Saddle fitting query?

J

Jericho

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Just had saddler out and he said current saddle we are using doesn't fit our pony, which I kinda knew as it actually was fitted to another of our ponies who is now semi retired and we were just using whilst trialling this pony. Was hoping that it might be able to be adjusted reasonably but was quoted over £250 (which then means it won't fit other semi retired pony) Sadly none of the other 3 saddles bought by saddler fitted and he recommended getting a saddle made to fit which I am reluctant to do as pony is rising 6 Welsh D so very likely to change shape and would be £££s

I don't quite know what to do now: do I pay for another saddler to come out and try saddles on? I feel a bit guilty about that as this saddler came highly recommended and I really like them but he just can't supply me with a saddle. do I use what I have learnt from saddler and buy a cheaper saddle for 6 months (saw some adjustable ones that are £220 made to measure) until pony has matured a bit more and then get her refitted with a decent one? Do I fork out for another saddler to come/ fit/supply? ( am guessing the last option is the only one really!) do all saddlers charge whether or not you buy from them or not, or indeed do anything other than advise?
 
Most good saddlers will charge for their time bringing you saddles to try and checking fit of current one - they have to earn a living and are in demand.
What about asking the saddler what kind of saddle might work then trying to find one second hand, which they can then check. If you've got common sence then you can get a good idea of fit yourself and only get the saddler out to check once you've ruled out the definitely not fitting ones. Many saddlers will let you take them to try yourself for no charge, and there are companies that will send you saddles on trial including ones on facebook.
Another saddler may equally only have a handful of the right size/ colour for you to try - so could be wasted money.

I bought one recently from a company on facebook, it came on 10 days trial and measurements sounded like it would fit, I rode in it and thought it was OK ish, worth getting my saddler to, he checked it and reflocked a touch to make it perfect.
 
Please don't go for anything like a M2M for £220, it can't be done and be a safe saddle, or be made by anyone who knows how a saddle should be made to potentially fit a horse well.

All saddle fitters will charge a call out, they do normally expect you to be straight with them so it would be helpful if you you asked them to come out and advise what would fit as you may want to source a saddle independently. My call out fee would not remotely cover some of my longer appointments, plus travel costs and time, for the occasions when someone doesn't buy so I would be a little peeved if I find out they were "just looking" without telling me.
 
sbloom said:
Please don't go for anything like a M2M for £220, it can't be done and be a safe saddle, or be made by anyone who knows how a saddle should be made to potentially fit a horse well.

All saddle fitters will charge a call out, they do normally expect you to be straight with them so it would be helpful if you you asked them to come out and advise what would fit as you may want to source a saddle independently. My call out fee would not remotely cover some of my longer appointments, plus travel costs and time, for the occasions when someone doesn't buy so I would be a little peeved if I find out they were "just looking" without telling me.
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Oh no don't get me wrong! I would have more than happily bought a saddle from him when he came but he just didn't have one. - the two he bought with him (he has seen pony previously) weren't right. Have spoken with him since and he is helping me to try and find one
 
The three he tried didn't fit so he suggested m2m?? I would definitely seek a fitter who could offer a good range of saddles to try on. Agree with sbloom please avoid the cheap adjustable saddles. You can't make a safe good quality saddle that cheaply.
 
Mmmm, feel your pain OP.

My thoughts, for what they're worth, are that it may be better to go for a "good" second hand saddle rather than a "cheap" new one????

But whatever........ if you ARE thinking about a new saddle, having had a bad experience I'd personally avoid here: www.saddleexchange.com. Please be aware that they use a lot of company names which are similar to others (sorry, that probably doesn't make sense). But if you'd like to PM me I'll clarify for you.
 
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