Saddle fitting question - is this right?

jesterfaerie

jesterfaerie

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I have just rung my local saddle fitter up (the only one in the area according to the Master Saddler site).
I explained I needed a new saddle but it may have to be a second hand saddle.
They are happy to come out and fit one but I explained because they only have a few second hand ones I may have to pay full whack for a new one.
They told me if I had them out to him I would have to buy one of their saddles and not just find out his size and try find my own. Is this correct? (sorry never had to buy a new saddle before).
I don't want to risk having to pay top notch for a saddle I don't like, or not be able to afford any of theirs.
Sorry may sound rather dumb asking this.
 
They can say what they like really.

My saddler was very happy to fit a saddle to my horse that I had bought privately. However, others are not - as you're obviously not spending money with them.
 
Yes I am more than happy to pay for the call out, so I don't understand why they wouldn't just fit the saddle (well I can) but what I mean is they are getting money out of me either way, granted there is a big difference.

I have asked people on here if they know of anyone else in my area and everyone suggested people over an hour away. So I may struggle to find another one fairly local.

But what would they do if I didn't like any of the ones (new and second hand) that they have to offer as they don't have a wide range and some are out of my price range. Surley they can't force one on me?
 
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They are happy to come out and fit one but I explained because they only have a few second hand ones I may have to pay full whack for a new one.

They told me if I had them out to him I would have to buy one of their saddles and not just find out his size and try find my own. Is this correct? (sorry never had to buy a new saddle before).

I don't want to risk having to pay top notch for a saddle I don't like, or not be able to afford any of theirs.
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I like you! Good for you. It is a bit cheeky to get a saddler out to try lots of makes, find the right one and then buy it somewhere else for less after taking their advice and using their saddle fitting experience... However you have told them you want second hand and if their selection is weak - which it will be, on purpose, as they make more money from new saddles - I think it is your perogative not to buy a new one. The saddler won't be happy to try on lots of new saddles if you have no intention of buying one. BUT.. if they charge a call out fee to cover fitting and advice you are paying just to try on those saddles, whether you intend buying one or not. Erm... In conclusion I suggest you lie, so long as you are happy to pay for a call out fee and their time. Tell them you do want a saddle, or they won't come. Let them try them all on, advise you and then tell them actually you don't want one and pay them for their time and advice. Then go and buy the second hand version elsewhere. Genius - I wish I'd thought this up on my own!
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I have asked people on here if they know of anyone else in my area and everyone suggested people over an hour away

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My saddler is in Badminton - I'm in Cardiff. So there's every chance one an hour away from you will travel to see you.
 
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I like you! Good for you. It is a bit cheeky to get a saddler out to try lots of makes, find the right one and then buy it somewhere else for less after taking their advice and using their saddle fitting experience... However you have told them you want second hand and if their selection is weak - which it will be, on purpose, as they make more money from new saddles - I think it is your perogative not to buy a new one. The saddler won't be happy to try on lots of new saddles if you have no intention of buying one. BUT.. if they charge a call out fee to cover fitting and advice you are paying just to try on those saddles, whether you intend buying one or not. Erm... In conclusion I suggest you lie, so long as you are happy to pay for a call out fee and their time. Tell them you do want a saddle, or they won't come. Let them try them all on, advise you and then tell them actually you don't want one and pay them for their time and advice. Then go and buy the second hand version elsewhere. Genius - I wish I'd thought this up on my own!
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Aww thanks
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I like you too, you think the same as me!
If I found one I liked I wouldn't mind paying a little bit extra to have it from them (unless it was brand new and I had found the same one in excellent condition for a lot cheaper). They confused me as they said they woudln't just fit a saddle but then they said what size he sounded like
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so if I took the size they told me and bought one myself they are missing out on money full stop (even if it is just the call out)!?
Your idea is exactly what I was thinking I should try and do in my mind but then I got worried they would try and push a saddle on me and I would get scared and cave
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Surley they can't expect everyone they go out to to actually buy a saddle.
I expected their second hand range to be slim but their new range is even slimmer they only have two makes of saddles from what she said.
 
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I have asked people on here if they know of anyone else in my area and everyone suggested people over an hour away

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My saddler is in Badminton - I'm in Cardiff. So there's every chance one an hour away from you will travel to see you.

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I was just a little weary of calling one so far away out because the petrol prices were at an all time high but if things don't work out and I cannot find another local one I will be happy to find one further a field now prices have dropped a bit.
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Don't be pushed into buying a saddle that you don't want from this saddle fitter. Yes, you will have to pay a call out fee - but for that call out you should NEVER be obliged to have to buy a saddle (however, if you did decide to buy from the saddle fitter, they will often but not always, then waive the call out charge).

Saddle fitting can take a long time to get the right saddle. It may take several call outs from several different saddle fitters before you find the right saddle for you and your horse (and your budget). Call this first saddle fitter out by all means, but don't be pushed into making a decision there and then.

The fact that this saddle fitter has two types of saddles is irrelevant really. They may be good or not so good brands of saddle, however if neither type is right for your horse then go elsewhere. For example take Stubben as a make of saddle - nice, quality saddles, I have no problem with them or nothing against them whatsoever, BUT they are designed with a warmblood type horse in mind. I would be hard pressed to find a Stubben saddle that would fit one of my Arabs (this is where I now get hundreds of Arab owners all posting and saying they've got a Stubben that fits their Arab perfectly!) so any saddle fitter that tried to force one of these on me would not get my business I'm afraid. I know I would need to go elsewhere.

However, you may be lucky and find that the first saddle fitter has something suitable, in which case then go for it. But be prepared - it's like buying a horse - it's not always the first one you see that you end up buying, so you may need to try several other fitters as well. Good luck.
 
Saddlers down here tend to charge a call-out fee, but knock the price off the saddle if you buy from them. Seems fair to me.
 
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