Saddler in Surrey/Hants/W Sussex - need recommendations - conflicting opionions!

[suzi]

HELP!!

I bought a new saddle for my horse in June and have never quite been happy with it. Instructor and the lady who does his massage are also not convinced as it seems to be blockign his shoulder, had a tendancy to slip back and sit to the left. . . . . The saddler has measured the horse but has refused to watch me ride in the saddle.

Been back to where it came from (master saddler) numerous times but no real change in how it feels / sits so am after a second opinion (and also to check 2 other saddle on other horses).

So . . . recommendations please! I've heard lots of conflicting recommnedations from friends etc and thought I would ask here.

ETA - please also PM people to avoid!

The horses are just South of Guildford so potentially someone from Hampshire / West Sussex as well as Surrey . . .

 

[joeanne]

Guy Barrett.... Bloody brilliant saddler.

http://www.guy-barrett.co.uk/

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

Bookham Saddlers have a fantastic reputation!!

 

[jaquelin]

Also Penfolds in Cuckfield W Sussex. V solid. Good luck!

 

[cremedemonthe]

Bit out of my way as I'd look at it for you, I have PM'd you with some details, Oz

 

[suzi]

Thanks guys.

I'll look them up. Hopefully someone can come out quite quickly as I have some BS planned and am now worried about jumping him . . . can't horses be complicated sometimes!

 

[suzi]

Bookham Saddlers have a fantastic reputation!!

Is this Helen Dart?

 

[fatponee]

Martin at Penfolds = fantastic

 

[queenb]

I too would recommend Helen from Bookham

 

[paddy]

We use Adrian from Buttons and Susan Slade, both of whom watch you ride.

 

[StormyMoments]

adrian from buttons is good and a lady called liz (dont know anything more) who also works at a physio too

 

[ivandenisovich10]

Martin at penfold for me too. He is excellent

 

[JessPickle]

Martin at Penfolds for me as well

 

[luckyhorseshoe]

Martin Andrews for me

 

[kazhar]

adrian from buttons is good and a lady called liz (dont know anything more) who also works at a physio too

I use Liz too. Jenny Hadland is the physio she works for. Liz McGoun is her full name(assuming its the same Liz). She did a fab job with fitting my saddle and also watches you ride before and after fitting.

 

[Herpesas]

Julie Robertson does mine and she's great - she gives me a lesson at the same time (usually on riding straight and not sitting slightly crooked! )

 

[suzi]

Interesting replies - thank you.

I have had Penfolds out in the past and actually wasn't that impressed - he tried a number of saddles on and had 2 that were options. I rode in both and he said that both would fit but would need adjusting. I tried both again (couldn't decide) then once I'd made my decision his exact words were 'it'll do as it is'. This was a long time ago so perhaps a different guy?

Anyways I've contacted a couple and am waiting for calls back.

Anyone ever used David at Whipley Manor?

 

[JennBags]

Also Andrew Reilly is very good and he doesn't sell saddles so no ulterior motive when he comes out to fit. Can pm you his number if you can't find someone else

 

[mocha911]

Martin at penfolds for me any day...
Worth waiting for.......

 

[patchwork puzzle]

I would also highly recommend Liz McGoun. I am also just south of Guildford, so she definately will cover your area.

 

[Miss Bossy]

Suzi - I've used David at Whipley Manor and would highly recommend him

 

[Pinkatc]

Can recommend Richard Spragg of Spragg Saddlery, I'm near Cranleigh and they will cover your area too. He comes with masses of saddles and really takes time with the fitting process. He will watch you ride too!

 

[TiaPony]

Guy Barrett.... Bloody brilliant saddler.

http://www.guy-barrett.co.uk/

Seconding this! Very sensitive chap who takes his time, have had all of my saddles fitted by him and can only echo how fantastic he is.

 

[nosenseofdirection]

I would recommend Andrew Reilly too, he fitted my saddle. I have heard very mixed reports about Martin from Penfolds but one thing I would say about him is that he tends to have a very long waiting list so if you are keen to get on and compete you might need to usesomeone else!

 

[Bikerchickone]

Martin at Penfolds for me ton the avoids I'd say definitely not Minster Saddlery, they advertise made to measure saddles in Pegasus a lot. My heavyweight cob's made to measure which slid sideways and/or made him buck was eventually refitted to a lightly built TB!! Waste of £600 and they wouldn't come back to adjust it without charging the earth either!

 

[MCTM]

Another vote for Liz McGoun; have also used Guy Barrett successfuly when buying a new saddle.

 

[Garfield1537]

Martin at Penfolds is excellent!

 

[Nosey]

David Dyer @ frogpool

 

[Snoopy1]

Martin at Penfolds for me too, but bought my last one from Richard Spragg in Epsom - I'm in Sunningdale so he does travel. Spent a lot of time with me and let me ride for nearly 3/4 hour before he said he'd seen what he wanted to see. Wouldn't touch Guy Barret with a barge pole!

 

[Angelbones]

Interesting replies - thank you.

I have had Penfolds out in the past and actually wasn't that impressed - he tried a number of saddles on and had 2 that were options. I rode in both and he said that both would fit but would need adjusting. I tried both again (couldn't decide) then once I'd made my decision his exact words were 'it'll do as it is'. This was a long time ago so perhaps a different guy?


?

It could have been Alex and not Martin. Go with Martin and you'll be fine, highly recommended. Alex is nothing to do with them anymore thankfully