Saddler coming any advice?

[Sunny08]

I have the saddler coming out later today with the intention of getting a 'new' second hand saddle.

any pointers and how will I tell if they are doing a good job and not just trying to sell me the most expensive saddle?

P.S. Saddler does come highly recommended so hopefully trustworthy!

 

[KatB]

I believe you;re getting Bridlepath out? Just ask him loads of questions

But Peter and his daughter are both fab, so no worries there

 

[Chumsmum]

My saddler spends literally hours with me without any pressure to buy whatsoever - I always feel like I've got more than my money's worth when I pay for her visit.

She generally looks at current saddle and checks that over, then checks horses back and also looks at a 'used' saddlecloth if you have one? Makes a template of his back if necessary.

She spends lots of time watching me ride in all three paces in chosen saddle to check that it suits us both, lots of me standing up in stirrups and she checking pressure under saddle etc.

Only problem is that she only sells new or reflocks your current saddle if suitable, she doesn't do second hand. She also doesn't have a credit card machine

 

[canteron]

Make a list of whats important to you, however random, and check through it before the saddler leaves .... its all too important to 'forget items' if the conversation starts to range or you feel under time pressure.

Apart from the obvious (what you are going to use it for) other questions might be .... how to recognise if it no longer fits your horse, best colour for your horse, do you need 'blocks' (and why/why not), 2nd hand value if need to trade ...... sure you have many others to include!