony you want fitted. Now it seems you have to decide in advance which saddle you want. But what if you don't have a clue?!
 
I ask for specific photos of the pony or horse so I can bring the right stock, occasionally human error (I do everything on my own) means a saddle is forgotten but usually it works well. I don't understand not getting photos but I know most fitters don't. I take lots of details over the phone too, but you'd be amazed how many people want to be booked in with a mini conversation on messenger! I like commitment from my clients because as fitters we get messed around a lot too. I do feel your pain though!
 
Sbloom where are you based?

Sorry not much help as saddle fitters don't seem to be like they were before.
The one we had at home would arrive with a van full of saddles in all sizes both new and second hand. He'd also let us trial them for a week or more and happy to do this with a few saddles until found one that both horse and rider were happy in (though maybe he did this as new out yard owner very well)
 
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